<p>I'm considering this school because it'd be in-state for me, only four hours from home which is very convenient. I originally wanted to go out of state, but seeing as how usually public/state schools are more expensive out of state (and I can't afford private schools) it's best to stay in-state. So going to schools a few hours away from home is how I can compromise.</p>
<p>Basically I wanted to know.. I have heard that this is a party school and it's got that reputation. I'm already in college, just looking to transfer and I'm not really into partying. It only matters if, when I graduate and am looking for a job, they say "isn't that a party school?" But i don't think they would.. I think my grades and degree matter more, right?</p>
<p>Also, I have heard that it has a very large, preppy, white, rich student population and if you don't "wear the right clothes" or have money then you're an outcast....? Sounds kind of like high school....</p>
<p>Also, I am considering them over Ohio State U because they are a smaller school. I don't like really large campuses so unless I am strongly advised to not go to Miami U, then I will look elsewhere.</p>
<p>What do you think?</p>
<p>Party school? Did you mean OU?</p>
<p>Just kidding.</p>
<p>I think every single decent sized state U has partying. I too am interested in what folks might say about the white, fairly well off, preppiness of MU. We visited a couple of months ago and it wasn’t the ONLY kind of student we saw but it was the majority.</p>
<p><a href=“%5Burl=http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/16653061-post1.html]#1[/url]”>quote</a>…Also, I have heard that it has a very large, preppy, white, rich student population…
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<p><a href=“%5Burl=http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/16654380-post2.html]#2[/url]”>quote</a>…I too am interested in what folks might say about the white, fairly well off, preppiness of MU…
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<p>It’s reasonable to assume that the highlighted quotes represent a lens/world-view. If so (and because comments were solicited), this parent of two current Miami students would respectfully suggest that you look at other schools. Miami may not be right for you. </p>
<p>My daughters have found Miami to be a community of collaboration; more often-than-not focused on the content of everyone’s character and not the color of their skin. Imported misconceptions detract from that spirit of community.</p>
<p>Miami has a proud history, which includes the [Freedom</a> Summer](<a href=“http://www.miamioh.edu/tangible-traditions/freedom-summer.html]Freedom”>http://www.miamioh.edu/tangible-traditions/freedom-summer.html). </p>
<p>Hard-working, scholarly, forward-looking and open-minded candidates that want a high-value, private-like experience at the affordability of a public institution are encouraged to apply in the spirit of the school’s motto: [“To</a> Accomplish Rather Than To Be Conspicuous”](<a href=“http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_University]"To”>Miami University - Wikipedia).</p>
<p>StitchInTime: why would you suggest I look elsewhere? Because I wouldn’t “fit in”? If I am looking in-state though, this school is one of the much better options. I usually don’t get caught up in the whole partying and what people think of me. I just want a good education where I can afford it and if I can get it here, then why not?</p>
<p>Do your daughters enjoy Miami U? </p>
<p>Also, the things I heard (the partying, the white, preppy population) were mostly on student review websites. I will have to visit the campus to really get a feel for it. Thanks for your input though.</p>
<p>First,
" I can’t afford private schools" - not all by FAR. For example, Case offers great Merit awards to top kids, might be close to full tuition. </p>
<p>Second, you need to decide for yourself. Everybody here will have a different experience depending on WHAT they did at college, not the name of the college.<br>
D. has graduated in 2011 and her experience at Miami went way way beyond of her and our expectations. She had certain plans, bu she kep adding to the inital plans.
She did not plan for sorority, but ended up in one and that was one of her best experiences, still in touch with many sisters and met new ones who graduated from different colleges.
D. and her pre-med friends had no problem getting accepted to Med. Schools, including top 20s in a country. After graduation they found themselves well rounded adults who were able to pursue some personal interests outside of medicine, many graduated with combo of minor(s)/major(s).<br>
D. was able to visit bars on the weekends more frequently during senior year. Her senior year was light by design to allow time for Med. School interviews.
Miami U experience for my D. was absolutely positive. It was her #2 choice and she is very happy that she ended up attending Miami and NOT her #1 college.</p>
<p>…BTW, Muzikgirl,
D. has graduated with Music Minor and developed a great voice while in college (never had a voice coaching). Music Minor was very easy and a great R&R away from challenging science classes of her major.</p>
<p>I also live in Ohio, and the school I attend is known for being “Jr.” Miami U. Many people here end up at either Miami or OU. Miami IS a good school, and is consistently ranked top 10 for undergrad. However, it is true that the majority of students who attend are “white, preppy, partiers etc.” There are other types of students, as is the case in almost any College you will attend, but there is a pretty heavy homogenous population there. I applied to Miami, but I don’t know if I can see myself going there – I have gone through high school the past 3 1/2 years, and I don’t know if I want to relive the social aspect of it for another four. It is your personal decision, and I don’t want to speak on behalf of all 14,000+ students who attend, I am just going off of what I know in my own community, and what I hear from currently attending students. I second what MiamiDap said about Case though. Good luck!</p>
<p>Thank you for your input MiamiDap.</p>
<p>Stitch, the idea that prospective students might take into consideration Miami’s relative lack of racial and economic diversity is absolutely valid. </p>
<p>Perhaps, as you say, someone with a “worldview” that takes that into consideration won’t feel at home at Miami, but perhaps they will.</p>
<p>" is consistently ranked top 10 for undergrad"
- Correction, I believe, top 3</p>
<p>Top 3 for undergrad teaching at USNWR I think. Impressive</p>
<p>MiamiDAP - was your D or any of her pre-med friends involved in sports? Is it possible to be successful at both at Miami?</p>
<p>^D. has tried, but could not. No even varsity. She was in club in freshman year and even competed at one meet and did well. However, she has chosen so much and so quickly, her plate got basically overflown. She dropped her sport starting with second year. She said that she saw few (maybe 1) pre-meds that were in her sport at lectures. They were easy to identify (often had ice on the shoulder).
I would say that it is possible, depending how loaded they are. For references, D’s ECs and other activity outside of her major during school year, included:
-Music Minor
-job - Supplemental Instructor to Gen. Chem. prof.
-volunteering
-Med. Research Lab internship
-Sorority - this one was very time consuming and very rewarding. One of her best experiences at college and the one that further develped her leadership and communication skills. Still in touch with her Sorority sisters, including the ones from different colleges.
Also, keep in mind that junior year is very much devoted to MCAT preparation (in addition to the above) and senior year - Med. School interviews. Pre-meds need to have at least 3.6+ college GPA (to be successful Med. School applicants) and a decent MCAT score.<br>
It also depends on sport itself. D’s sport is very time consuming. I believe there are 2 practices / day at varsity level. But as I mentioned, others found the way to participate.</p>
<p>My son is starting his last semester at Miami. Honors Finance and Accounting. Has made excellent grades and he works hard. The attitude at Miami is work hard/play hard. He’s in a fraternity, but fraternities encompass a wide variety of people. There is no specific stereotyple. I’m sure he drinks, but his mentality about drinking is that if you get to the point where you lose your head, you are totally uncool. There isn’t a ton of diversity, but forums like this one harp on that so much that it is self perpetuating. The kids are not racist. By and large, they are polite, well-mannered and yes, generally well off. The minority students fit that same mold. If your goal with your education is to be employable, I recommend it.</p>
I’m a freshman girl at Miami right now. I had the exact same concerns as you last year, but decided to give it a shot. Yes, it’s a HUGE party school. More than a realized. But that doesn’t mean you have to party. I’ve yet to go out this semester- I’m like you, I don’t really like to party. You’ll find friends like you, so don’t worry about that. And if you ever feel like going out, there’s something going on! Like actually every single day of the week-- I’m not kidding. As far as the clothes and money thing-- that’s not a reason not to go to a school. Everyone wears leggings/running shorts and tee shirts to class every day. Honestly, the only person who really cares what you look like is you. Seriously, don’t think twice about that.