<p>I'm currently a freshman at Rhodes College, and I'm considering transferring. I don't want to give Rhodes a bad rep-- it's an amazing school. I just don't think it's the right fit for me, and I knew that before I got here. Granted, I haven't been here long, so I could still be in the adjustment stage of college and everything; however, right now I really do feel like it's just not the school for me, so I figure it's better to research and apply to other schools now so I have the option to transfer if I decide I really want to. I am going to finish out the year with an opened mind. </p>
<p>But anyway, basically I was wondering if anyone would mind sharing their experience at either Hendrix, Centre, or Davidson. It'd be great if you were a transfer student, but it's okay if not. I would love any and all stories and comments about the schools, particularly ones that touch on the sense of community at each. That's currently my issue with Rhodes. I just can't click with most of the student body I've encountered so far, and I think I need a slightly smaller school with a stronger sense of community. And less of an overpowering Greek Life. Centre's large Greek Life worries me a bit, but I've also heard that the people there are incredibly friendly and not at all snobby or cliquey so, if that's the case, I might be able to deal with a huge Greek scene. </p>
<p>Thanks in advance for the help</p>
<p>I’m not a Davidson student, but I grew up in the vicinity and think it’s an absolutely amazing school. Hopefully current students will chime in, but I’ll give my $0.02 in case they don’t.</p>
<p>Davidson has always given me a very cozy feel. The students are very friendly, and only Haverford puts as much of an emphasis on its honor code among the LACs I’ve ever come across. The town of Davidson itself is small, green, and compact, and it meshes wonderfully with the college. A friend there bragged that local women baked them cookies during finals week! Greek life is far from underground, as are the eating houses, but you won’t be a pariah should you choose not to join one. I would estimate, though I’m not entirely certain, that Davidson and Rhodes likely have fairly similar levels of partying. Basketball and other athletics are big, of course, but community service and the arts (particularly theatre) are also taken extremely seriously. </p>
<p>Comparing Rhodes and Davidson…I can see (dis)advantages to both. As you know, Rhodes is in a good location near the zoo/park/art museum, and things like St. Jude are also pretty convenient. On the other hand, I would say that Davidson is much more pleasant than Memphis. It’s easier to hop in a car at Rhodes and hit up Beale or Cooper-Young or wherever, whereas Davidson students have to drive a bit further (into Charlotte) for any real nightlife. Charlotte is a somewhat cleaner and more modern version of Memphis, but I think it’s also less interesting. Davidson’s facilities are a bit nicer, with the exception of the library – Rhodes beats it out by a hefty margin there, and its architecture is nicer as well (I prefer collegiate Gothic to brick). Both schools have fairly similar racial/ethnic compositions; Davidson has a slight edge in selectivity. Although I despise the term, Davidson does strike one as being noticeably less “preppy” than Rhodes. An advantage to Davidson, for students on financial aid, is its elimination of loans from financial aid packages.</p>
<p>There’s no need to decide now, however, and thinking about transferring will only make fitting in more difficult. Transfer applications are not due until March, so it’s best to focus on schoolwork and extracurriculars; clubs/organizations are the best way to meet people with similar interests. In the meantime, be aware that it really can take a while to fit in at college. I know several people (including me) who were somewhat uncertain with their choice freshman year, but by senior year, they had to be practically dragged to their dreaded graduation!</p>
<p>Thanks so much for your help! One thing about Davidson… I heard it’s overwhelmingly difficult to keep up with the work. Do you know how true that is? </p>
<p>And I know you’re right about the transfer thing… I guess I should try to think about it less. I just feel the need to do the research now so I have the option ready in case I need it…</p>
<p>You really aren’t giving Rhodes a fair chance if you are a freshman. You’ve been there all of two months! </p>
<p>Lots of people start wondering after the excitement of the first month or so if they have made a mistake when they discover their college isn’t living up to all their expectations (which may have been a tad unrealistic to begin with). The people you were randomly assigned housing with probably aren’t going to be your best friends. Not every teacher is inspirational. If you are going to spend time researching, research where the people you like are, and which faculty are worth getting to know. You can research possible transfer options over winter break if you are still feeling uncomfortable.</p>
<p>The thing is, honestly, I was never that excited to come here. At first I thought I was just dreading college in general, but now that I’ve realized I actually love the idea of being away at college yet still am unhappy here, I’m starting to think that’s it’s the school and not me. I’m actually best friends with my roommate, too, and I’m making really good grades and love my teachers and classes. I’m content here, but I have yet to have the “I LOVE college!” feeling that everyone else talks about, and I’m not thrilled about spending 4 years here. Again, not trying to bash Rhodes. Almost everyone I’ve talked to absolutely loves it here so much. So that’s why I’m thinking maybe it’s just not the right fit for me. But I guess I do have time to think about this since applications arent usually due until March…</p>
<p>maybe bumping this thread up-- did you end up applying elsewhere?</p>