Lafayette Questions: Part II

Colleges and Universities A-Z Lafayette College
41

<p>bgirl,</p>

<p>I'm glad that everything is working out for you. Just out of curiosity, who is the professor you are in contact with? Is he in your prospective major (Environmental Geosciences)?</p>

<p>As you probably already know, the stats for the Class of 2010 are posted here: <a href="http://www.lafayette.edu/admissions/requirements.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.lafayette.edu/admissions/requirements.html&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p>

<p>My little brother, who is currently a junior in high school, just so happened to receive the brochure from Lafayette about a week ago, which has the updated Class of 2011 stats. I'll try my best to type it out!</p>

<p>Gender /// Applied /// Accepted /// Enrolled
Male /// 3,483 /// 1,121 /// 294
Female /// 2,880 ///1,082 /// 264
TOTAL /// 6,363 /// 2,203 /// 558
(as of May 9, 2007...some waitlist candidate decisions pending)</p>

<p>As you can see, applications went up from 5,875 to 6,363 (about 8.4% increase). Admissions officers were shooting for an enrollment of about 595, but ended up waitlisting too many applicants. After a mad dash to call waitlisted candidates and inform them of their acceptances, I'm sure that 558 number is currently somewhere near the 595 mark.</p>

<p>Accepted Students Stats
Class Rank: 80% in top tenth, 97% in top fourth
SAT: middle 50% range was 610-700 in Critical Reading and 640-730 in Math
ACT: middle 50% range was 27-32</p>

<p>Enrolled Students Stats
Class Rank: 67% in top tenth, 93% in top fourth
SAT: middle 50% range was 580-680 in Critical Reading and 610-710 in Math
ACT: middle 50% range was 26-30</p>

<p>Just some quick facts about geographic representation and ethnic representation. 25.6% of the Class of 2011 are from New Jersey, 18.6% are from New York, and 19.7% are from Pennsylvania. 73.1% are Caucasian, 5.9% are African American, 4.8% are Asian American, and 6.8% are International Students.</p>

<p>As soon as I learn more, I'll let you know.</p>

<ul>
<li>Justin</li>
</ul>

42

<p>oddsmaker90,</p>

<p>Economics & Business (E&B) majors are heavily recruited by employers. In fact, Career Services seems to cater extensively to E&B majors with major-specific career fairs, alumni dinner panels, networking nights in NYC, and amazing internship opportunities with members of our dedicated alumni network.</p>

<p>I actually know a few students who recently graduated and went directly into posh full-time investment banking positions in New York City. It really is amazing how respected our E&B program is by outside corporations, which may explain why 15% of students decide to major in E&B at Lafayette.</p>

<p>As for job placement, I can only provide statistics which reflect students of all majors in any given graduating class. For the Class of 2006, for instance, 61% went on to full-time employment, while about 25% went on to higher education.</p>

<p>Just to summarize, E&B is one of Lafayette's strongest academic departments (second behind Engineering).</p>

<p>The brand-new Policy Studies program seems very interesting. While its focus remains squarely on E&B, it goes beyond the typical E&B topics with its different themes of concentration. For more information on our Policy Studies program, check out <a href="http://ww2.lafayette.edu/%7Epolicystudies/%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://ww2.lafayette.edu/~policystudies/&lt;/a> and also feel free to contact the Program Chair, Professor William M. Crain, at <a href="mailto:crainm@lafayette.edu">crainm@lafayette.edu</a> with questions.</p>

<p>Our International Affairs major is a combination of E&B, History, Government & Law, and a foreign language. We also offer a major which focuses on E&B and foreign language called "International Economics & Commerce" that you might be interested in. Our I.A. major is quite popular with those looking for a broad-based education.</p>

<p>Placement into higher education is something Lafayette is very proud to boast about! Let's examine placement into medical school as a representative example. Over the past ten years, those students with 3.6+ GPAs and competitive MCAT scores were accepted at a 93% rate. Those with GPAs in the range 3.2-3.6 were accepted at a 75% rate. Nationwide in 2006, only 48% of applicants were accepted by medical schools. Lafayette students applying to medical schools were accepted at a 75% rate in 2006.</p>

<p>Among applicants to law school in 2006, nationwide 64% of candidates were accepted. Of the Lafayette students applying to law school in 2006, 86% were accepted. I believe these numbers speak for themselves! Also be aware that Lafayette offers on-campus LSAT workshops and testing, as well as professional advising through our Office of Preprofessional Advising (more information here: <a href="http://www.lafayette.edu/academics/dean_of_studies/proadvis/%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.lafayette.edu/academics/dean_of_studies/proadvis/&lt;/a&gt;).&lt;/p>

<p>As for your question regarding Indian students, I really can't provide an exact percentage of Indian students on campus. However, I do know many international students who are from India. While I wouldn't say there are "a lot" of Indians on campus, I wouldn't say that they are a scare minority, either. If you would like to speak with an Indian student personally to hear what they think, just let me know.</p>

<p>All the best,</p>

<ul>
<li>Justin</li>
</ul>

43

<p>How prominent is greek life at Lafayette? I can't seem to find statistics showing what percent of students are involved. Are there many opportunities for students that are not involved in greek life? How does the social scene of Lafayette compare with that of Lehigh? Thanks!!</p>

44

<p>want2bIvy,</p>

<p>Allow me to direct you to one of my previous posts referencing the subject. FYI, about a third of eligible students participate in Greek life at Lafayette.</p>

<p>Response from post #508 in the "I'll Answer Your Lafayette Questions!" thread to CC user yanksman25 on 4/7/07:</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 she 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. You 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 all the 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>Referring back to your original question, you are provided with a multitude of alternate options if Greek life just doesn't seem appealing. Visit the Student Life webpage for a listing of student clubs/organizations: <a href="http://ww2.lafayette.edu/%7Estudlife/%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://ww2.lafayette.edu/~studlife/&lt;/a>. Also note that we offer apartment style and suite-style living options for upperclass students. If you make a few good friends, you might consider rooming with them in a more independent environment.</p>

<p>I hope, however, that you keep 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/fraternities_sororities/%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://ww2.lafayette.edu/~reslife/fraternities_sororities/&lt;/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 you could still participate in most Greek-sponsored events 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>As for the latter part of your question, want2bIvy, I would recommend speaking with a current Lehigh student to hear what their thoughts are about Greek life on campus. To be totally honest, I have a few friends at Lehigh who say that Greek life is slowly losing influence (due to the administration "cracking down"), but that the houses (19 fraternities and 8 sororities) still dominate the social scene. Again, this information comes from friends, but they have no reason to lie to me. From what I have been told, I believe it is safe to say that Lafayette students are less reliant on the Greek houses for fun and entertainment. The College is always sponsoring campus-wide events (guest speakers, comedians, concerts, theater programs, etc.) that cater to all students.</p>

<ul>
<li>Justin</li>
</ul>

45

<p>thanks justin!</p>

46

<p>want2bIvy,</p>

<p>I'm glad that "old" post sufficed! Please don't take it personally that I didn't respond with an entirely original comment. I get asked the same questions multiple times, so I try to recycle posts whenever possible.</p>

<ul>
<li>Justin</li>
</ul>

47

<p>Thank you so much for typing such a thoughtful response. You're a true gentleman =)</p>

48

<p>Oh no, I don't mind at all...I figured that someone had previously asked a similar question, just couldn't find it. The admissions staff @ Lafayette ought to be paying you some sort of salary for your great advice and info!</p>

49

<p>Hey,
I'm a freshman from India, would it be too late to ask for a place in Keefe Hall? I chose wellness on my card, but also chose coed by floor (though wellness was top priority) I also didn't put in a specific request. Is there anyone specific I should talk to? Can I move to Keefe Hall next year and try to be an RA there?
Thanks,</p>

<p>PS. If any Indian students want to talk, email me at my Laf email : basus</p>

50

<p>Basu,</p>

<p>At this point, it is too late to change your housing preference form in any way. Judging from your housing card selections, you indicated one of fourteen spaces in the Wellness (substance-free) section of Watson Hall (campus map building #5: <a href="http://www.lafayette.edu/community/campusmap/%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.lafayette.edu/community/campusmap/&lt;/a&gt;). There are only sixteen spaces on the Wellness floor of Keefe Hall, all of which will be claimed by those who indicated "Wellness" and "Co-ed by room" on their preference forms.</p>

<p>Assuming you will be assigned to Watson (even though you indicated it on your preference form, there are no guarantees), just know that it is a fine living environment. If you plan on majoring in either Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, or Physics, you will be within a one minute walking distance from all of your classes.</p>

<p>You can always live in Keefe Hall on one of the special-interest floors starting your sophomore year. I wouldn't apply to become an RA just to get into Keefe because, even if you are offered an RA position, you are not guaranteed to be assigned to Keefe by the Office of Residence Life. Only apply to become an RA if you genuinely want to become an RA.</p>

<p>Take care,</p>

<ul>
<li>Justin</li>
</ul>

51

<p>Actually, I think Watson will be the best for me because I'm considering a engineering major. I didn't mean that I wanted to be an RA to get into Keefe, I just wasn't sure if it was possible to be RA in a dorm you haven't lived in before. I intend to join the Dry Surfers group. Can you tell me something about the procedure for joining a living group?</p>

52

<p>Basu,</p>

<p>Yes, Watson Hall is perfect housing for our Engineers!</p>

<p>Thank you for clarifying your previous comment regarding the RA position. In response to your question, you could be assigned to Keefe as an RA without having lived there before. More often than not, the Office of Residence Life assigns new RAs to buildings other than the one lived in the first year.</p>

<p>I was the RA of the Dry Surfers (now: TECH floor) this past year, so I'm glad you are considering joining as a sophomore. The procedure to join a living group is quite simple. In the Spring semester, you'll receive a notice in your campus mailbox about a "living group fair" to be held in the Farinon College Center. There, you'll have an opportunity to meet current members and pick up an application. The application asks for some basic biographical information, and has a short written component.</p>

<p>Final decisions and room assignments will be made by the living group's Executive Board, and you'll be notified by email with the decision. If you are not offered a space (in a double as a sophomore), you'll just have to enter the regular housing lottery like everyone else.</p>

<ul>
<li>Justin</li>
</ul>

53

<p>Hi, I have somewhat of a problem.. </p>

<p>I am required to be immunized for Meningitis (ACYW-135 vaccine) but it is unavailable in Japan. I have contacted the college about this but maybe this could be faster. How should I deal with this? </p>

<p>Thanks</p>

54

<p>haru07,</p>

<p>If you contacted the Bailey Health Center by phone and left a message, they should get back to you soon.</p>

<p>From the Health Services webpage:</p>

<p><<< Each fall the college offers a program held at the Farinon Student Center to vaccinate those students who were unable to receive the meningitis vaccine before coming to campus. The Health Center also offers the flu shot (Influenza Vaccine) at the same time. >>></p>

<p>Under the link "Meningitis Information" (located here: <a href="http://ww2.lafayette.edu/%7Ebailey/%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://ww2.lafayette.edu/~bailey/&lt;/a&gt;), it says that you can make an appointment with the Health Center upon your arrival to get the shot for $85. Either way, be aware that ALL incoming students MUST receive the meningitis vaccination.</p>

<ul>
<li>Justin</li>
</ul>

55

<p>Could you give us an idea as to when we might get the final bill? will it include any grants/loans that we're given or do we have to do those calculations ourselves?</p>

56

<p>Basu,</p>

<p>Although I can't provide an exact date, expect the bill for the Fall 2007 semester to arrive in the mail by mid-July at the latest. All financial aid awards (grants, loans, work study, etc.) that you accepted will be included on the bill in the form of credits. </p>

<p>Keep in mind that, as you work to calculate the exact billing amount, 50% of federal funds, college grants, and loans are disbursed each semester (if you got the Marquis Scholarship, for instance, $8,000 goes toward the Fall semester and $8,000 goes toward the Spring semester).</p>

<p>All payments are due no later than August 10, 2007 in the form of a check.</p>

<p>For more information, go to <a href="http://www.lafayette.edu/community/business_affairs.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.lafayette.edu/community/business_affairs.html&lt;/a> and click on the link "Student Billing Information" under the heading "Controller's Office". A direct link to Sallie Mae's TuitionPay Plan is also provided on that page for your convenience.</p>

<ul>
<li>Justin</li>
</ul>

57

<p>Hi, i just have a few questions that hopefully you can answer!
How do we know which books/textbooks are required for the classes that we selected and when do we know if we got into the classes that we chose?
Also how to most people buy their books? We got a flyer in the packet they sent saying that we could set up an account with the college bookstore or something. Do most people buy their books at the college bookstore or do they buy them from like ebay or half.com or amazon or something like that? But mainly i was just wondering how we know which books we must have for each class?
Oh and does the college just decide what times of the day we have our classes or do we get to choose the times that we want? When registering for classes we just said which ones we wanted but there wasn't anything about times.
Thank you!!
M</p>

58

<p>M,</p>

<p>Unfortunately, you will not know what books you'll need until you get to campus and receive the syllabi for your classes. Even though some of the introductory science and math courses rely on the same texts year after year, most students hesitate to order their texts online for fear of purchasing the wrong edition.</p>

<p>I can tell you, though, that you'll definitely need the Seventh Edition of Campbell & Reece's Biology for BIO 101/102. You did say you were thinking of majoring in Biology, right? I wouldn't hesitate to purchase it online (half.com, eBay, etc.)</p>

<p>If you knew for certain that you'd be assigned to a specific professor's lecture, you could always ask them about course texts via email. However, as incoming students, you were not allowed to specify specific sections of the classes you desired, so I guess this really isn't an option for you.</p>

<p>Most students just buy their books at the College Bookstore at exorbitant prices. If you get there quickly enough, you'll find used texts for sale at discounted prices. There is usually no other viable option due to time constraints...oftentimes you need the texts right away.</p>

<p>Assuming the process remains unchanged, you'll find out which classes you are assigned to upon arriving to campus. A printed schedule will be waiting for you in your campus mailbox.</p>

<p>You should definitely set up the account with the College Bookstore. That way, you can purchase items without having to use precious cash. Your Lafayette ID acts just like a credit card...purchases made on your bookstore account are placed on a monthly statement and billed home.</p>

<p>For incoming students, it has become the Registrar's job to create preliminary class schedules (I say "preliminary" because there remains the option of changing classes during the first few weeks of the semester). You will be placed in the classes you indicated if sections remain open and if there are no time conflicts with your other desired classes. This whole online registration process is entirely new this year, and the Registrar thought it would be easier if incoming students just listed the courses they were most interested in. FYI, this is NOT how registration normally works. With Spring registration (which will occur in November), you will be allowed to choose specific course sections and professors.</p>

<p>If I confused you with my comments (I tend to drag on at times), I'd be more than happy to clarify anything.</p>

<ul>
<li>Justin</li>
</ul>

59

<p>yes, thank you it does help. but so are we just supposed to show up to the first day of classes without the textbooks and then they will tell us which ones we need? that is the only thing that i am confused about!
thanks!!
M</p>

60

<p>I was rather confused about this whole "we'll tell you when you get here" system. Here in India, you can get cheaper editions of a number of books at much lower prices. Is there some way we can find out about bed dimensions? My parents want me to take at least one linen set with my so that I'm not stuck on a bare mattress the first day. How flexible are on-campus job options/hours?</p>