<p>eslite,</p>
<p>Your wish is my command!</p>
<ul>
<li>Justin</li>
</ul>
<p>hi Just,</p>
<p>Can you PM me the answer to those questions too..I'm really interested to find out about them too:D..thx in advance</p>
<p>Hey Justin,</p>
<p>I hope this is not too personal, but...</p>
<p>What's with all the PMs? We're all interested in the wealth of candid information that you used to provide on this thread. Is this the arrangement you reached with the powers that be after post #480 so that you can continue posting on this site?</p>
<p>If that is the case, I can only echo the sentiments of post #484.</p>
<p>SamK,</p>
<p>Needless to say...check your PM inbox for a reply ;-)</p>
<ul>
<li>Justin</li>
</ul>
<p>can u pm me the answers too lol these are all questions i wanted the answers to</p>
<p>Fellow CCers:</p>
<p>Apparently, the whole world wants to read my responses to lafayette1234, yanksman25, and J433. So, here goes!</p>
<p>RESPONSE TO LAFAYETTE1234:</p>
<p>First off, congratulations on your acceptance to Lafayette! Be proud of yourself, as the applicant pool was ultra-competitive this admissions cycle.</p>
<ol>
<li>Did you visit last Saturday for the combined information session and campus tour? If that was the case, I just wanted to let you know that I was one of the three tour guides.</li>
</ol>
<p>Anyway, about the food, the Food Court is definitely NOT the only option on campus. Even though it does have the "Rappz" station (wraps, salads, etc.), that dining hall does not have the healthiest options. There is a main buffet-style dining hall upstairs as well in the Farinon College Center with healthier options (fresh fruit, salad bar, etc.) The Marquis Dining Hall, which is also buffet-style, also offers cuisine that is less fattening. I would recommend you visit the Dining Services webpage for an idea of what each of our dining halls and cafes has to offer at <a href="http://ww2.lafayette.edu/%7Edining/%5B/url%5D">http://ww2.lafayette.edu/~dining/</a>. The food at Lafayette is actually decent, and I was impressed when I first came to campus with the amount of options (six in total) on campus. I should also mention that the Food Court, which you visited, has a fairly wide variety of healthier options in the refrigerator cases.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>There is a huge sense of community at Lafayette, one in which we take great pride. The whole campus comes together for sporting events (especially football, which now has a brand new field complex!). Student, professors, administrators, alumni, and citizens from the surrounding area pack the stands for each and every game. Lafayette definitely does not lack school spirit! Student come together at other campus-wide events such as guest speakers, comedians, musical and dance performances in the Williams Center for the Arts, and intramural/club sports.</p></li>
<li><p>The intramural sports program is very well developed. We offer a minimum of fifteen choices during any given semester selected from a list at the following webpage: <a href="http://ww2.lafayette.edu/%7Erecsvcs/...l_programs.php%5B/url%5D">http://ww2.lafayette.edu/%7Erecsvcs/...l_programs.php</a>. Thus far, I have participated in mini-golf and nine ball billiards to spend some time with friends and make new friends as well. Lafayette is a very athletic school, and even those students who do not wish to compete at the Division I level still get involved in either intramural or club sports (where you compete against other colleges).</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Where did you hear that Lafayette doesn't offer gym classes? We absolutely do! Usually, a small fee is required to sign up. For a listing of this semester's offerings, please visit: <a href="http://ww2.lafayette.edu/%7Erecsvcs/...p_exercise.php%5B/url%5D">http://ww2.lafayette.edu/%7Erecsvcs/...p_exercise.php</a> and click to download the PDF file. The classes always fill up quickly!</p>
<ol>
<li><p>The "best" residence hall depends on what exactly you are looking for. If you want to live with a great deal of first-year students such as yourself, you might consider Ruef Hall. It houses about 110 first-year students, with about thirty sophomores. The building is a little dated, but not that bad! Each roommate gets a walk-in closet, which a lot of people like. You might also consider living in either Conway House or PT Farinon, which each house a total of thirty first-year students. Kamine Hall is entirely first-year, and houses about 90. It has air conditioning, and the building is in perfect condition since it was just built. On the ground floor of Kamine Hall is Simon's Cafe, a hot sub-sandwich and soup eatery. However, Kamine is a bit separated from the rest of campus. You might also consider Marquis Hall, which is an entirely female housing option. It houses a total of 60 women, and 40 of those spots are for first-year students. Use this map to locate the residence halls I mention: <a href="http://www.lafayette.edu/community/campusmap/%5B/url%5D">http://www.lafayette.edu/community/campusmap/</a>.</p></li>
<li><p>Though I am unsure as to the exact statistics, I do know that those who decide on our Pre-med program are MORE than prepared for medical school. Our natural sciences, in general, are very strong. Many students each year are accepted to medical schools across the country. FYI, if you decide on Pre-Med, you will probably end up majoring in Bio-Chem (pre-professional programs are not majors). For more information on our Health Professions Program, check out: <a href="http://www.lafayette.edu/academics/d...is/health.html%5B/url%5D">http://www.lafayette.edu/academics/d...is/health.html</a>.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Also know that about 30% of each graduating class moves on to higher education (law, medical, divinity, graduate school).</p>
<p>Our science programs are tough, and professors expect a lot from their students. Thankfully, they are there to help students succeed. If you take your science studies seriously, you will perform well in your courses. I would NOT say that there is any grade deflation at Lafayette, simply because students work hard in the more difficult courses!</p>
<ol>
<li><p>I went to a high school of about 1,200 students. Lafayette has a total student population of about 2,400 students. I found the size to be just right. You definitely do NOT get to know everyone on campus within your first year! However, the more you get involved on campus (campus job, organizations, athletics, etc.), the more people you will meet. The size fosters a great sense of community, yet has never felt too small to me. I totally understand your concern, but keep in mind that 2,400 students is no small number! Sure, when compared to a place like PSU, 2,400 seems insignificant. That number, though, allows for close contact with professors and with your fellow students.</p></li>
<li><p>No, you are not expected to come into Lafayette with any AP credits. You will undoubtedly complete the Biology major in four years, and still have time to take a few electives along the way. Trust me...32 courses provides enough time to take all of the courses that interest you! You usually only need 12 courses to earn a B.S. degree in any of our sciences.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Do not be sorry about asking questions! You deserve to have all of them answered before making that "big decision" come May 1st. If you think of anything else, just drop me a line.</p>
<p>All the best,</p>
<ul>
<li>Justin</li>
</ul>
<p>RESPONSE TO YANKSMAN25:</p>
<p>I have taken the liberty of pasting into this PM an email I sent to a mother who wanted to know more about Greek Life and the "social scene" at Lafayette for her daughter's sake. I believe it addresses your question well.</p>
<p><<< Yes, Greek life does play an important role in the residential community and in the social life of the college. However, I believe the user lafalum84 sums it up nicely in a recent post when he says that Greek life no longer dominates the social scene. One definitely does NOT have to belong to a fraternity or sorority to "fit in" or make friends.</p>
<p>I've found that you don't need to be directly involved in Greek life to "socially network", if you will. Your daughter might consider joining an athletic team (varsity, club, or intramural), joining multiple student organizations (religious, student governance, performance groups, shared interests, etc.), or even getting a campus job. I am friends with students in my classes and in my majors, with my fellow tour guides, fellow RAs, and those who live in my residence hall.</p>
<p>However, the option of participating in Greek life remains. Take me as an example. Even though I have no intention of joining a fraternity, I still take part in any campus-wide events sponsored by our fraternities. I also hang out with girls in sororities after meeting them through my various commitments around campus.</p>
<p>I was pleasantly surprised with how positively Greek life contributes to Lafayette's sense of community. All the Greek houses (6 fraternities, 6 sororities) are located on campus, so they can't isolate themselves or "do their own thing." The administration does a great job of holding Greek life accountable for creating safe and inviting atmospheres. All prospective Greek events (with or without alcohol) must first be submitted in writing to the college for approval to ensure they abide by all laws and college regulations. Many of their sponsored events attract a great deal of non-Greek students (barbecues on the Quad, for instance).</p>
<p>Believe it or not, Greek life has a reputation that is largely unearned (at least at Lafayette). While they do hold parties on the weekends, they are safe and provide great opportunities to meet students outside your typical group of friends. If alcohol is available, there is never any pressure to consume. I guess you could say that alcohol can be used as a "social lubricant" for those students who feel awkward in social situations.</p>
<p>Trust me that drinking happens at EVERY college and university (Ivies included...for some reason, people think the "smart" kids don't consume). It is human nature to be curious and to want what you can't have (assuming you are underage). It is no more prevalent than at any other college or university. Thankfully, I am happy to report that drug use is almost non-existent on campus.</p>
<p>Referring back to your original question, your daughter is provided with a multitude of alternate options if Greek life just doesn't seem appealing to her. Visit the Student Life webpage for a listing of student clubs/organizations: <a href="http://www.lafayette.edu/student_life/%5B/url%5D">http://www.lafayette.edu/student_life/</a>. Also note that we offer apartment style and suite-style living options for upperclass students. If she makes a few good friends, she might consider rooming with them in a more independent environment.</p>
<p>I hope, however, that she keeps an open mind. The majority of students who "go Greek" initially have no intention of pledging, but once they begin to make friends with students in the Greek houses, they begin to see the benefits of the system. For more info on Greek Life, you should probably check out the webpage: <a href="http://ww2.lafayette.edu/%7Ereslife/fr...es_sororities/%5B/url%5D">http://ww2.lafayette.edu/~reslife/fr...es_sororities/</a>. It is under construction at the moment, but what does work paints a fairly accurate picture of Greek life and its place in our "residential community." Also keep in mind that your daughter could still participate in any Greek-sponsored event without having to officially be a member.</p>
<p>While I have nothing against Greek housing, I prefer the traditional residence hall environment. Both foster supportive communities, but I just enjoy the diversity of students who choose to live in traditional housing.>>></p>
<p>I should also add that students will hold parties outside of the Greek houses, and these are usually smaller affairs in individual student rooms with friends. For the most part, partying occurs on Friday and Saturday nights. On the weekdays, students are hard at work.I know about the social scene because I'm a Resident Adviser, and part of our role is to enforce college policy. Thankfully, the majority of students are safe drinkers and do not disturb those who wish to engage in alternate activities.</p>
<p>I hope this answers your question.</p>
<ul>
<li>Justin</li>
</ul>
<p>Note: I will only include the responses to J433's "non-frat related" questions, since I believe my response to yanksman25 sums up Greek life and the social scene at Lafayette quite nicely.</p>
<p>With that said...</p>
<p>RESPONSE TO J433:</p>
<p>Now, on to my "non-frat related" responses!</p>
<p>2,400 students is not a small amount, by any means. Yes, when compared to other colleges you are considering, it probably seems like nothing. My high school had about 1,200 students total, so 2,400 was just the "step up" I was seeking. The campus has a great sense of community, but I have never felt that "been there, done that" mentality that concerns you. Trust me that you will still be meeting new people throughout your entire college career. It is a great feeling, though, to get to know a decent amount of people (peers, professors, administrators) on a more personal basis; that is not usually possible at larger institutions. I guess the real question is: based on your high school population, would 2,400 students seem large to YOU?</p>
<p>Yes, I am always hearing from prospective students and parents that the food at Lafayette is better than at other schools. We have six options located on campus, which is pretty impressive considering the size of the college. Two of them are all-you-can-eat buffet style dining halls with rotating menus and daily specials. Another, the Food Court, prepares food fresh in front of you and offers many options. Gilbert's Cafe is a great late-night coffeehouse that makes the best nachos and chicken wings. Simon's Cafe, which just opened last year, is like Quiznos...they make hot sub sandwiches and offer home-made soup. For more information about food at Lafayette, I encourage you to visit the Dining Services website: <a href="http://ww2.lafayette.edu/%7Edining/%5B/url%5D">http://ww2.lafayette.edu/~dining/</a>. WARNING: elevator music ahead!</p>
<p>In addition to what is offered on campus, we have some good options just off campus. Three competing Italian restaurants prepare good cuisine at reasonable prices, and in downtown Easton, there are various ethnic restaurants (a new Japanese place just opened up). You are bound to get sick of the food at any college/university, so it's always good to know that there are options (take-in and take-out) just off campus.</p>
<p>If you think of any other questions, just let me know. I know how hard it can be to make that "bid decision", and my best advice is to just follow your gut instinct. After all, you'll never truly know what it's like to be a student at a particular college/university until you're there!</p>
<p>All the best,</p>
<ul>
<li>Justin</li>
</ul>
<p>Fellow CCers:</p>
<p>I hope these recently-posted responses don't disappoint! Please read them carefully, and if any questions arise, just let me know.</p>
<ul>
<li>Justin</li>
</ul>
<p>Fellow CCers:</p>
<p>Please consider this thread CLOSED...it has simply become too long!</p>
<p>Redirect any questions/comments to the newly-created thread entitled "Lafayette Questions: Part II". Let's get off to a "fresh start", shall we?</p>
<p>Thanks for listening to my little rant.</p>
<ul>
<li>Justin</li>
</ul>
<p>This message ensures the thread remains on the main message board. I remind everyone to post questions in the thread entitled "Lafayette Questions: Part II".</p>
<ul>
<li>Justin</li>
</ul>
<p>This message ensures the thread remains on the main message board. I remind everyone to post questions in other appropriate threads.</p>
<ul>
<li>Justin</li>
</ul>
<p>Hi,
I haven't been able to read all 35 pages. I only was able to get through 19, so I apologize if this is a repeated question. I am a prospective econ major. How much recruitment is there are on campus? How is job placement? Also, how strong are the international relations (or studies), political science, and public policy departments in Lafayette? I know I want to eventually go into academia. How good is the placement for grad school, law school, etc? Are there a lot of Indians on campus? BTW I'm from New Jersey too. Thank you so much for your time.</p>
<p>oddsmaker90,</p>
<p>Please check the thread entitled "Lafayette Questions: Part II" for a reply.</p>
<ul>
<li>Justin</li>
</ul>
<p>Don't mind me...just bumping the thread!</p>
<ul>
<li>Justin</li>
</ul>
<p>Hi; Can you tell me more about the McKelvy Scholar program in lafayette college? What kind of sat score and gpa do I need? Also, I'm a canadian student who transfered to us at the end of my sophmore year. </p>
<p>Thx</p>
<p>hey i am an int student and i wonder if lafayette is generous with aid</p>
<p>Fellow CCers:</p>
<p>This is just a reminder that the thread is officially CLOSED. Please post all questions in the thread entitled "Lafayette Questions: Part II".</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<ul>
<li>Justin</li>
</ul>
<p>BUMP!</p>
<ul>
<li>Justin</li>
</ul>
<p>BUMP!</p>
<ul>
<li>Justin</li>
</ul>