Lafayette Questions: Part II

Colleges and Universities A-Z Lafayette College
101

<p>janesmom1,</p>

<p>My summer is going quite well, but where did the time go? Geez, I feel like it was just yesterday I was packing up my belongings to go back home. You know what they say...time flies when you're having fun!</p>

<p>Kamine's a great building for those first-years looking to mingle with other first-years. Even though it's a distance from the heart of campus, it still has that new building smell. In addition to A/C, the building also has a hot sandwich cafe on the first floor. Tell your daughter to go easy on the Flex (she'll soon figure out what that means).</p>

<p>The rooms in Kamine Hall do not have built-in closets, as in Ruef Hall, so a curtain would be unnecessary. In rooms that do not have built-in closets, wooden wardrobes are provided with space to store clothing. FYI, a set of drawers is also provided for each occupant for additional storage space.</p>

<p>Yes, the beds can be lofted to any desired height. As I told CC user lafayette1234, there's really no need to bring bed risers of any kind.</p>

<p>In my opinion, a security cable would prove unnecessary. I honestly do not know of a person who uses one, and it might become more of a pain than anything else for your daughter. Just be sure to tell her that, if no one's in the room, the door needs to be locked. So that one roommate doesn't lock the other out, both should carry their room keys at all times. If your daughter decides to work wirelessly elsewhere on campus, she should never leave her laptop unoccupied, either. It's like I always say: an ounce of common sense is worth its weight in gold.</p>

<p>I don't intend to leave you thinking that laptop theft is rampant at Lafayette. Fortunately, if your daughter were ever to leave her computer unattended, it would almost certainly remain there until she returns. I've been known to leave my room door wide open (note: bring a door stop!) while I'm out socializing down the hall, and my laptop has always been there waiting for me. What an example I'm setting, huh?</p>

<p>Even though some colleges have phones already installed in student rooms, that's not the case at Lafayette. Be sure to purchase a cheap corded phone (preferably with a digital answering machine) for those late night take-out orders. As I told lafayette1234, in all likelihood, your daughter will rely much more on her cell phone for day-to-day calling. However, college administrative offices still rely on room phones to contact students.</p>

<p>Although I can't provide an exact number of room outlets (it varies by building and by room), expect there to be at least one on each wall. Generally, there are never enough outlets for both occupants, so definitely plan on bringing a surge-protected strip for behind your daughter's desk (laptop, desk lamp, printer, phone, etc.). The surge protector will most likely not need to have a long cord, as most students opt to place their desks directly in front of an outlet. However, I suggest you arrive on move-in day with a bunch of extension cords of differing lengths for other electronics (TV, DVD player, floor lamps, etc.). If you end up not using them all, then so be it.</p>

<p>Have a safe trip to campus.</p>

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

102

<p>Justin-</p>

<p>Thanks for the advice and info.</p>

103

<p>I know Lafayette is a "division I" sports league, but I was wondering how competitive their girls tennis team was. I currently play for my hgh school team and was just wondering if college tennis was more difficult or requires a higher quality game-play and if you need to be recruited in order to join the team, or can you speak to the coach and see if he'll accept you once you've started college.</p>

<p>thank you!</p>

104

<p>SweetComedyGirl,</p>

<p>The women's tennis team is quite competitive. I do not believe any of the current members walked onto the team, but I guess it's entirely possible. If you're interested in playing at the DI level, you really should go through the recruitment process. Meet the coach, speak with the players, and express your interest in the team.</p>

<p>There's a club tennis team for those students who may not want to deal with the intense DI practice and game schedules (2007-2008 schedule available here: <a href="http://goleopards.cstv.com/sports/w-tennis/sched/lafa-w-tennis-sched.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://goleopards.cstv.com/sports/w-tennis/sched/lafa-w-tennis-sched.html&lt;/a&gt;). As you can see, there's a lot of traveling involved with being a member. Only consider joining the team if you think you can handle both your schoolwork and team commitments.</p>

<p>With that said, feel free to contact a current player to hear their experiences with the team. Why don't you consider emailing Jackie Bonder at <a href="mailto:bonderj@lafayette.edu">bonderj@lafayette.edu</a>? I'm sure she'd be more than happy to tell you all about the team, but please give her a few days to respond. Classes just began this week, and people tend to be overwhelmed with work!</p>

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

105

<p>Sweet Comedy - Your question seemed to refer to "college" tennis in general and it sounded to me that maybe you haven't spoken with your HS coach or your counselor about playing in college. If you are going to be a senior this year, you need to do that. You also need to register with the NCAA Clearinghouse. </p>

<p>Definitely follow Candyman's suggestion to contact a player to get more information about Lafayette's team and to determine if college tennis in general is for you. But make sure you are doing everything through your high school that you need to do to be considered for recruitment. (You can always change your mind.) And don't rely on your coach or your counselor to approach you on this or assume offers of admission and even money only come to the "stars" of the team. Not true. Good luck!</p>

106

<p>Hello,
I see in a pamphlet that Environmental Geosciences is a "concentration" under Bachelor of Arts and Environmental Science is a minor. Environmental Science or Studies is definitely what I want to pursue, would these two programs be things that you would recommend? Are they any good and are there opportunities to take an accelerated program on Environmental Science or Studies afterwards?</p>

107

<p>Han.Christine,</p>

<p>I would consider our program in Environmental Geosciences to be "good". It sounds like you need to do some serious research to learn more about the department. Please check out the Geology website at <a href="http://ww2.lafayette.edu/%7Egeology/%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://ww2.lafayette.edu/~geology/&lt;/a> and peruse the faculty webpages and course offerings. The lab facilities contain all of the modern scientific equipment you could imagine, so if you're into the subject, I'm sure you'd find yourself right at home.</p>

<p>There is no accelerated program in that department, or any department for that matter. If you are wondering if you could complete the major in three years, just know that it's a definite possibility.</p>

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

108

<p>thanks, I will definitely considering researching. Thank you again</p>

109

<p>Thanks for the tips guys! The website was extremely useful! Once I speak to my coach I'll decide weather I should email Jackie and the coach!</p>

110

<p>How is Lafayette for computer science? I looked at the website and it seems like a very small department. Thanks for any help!</p>

111

<p>wackymother,</p>

<p>This is a comment I posted previously (4/27/06) addressing a similar question from CC user mkw6:</p>

<p><<< Even though I know very little about our program in Computer Science, I encourage you to visit the Lafayette website at <a href="http://www.lafayette.edu/admissions/majors/computer_science.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.lafayette.edu/admissions/majors/computer_science.html&lt;/a> for more information. Read through everything carefully. Make sure to click on the link to the left in blue (DEPARTMENT HOME PAGE) and do some exploring! Also be sure to check out the homepages of the individual Computer Science professors to learn more about them and the courses they teach.</p>

<p>You are correct that Computer Science is a smaller major at Lafayette, but think about the benefits of having a smaller program...small class sizes, close contact with professors who will get to know your son very well, etc. >>></p>

<p>Just to add a few thoughts: as a Computer Science major, you are not limited to taking those courses designated "CS" for your major. You would be exposed quite extensively to our math and physics departments, both of which are highly touted.</p>

<p>So, yes, the department is smaller in terms of the number of professors who teach only Computer Science, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. After all, there'd be less students "competing" for the attention of the professors.</p>

<p>If you'd like to learn more about the department, definitely consider sending an email to the department head, Chun Wai Liew, at <a href="mailto:liew@cs.lafayette.edu">liew@cs.lafayette.edu</a>.</p>

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

112

<p>Chance Me
My own dilemma is a serious one. My stats will show.
Firstly I am an International student. So look at my chances from that perspective.</p>

<p>SAT: 2020
Class Rank: 3/46
Math: 760 CR: 640 WR: 620
SAT 2: Yet to take but expect a 700 on each section
Recommendations I expect to be good
Transcripts well okay</p>

<p>Extra Curricular
Debate Club – Vice President
Maths Club-President
Soccer – House Team regular player
Science Club – Member
Chess Club – Public Relations officer</p>

<p>Awards
Represented school in national maths competition and came well 11th in my state
Selected for Global young Leaders conference
Member of one National Honors Society
Schools Quiz and debate champion for three years</p>

<p>Work
I have only worked as a store manager in my moms shop
Don’t have much opportunities in Nigeria</p>

<p>I also need a lot of financial aid.</p>

<p>Well what do u think about my chances</p>

113

<p>Olasco,</p>

<p>Your SAT is above average, but keep in mind that you'll be in direct competition with other international applicants (many with higher scores).</p>

<p>How "okay" is your transcript? How difficult were the courses that you took? Since your transcript is the most important part of your application, and since you'll be competing with about 1,000 other int'l applicants for 100 acceptances, it must be stellar.</p>

<p>Your extracurriculars are average. Unfortunately, there does not seem to be any activity that would separate you from the pack.</p>

<p>Don't think for an instant that, because there are few work opportunities in your country, you will be penalized in any way. Admissions officers read each application in context, so if you could only work as a store manager, then that's just fine.</p>

<p>The fact that you need a lot of financial aid will not help you, but keep in mind that the majority of int'l applications are in similar financial situations. If you could afford a good portion of the education, then the College would be more inclined to admit you over an int'l applicant in need of serious $$$.</p>

<p>I say: if you are genuinely interested in Lafayette, do not hesitate to apply. You never know what admissions officers may see in your application. I'm sorry if I seem a little harsh with my evaluation, but applying for int'l admission to Lafayette is more competitive than gaining admission into an Ivy League school. That's just the reality of the situation, since there are a finite amount of resources to go around.</p>

<p>All the best,</p>

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

114

<p>Olasco,
I think u should apply. I'm also an international student and am receiving a large amount of aid. I think your extracurriculars are good and will make up somewhat for your SATs. But I think u should seriously consider taking them again and trying for a better score (2100+).
I don't think u should worry too much about fin aid. Firstly it is something u cannot help and secondly, if Laf sees potential in you, they will give u enough aid, any other intl student here will tell u the same thing.
I suggest u take the SATs again, try to improve ur school transcripts and ask ur teachers to write sincere recommendations. And please write a good essay. I cannot stress enough the importance of a good essay, I believe it was an important factor in my getting admitted (my admission letter specifically mentioned it).
Good luck, work hard and look forward to seeing you next year.</p>

115

<p>My daughter will be applying to Lafayette this fall. She will most likely major in biology and has an interest in pursuing an MD or DVM down the road. She is also insistent that she must spend a semester overseas at some point during her college career. The admissions counselor she interviewed with last Spring assured her that this would be possible. Several other schools that she has interviewed at have been less encouraging of their pre-med students doing a semester abroad. Are you aware of other pre-med students at Lafayette who have studied abroad without it impacting their 4-year graduation timetable?</p>

116

<p>hudsonvalley51,</p>

<p>Yes, students in our Pre-Med program have time to spend a semester abroad. Heck, even our B.S. Engineers can take a semester trip to Bremen! Lafayette is always encouraging students of all majors to take advantage of our extensive study abroad opportunities.</p>

<p>If I remember correctly, back in 2003-04, Lafayette was ranked 3rd among all colleges and universities in terms of the number of students studying abroad each year.</p>

<p>I'm a double major in English and Psychology, and I could have potentially traveled a whole year. I've since decided to take one of our May interim trips to Italy with a Lafayette professor who is a world-renowned expert on Italian Renaissance Art.</p>

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

117

<p>Thanks very much Justin. You do a great "job" here on CC on behalf of your school. Your original thread caught my eye last year and was perhaps the primary reason why I suggested to my D that she check out Lafayette. She's visited twice and interviewed and hopes to do an overnight next semester.</p>

118

<p>hudsonvalley51,</p>

<p>I'm glad to hear that. Feel free to direct any Lafayette-themed question my way from here on out.</p>

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

119

<p>I am thinking of applying to Lafayette as a transfer in the spring as a sophomore. Do you know anything about transfers at Lafayette and how they have adjusted? Do you know anything about transferring?</p>

120

<p>curlyqgrl6,</p>

<p>I honestly don't know too much about the transfer process. With that said, I still encourage you to check out the Admissions page for prospective transfer students at <a href="http://www.lafayette.edu/admissions/transfer.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.lafayette.edu/admissions/transfer.html&lt;/a>. Be sure to read the student perspectives toward the bottom of the page. Also feel free to address specific questions to the Admissions Director in charge of transfer students, Ms. Joan Lichtenwalner, at <a href="mailto:lichtenj@lafayette.edu">lichtenj@lafayette.edu</a>.</p>

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