Post your own state's college reputations'

College Search & Selection
361

<p>PA</p>

<p>Penn State Behrend, the Erie Campus
I know this has already been mentioned a few times, but I'd just like to reiterate. Locally (the Erie area), it isn't viewed kindly, and admissions standards aren't top-notch, but it's a really good school known particularly for engingeering. I've heard rumors that Penn State actually prefers engineering majors to study at Behrend before coming to main campus.</p>

362

<p>
[quote]
Florida Atlantic- its in Boca Raton, alot of palm beach and broward kids go there, all the kids who are too middle class to goto FIU, alot of commuter students, it has an interesting program where you can go there as pre-med and it is associated with UM, so do 2years at FAU and you end up with your degree from UM, FAU gives out alot of money and is a great buy, because you can just transfer your credits to any other state school you didn't get into like UF

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Decent review. I wanted to mention that we're building a a dorm just for first year students (opening fall 2007), a two-story exercise center (fall 2008), an on-campus football stadium (2010), and a teaching hospital (2011). That's not to mention Greek Housing and apartments for upwards of 3000 people.</p>

<p>I also wanted to clarify that the partnership with UM is a genuine medical school, not a premed program (although a lot of FAU kids get into UM@FAU). The medical school program used to be that you did your first two years of medical school here in Boca in our Biomedical Science building. After that, you transferred to UM's Jackson Memorial in Miami to complete your last two years of rotations.</p>

<p>Now things have changed. We're building a teaching hospital on campus, done by 2011, and the UM@FAU med students will do all four years here in Boca. However, at the current time, the degrees still read "Medical Doctorate from University of Miami."</p>

363

<p>From Los Angeles:</p>

<p>UCs:
UC Berkeley: Most prestigious state school. Practically everyone's first choice UC. Very rigorous academics and really huge school. Not too much truth to the "Bezerkley" left-wing stereotype, but then...we have like two conservatives in our senior class, so make your own assessments.
UCLA: Generally second choice for those with the stats to get into Berkeley who were by some twist of fate rejected. This isn't really due to a difference in perception as much as that it's really really close to home. Still considered a fantastic school.
UCSD: Back-up for UCLA and UCB, strongest academically other than those two.
UCI, UCD: Back-ups to UCSD, still strong academically
UCSB: Party school, decent academics
UCSC: Hippie, relaxed atmosphere - like a fusion summer camp/college
UCR: Back-up to UCI, UCD
UCM: The only thing I remember about UCM is that in the UC brochure, all the other schools talked about their fantastic academics, and Merced touted its...personalized cooking? Too soon for it to have really established a rep.</p>

<p>CSUs:
For those who can't get into the UCs, can't afford them, or don't want to leave home</p>

<p>Privates:
Stanford: Probably best private in California...ridiculously hard to get into. Way preppier than cross-town Berkeley.
USC: Great academics, fun social life, a little close to home. Fantastic for journalism/communications/film/etc.
CalTech: Fantastic tech school. Most people seem to prefer MIT just as a way of getting out of state.
Occidental: Supposed to be a good LAC - I don't think ANYONE from my school applied there though.
Claremont McKenna: Government/leadership/business-oriented, more conservative than usual, super small.
Pomona: Best of the Claremont Colleges, overall excellent LAC.
Harvey Mudd: Great geeky tech school as well.
Scripps/Pitzer: The other Claremonts. Might as well apply to 'em all.
Mills: All girls, ghetto area, not particularly difficult to get into.
Loyola Marymount: I know nothing about this school.
Pepperdine: Gorgeous campus, very Christian/conservative, not all that difficult to get into.
And there are many other of which I can't really think right now...um, Redlands, SDSU, etc, but I don't know all that much about them.</p>

<p>PS: These are all just generalizations based on what people at my school tend to think - most of these are fantastic schools and I'm obviously not meaning to dis anyone's favorite - we're just blessed to have the nation's best public education system and not bad privates either.</p>

364

<p>violinmom,</p>

<p>I have to disagree about Humboldt’s academic rigor. They have been rated as one of the top small schools in the region for many years. They have a good reputation for sciences, arts (including music and theatre), psychology, and social work.</p>

<p>To jump back on the topic of the thread about reputations for schools, you’re right–Humboldt has a drug reputation, but it’s not any more prevalent on campus than at other CSU’s (there was an independent study done on this topic). </p>

<p>You boldly state that the dorms are awful. You must have live on the Hill. I’ll agree, the Hill is awful. (Fortunately, Redwood and Sunset are scheduled for demolition, but not before replacement housing is built.) But since you left in 1978, you obviously didn’t live in Cypress or Creekview, which are much nicer suite/apartment style halls. I even spent a year in Canyon (which is more the traditional residence hall), and found nothing to complain about. The buildings were in great repair when I was there, and I found the halls I lived in much nicer than my sister at Cal Poly SLO or University of Wisconsin, La Crosse (I stayed in the dorms at a conference) had to offer at the time. </p>

<p>I still think if you are thinking about going on to grad school in the sciences, arts, pscyh, or social work that Humboldt is one of the best deals on the West Coast for the quality.</p>

365

<p>LSU: center of the party universe</p>

366

<p>I’m from the OC. Born and Raised. Not a rich kid with daddy’s money.</p>

<p>Allright: Just the UC’s:</p>

<p>UC Berkeley: Like the above poster, it is the most prestigious state school; more for the politically active students. Everyone’s first choice UC. Hard academics in which IMO people would ‘destroy’ other people to get that top grade. Hence, “Bezerkley”. UCB was my original first choice college but now I’m not so sure - death for academics??? not so sure. ALways overcrowded so be warned: you are most likely to get into a triple and if you’re lucky, it may not be that bad. Although the space may slowly shrink

Politics: Yes. Stress: Yes. </p>

<p>UCLA: Second Choice; In the rich community of LA. Ties between UCB and UCLA. Was my second choice but it’s too close to home and its’ smack dab in the city. Literally. Aside from that fact, it’s more of a stretch. Lots of stuff to do, but remember, you’re in LA.</p>

<p>UCSD: Agreed with the above poster, “Back-up for UCLA and UCB, strongest academically other than those two.” Academically stronger for all them pre-med’s. Close to the beach, socially dead. This UC is my back-up or safety.</p>

<p>UCI: Located in the second most boring part of California. Socially dead and full of asians everywhere you turn. No point in living in the dorms. School spirit: I don’t think that they even know what that is.</p>

<p>UCD: Strong Academically but socially isolated. It’s part of a freakin’ cow town. Literally. I wouldn’t be surprised though if it slowly became the new UCLA. Very good science programs: good for the pre-med geeks. Go if you don’t mind having a social life but a great education.</p>

<p>UCSB: This UC, if you combine all the parties happening at the other UC’s, is one giant never-ending party. Bad grading scale I believe. Nicknamed “U Can Study Buzzed.” If you honestly want to know at least something, don’t go here. They do lie about their admissions. I know current students who got in with at least a 2.9 GPA. Now that, my friend, is just plain sad.</p>

<p>UCSC: Ver, very, very relaxed. No one smiles here, that’s true with USC. Here, every day is like summer. And it’s all part of camp. Not so tough of rigorious. </p>

<p>UCR: Boring town, extreme heat, socially isolated, crappy food, mean people, and oh, it’s not known for anything except being a safety school/rejects’ school for the UCB and UCLA.</p>

<p>UCM: Not well-known. Okay academics. Most Merced students I have met are peroxide blondes. Can’t say much about. To me, it will always be the ‘idiot’s school’ next to UCSB and UCSC and UCR.</p>

367

<p>I guess I can do Michigan again, but a lot has been covered already.</p>

<p>University of Michigan - Basically almost everyone’s top choice, generally anywhere from 5% - 10% of the graduating class gets in, and goes there. The school itself is pretty diverse, and has world renowned professors and programs. Most everyone’s first choice school that want to stay In State. Great value IMO. </p>

<p>Michigan State University - Generally the second highest school that people apply to. It’s usually a safety, and often seen as one of THE party schools. It’s not as hard to get into as Michigan, and if you have any decent grades, you should be able to make it in. It has the largest campus in Michigan, and has some great programs, including their Honors college. I’ve known some kids that turned down JHU for a full ride to MSU. </p>

<p>Western Michigan University - It’s nicknamed “Wastern Michigan University” because of the thought that all the students here drink 24/7. Sadly it’s not that far from the fact. It has an overall good campus, and of the 3 directional schools, it’s probably the best one. They have a decent Business school, and a great Aviation program. Also their teaching program is top notch as well.</p>

<p>Eastern Michigan University - Has a good theatre program, just a step away from U-M. Also good teaching programs. Only had a few students go there, mostly to stay within in state tution, but also far enough from home.</p>

<p>Central Michigan University - seen as another big party school. The majority of my school’s graduating class comes here, or a community college. I dunno too much about it.</p>

<p>Hope College - An under-rated liberal arts college, supposedly good for Pre Med</p>

<p>Alma - A decent liberal arts college in a REALLY horrible town. And I mean bad. I don’t think I even saw a train station
</p>

<p>Grand Valley State - I’ve seen a lot of my classmates go here. Most of them are smart, but not brilliant. Roughly on the level of WMU and MSU kids. </p>

<p>Ferris State - Dunno exactly
 not too many of my classmates that go here, but the ones that do, get in pretty easily</p>

<p>Michigan Tech University - Engineering school, a huge majority towards guys. A lot of snow. It seems to have a lot of kids that are smart, and can succeed at schools at U-M or MSU, but really have no motivation to do anything. </p>

<p>Kalamazoo College - Really good private school. Not too many kids come here but the ones that do, really enjoy it.</p>

368

<p>

</p>

<p>I just have to say
 that’s not why it’s nicknamed “Berzerkeley.” It’s nicknamed that because of its political activism, all the liberalism and hippies and radical protests that happened more in the 60s than ever.</p>

<p>

</p>

<p>Er, you’re going to let general stereotypes influence your college choice? I’ll tell you this: that isn’t wise, for Berkeley or for any college. Don’t go by what you’ve heard – check it out yourself.</p>

369

<p>from which ones take the most students, to which take the least:</p>

<p>Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC) - if you can’t get in anywhere else, or tight on the money issue</p>

<p>Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) - a top rated arts/theatre school, so many IB kids decided to go here (and so they can stick together
 lol)</p>

<p>Virginia Tech - maybe 20-30 or so get in here, usually the sciency kids, but great rep.</p>

<p>Christopher Newport University (CNU) - used to be part of W&M, but is now a small (5,000) publis that is getting better every year (52% accept. last year)</p>

<p>Old Dominion University (ODU) - party/slacker school, but still decent academics, a few go here</p>

<p>Radford - the ULTIMATE party school</p>

<p>UVA - a good 10-15 go here, usually the better half of the graduating class</p>

<p>W&M - considered kinda nerdy, not much appeal at my school</p>

<p>*note, my high school sucks, most people (100 or so) go to NVCC while another 70 or so go to other state schools. the majority don’t go to college (maybe 400 or so) and either get low-paying jobs or become bums, living off of their families</p>

370

<p>Another take on Virginia. I don’t live there anymore, but grew up there and go back fairly often.</p>

<p>UVA – Flagship school. Tends to be the one everyone looks to as the “best” (but I think W&M has a claim). Students usually considered preppy and obnoxious. For a state school, has a VERY low rate of Pell Grant-eligible students. Gets a lot of kudos from the African American community because of high AA grad rate. Somewhat of a party reputation still, but that has faded over the years. Good in the professions. Rich school. Charlottesville is a good college town. Conservative in a country club Republican sort of way. Hidebound by tradition. BUT, it’s one of the few research universities where undergrad instruction is still very highly valued among the faculty.</p>

<p>William and Mary – For serious academics (though not quite as serious as the Chicago, Swarthmore, Reed crowd). Smaller and more close-knit feel than UVA. Steeped in history. Can be like living in a fish bowl since it’s next to Colonial Williamsburg. Surrounding area often considered dull by students. Student body really doesn’t seem to have a “reputation” for anything much in particular.</p>

<p>Virginia Tech – Except for engineering, this tends to be the school for Virginians who didn’t qualify for UVA or W&M. Engineering school is very good, as is agriculture and veterinary. The liberal arts are generally weaker than one will find at the top two publics or, for that matter, some of the other Virginia schools, depending on the particular area. It’s a much larger school than either UVA or W&M, and has more of a mega-school feel. Students there tend to be focused on football. Student body has “chip on shoulder” reputation regarding their attitudes towards W&M and, especially, UVA. Party school. </p>

<p>Virginia Commonwealth – More of the arts school crowd. Good premed leading to Medical College of Virginia. Campus in relatively bad part of town, but LOTS to do in that part of Richmond. Easily some of the best arts-related programs in the state. Large school and very easy to get in. Student body, naturally, has artsy reputation.</p>

<p>James Madison – Up and coming. Used to be a relatively small girls’ school, but is now nearly on par with VT excpet for engineering. No opinions on student body.</p>

<p>Mary Washington – Still has a reputation as the University of Virginia’s school for women, but is its own school now and has been coed for some years. Seems to have a LAC-like feel, but is public and very inexpensive for the quality of the experience/education one gets. Smart student body, if not quite up to W&M’s and UVA’s admissions standards. Nice, engaging student body without axes to grind. Good relationships with faculty. (Note: I personally think this may be one of the US’s most underrated colleges). Good rep in psychology and the liberal arts.</p>

<p>Mary Baldwin – Common saying in the state: “The girls there flunked blond.”</p>

<p>Hampden-Sydney – Ultra conservative and ultra preppy. All male. Used to attract very talented students, but has fallen on hard times as the all-male brand has reduced the number of applicants. Located in one of Virginia’s most racist counties and once had the reputation of hard-core racism among the student body, but that has changed for the better. How much, I’m not sure. Quality of liberal arts education is still considered high.</p>

<p>Longwood – Once Hampden-Syndney’s sister school, Longwood is now coed. Known for teacher’s college. I’ve really lost track of its reputation at this point. I’m not sure it has a strong brand identification these days.</p>

<p>Sweet Briar – Horsey, rich girls who go to finishing school. That’s not accurate and not fair, but it’s a common reputation.</p>

<p>Hollins – See “Sweet Briar.” These two schools are often said in the same breath, but Hollins has made a real effort to branch out and add a number of first class programs. Sweet Briar seems more traditional, these days.</p>

<p>University of Richmond – Southern preppy almost to the point of the ridiculous. Talented student body on par with those at UVA and W&M. Lovely campus.</p>

<p>Washington and Lee – Much like the University of Richmond, only with the most talented student body (arguably) in Virginia. Really, really conservative and really, really wealthy student body. Mostly men, I believe, and was recently an all-male school.</p>

371

<p>Could someone do the IL schools again. Anyone hear of DePaul or Roosevelt University. Any top notch CC’s near Chicago?</p>

372

<p>“UCSB: This UC, if you combine all the parties happening at the other UC’s, is one giant never-ending party. Bad grading scale I believe. Nicknamed “U Can Study Buzzed.” If you honestly want to know at least something, don’t go here. They do lie about their admissions. I know current students who got in with at least a 2.9 GPA. Now that, my friend, is just plain sad.”</p>

<p>Every UC, including Cal, has students who had 2.9 gpa’s in high school. To judge a school on the quality of a few of its students is rediculous. How would you know that they “lie about their admissions?”</p>

373

<p>Virginia:</p>

<p>UVA: Great university, considered to be the top in Virginia. Top students go here but a ton of people from NoVa, Has a reputation for being preppy, fratty, and somewhat self segregating. They obsess over Thomas Jefferson. CHarlottesville is a great college town</p>

<p>WM- Known for being a nerdy small school. Intellectual but has a high suicide rate. Great academics, not a very big sports scene. Williamsburg is incredibly boring. The school for people who want a smaller alternative to UVA.</p>

<p>VT- Great for engineering. A huge school in the middle of nowhere. Party school. Choice for many who didnt get into UVA or WM. Has a very good football and basketball team.</p>

<p>JMU- Soid mid-sze state university. Pretty average. About the same size as UVA. Tons of people from NoVa. Is less well known than tech. Has a lot of required courses.</p>

<p>GMU- The commuter school. Tons of people from NoVa. Is very diverse but campus life is dead b/c everybody commutes. It’s the safety for students in NoVa. It has a good reputation in economics and IT. Relatively new school. Is slowly getting better thanks to the increased interest after the final four appearance.</p>

<p>VCU- Artsy school with a good premed program. Considered to be in a bad area of Richmond. It’s expanding rapidly.</p>

374

<p>UCF is not nearly as comprehensive as Florida State.</p>

375

<p>Eastern Washington U: A monkey could get in</p>

<p>Central: Ditto</p>

<p>Western: Better than the previous two, beautiful campus, still not very selective</p>

<p>UW: HUGE, overwhelming campus, Seattle, “smart” kids from my high school go there</p>

<p>Gonzaga: Medium size city, full of white kids, Catholic, somewhat expensive, good school</p>

<p>Evergreen: Almost nobody from my high school ever goes there, “hippie” school, “good school”</p>

<p>Whitman: The best school in Washington state</p>

376

<p>Louisiana.</p>

<p>LSU- Choice # 1 if you can get tops (and don’t want to leave the state), party school
ULL, UL-Monroe- if you can’t get into LSU
Tulane- rich kids from Long Island, good school in general
Loyola- one step below Tulane
UNO- University of No Opportunity (speaks for itself)</p>

377

<p>

</p>

<p>This kind of stupidity is almost frightening.</p>

378

<p>There is no UC Berkeley, It’s Cal State Berkeley.</p>

379

<p>^^ lol
</p>

380

<p>Norcal or Bust must be joking
</p>

<p>I was just looking at the school website for “Cal State Berkeley”.</p>

<p>Some crazy person has mislabeled it as the “UC Berkeley Homepage”!!!</p>

<p><a href=“http://www.berkeley.edu/[/url]”>http://www.berkeley.edu/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;