<p>I have a general question about the prevelency of marijuana usage among L&C students. It seems like a nice school, and now i'm thinking of applying there (i'm a senior, i dont have muhc time to really mull this over). Overall, I'm very liberal, socially layed back but a very hard working and motivated student. I love doing meaningful community service and being involved extra curricularly with clubs on campus and what not. The one thing that concerns me about L&C is what i've been hearing about its students and pot. Does EVEYONE smoke pot over there? Will I not fit if i don't? Becuase I really don't want to be around that stuff.</p>
<p>Not everyone, but most liberal arts colleges have a lot of marijuana usage. get used to it. and if you don't, you don't. not a big deal.</p>
<p>Here's my take: I have never been to or even heard of L&C college but I felt the same way as you did. I didn't want the drinking, partying, snorting, smoking, etc associated with a big state school but now that I'm here, its not an issue AT ALL. You choose your friends and do what you want. I'm absolutely positive that not EVERYONE smokes. Plus, just because people have smoked pot doesn't mean they're bad people. One of my good friends revealed to me that she smoked occasionally and I was completely SHOCKED. She's like my social and academic idol. Whatever. </p>
<p>I wouldn't worry about it that much. Visit and see if you can "see" yourself there. Are you comfortable? Can you relate to the students?</p>
<p>From what I hear of L&C you should be able to fit in fine (liberal and hardworking). Reed is the Portland school that gets the rap for Pot. Though I second the notion that you will do just fine where ever you go even if you don't fit into the (insert culture here) stereotypes of your school (as long as you don't go yelling "Go Blue!" at Ohio State or something like that). But yeah, L&C is a great school in a great city. I haven't been on the academic part of campus, but I have been to a football game there.</p>
<p>From what I've heard, everyone in Oregon smokes pot so maybe it's the state rather than the school that you could have problems with. That said, wherever you decide on will have its share of motivated people and those who are only at school to party. I've got not patience for the second kind either. You just have to stay focused on your pursuits and find people who feel the same.</p>
<p>It's not the whole state, but it's might be a higher percentage than other states (certain areas without a doubt, but a lot of Oregon is absolutely nothing like the hippie mentality Eugene and other parts of the state are known for). However, smoking pot and being highly motivated are not mutually exculsive. But yeah, no matter where you go, you will have work-o-holics, and those that never do any work, and everybody in between.</p>
<p>We visited Lewis & Clark and my daughter spoke with several students about just this issue. I've also talked personally via email with several L&C students. The general concensus seemed to be that yes, there's lots of pot at L&C, but there are also plenty of people who don't indulge and little pressure to do so. There is also a substance free dorm on campus if you are really worried. </p>
<p>Based on your test scores and academic interests, L&C would be a very good option for you to consider because of their SAT optional admissions route. At this point, I'd take a chance and apply, and then go do an overnight if you're accepted to see if you would feel comfortable there. </p>
<p>By the way, as I recall you also had Reed and Pitzer on your list --- if you absolutely must not be around people who party, you probably should take them both off your list as well. They are both quite similar to Lewis & Clark in terms of attitude in this regard.</p>
<p>I have two nieces that graduated from Lewis and Clark. Both think that they got a decent education but that it probably wasn't worth the price. They did a lot of socializing off campus but that seems to happen with proximity to a city. D has spent time there at camps during the summer. It is a very nice campus and has some reputable programs.</p>
<p>I totally agree with Carolyn. You should visit. Around here L & C would be on the 'must visit' college list, after Reed and Evergreen in WA. People tend to really like those places or not. D visited Reed and Pitzer and hated the feel. Couldn't get away fast enough. She liked L & C ok, but thought it was a little too..pc, maybe? A bit bohemian/relaxed for her. That's her though. She's moderately liberal but very 'lets get down to business'. Rolls her eyes at her two cousins that attended L & C, on a regular basis. She does have friend, now a jr, at Reed that loves it there. </p>
<p>Oh, and as for the pot smoking, the girls tell me that it is very prevalent but folks are layed back about it. LOL-I guess they would be! I'm fairly certain that that was a positive aspect of L & C for them. And L & C does tend to have the rep for much more usage of the stuff than your average college. The other thing the student body is known for is lack of religious values-along with Reed. (Another plus for my nieces.) Best visit and check it out! By the way, both girls are now gainfully employed and seem to be model citizens. Whatever went on in college, there seem to be no long term negative effects!</p>
<p>unfortunately i live in CA .. So we don't have the time or the means to go visit LC</p>
<p>it's a little difficult to find an effective way to state my opinion on this subject to this kind of group of people, so i'm just gonna do the best that i can here.
it seems like a lot of americans are really uptight when it comes to alcohol and drugs (not even hard drugs, for that matter). if you lived here in canada you would definitely be a lot more used to the idea of weed. a little pot never hurt anyone (and yes, i'm eagerly awaiting angry protests to this statement); it's just been repeatedly forced into your brain that any substance that is even the slightest bit mind-altering is evil. there's nothing wrong with an emotionally stable, cautious, and well-informed human being experimenting with drugs. my advice is to just try weed, just once, and you WILL understand that it is really not a big deal. it's just one of the things people do to have fun once in a while.
i am a student at one of the best universities in canada (queen's) in one of the most rigorous programs (biology), i'm definitely "going places" in life, and like almost every other student here i drink, smoke weed, and have tried some harder drugs out of curiosity. these experiences have not had any negative effects on my life, and actually have enhanced the way i think about things and the direction i'm heading. i find that young kids are brainwashed to believe that drugs and alcohol are bad, and this IS a positive thing because kids are too vulnerable to be experimenting with drugs. but once you become and adult and can think for yourself it's ok to set those ideas aside and see for yourself what the hype is about. if you want to, that is. anyway, my point is that you're old enough to think for yourself now and you should be taking advantage of that. there won't be pressure at a school where marijuana use is prevalent, but it REALLY isn't as evil as you think it is.</p>