<p>I've been accepted to both PC and Stonehill but am having difficulty deciding. I'm a conservative Catholic and a non-partyer, non-drinker. How do the 2 schools compare and stack up when it comes to their Catyholic identity and student partying/drinking?</p>
<p>Congratulations! Both colleges are wonderful schools and both will give you great opportunities to grow spiritually, academically and socially. My daughter is a freshman at Providence and she loves it there. She also really loved Stonehill last year and was torn like you when she had to make a decision. My son is faced with making the same decision as you this year. My husband and I were so impressed with both schools.</p>
<p>You seem to know who you are in terms of your faith and your social preferences and that is a very good thing. </p>
<p>Both schools have strong campus ministry opportunities so I suggest that you check out their respective web-sites to see the hands-on service opportunities they offer. Both schools really do what they can to keep kids safe, but be realistic and know that there are definitely parties on campus. When you fill in your roommate form, be clear. Explain your likes, dislikes and complete intolerance of substance abuse. There are other students like you. Thank goodness. Both schools will pair you with a like-minded student. </p>
<p>I suggest that you visit the early action invited days at Stonehill on 2/13 and at Providence on 2/14 and that you really use those opportunities to talk to the students, to the professors, to the administrators to make an informed choice. Good luck. It is nice to be able to make a choice in this highly competitive environment.</p>
<p>From The Princeton Review:</p>
<p>Providence College</p>
<p>Academics:
"Providence College, “a solid, respectable school with a reputation for having fun,” appeals both to those who seek an “intense curriculum” (“especially the Development of Western Civilization course” that can be “stressful and time-consuming” though “It offers a great liberal arts background”) and to those who simply want “challenging classes” in an atmosphere that balances “academic and personal growth with an incredibly fun social scene.” The centerpiece of the PC experience is “the four-semester Civ program, through which the school truly molds the mind with classical training and gives us a basic understanding of how our civilization came to be where it is today.” While some students dismiss the sequence as “unnecessary to our success in the future,” others appreciate the forced immersion in philosophy, history, art, and theology, noting “I am happy that I am forced to take Civ because I would not have enrolled into any other courses that deal with the topics introduced in Civ.” PC academics are “demanding,” but “The school has great support systems for academics” “even outside the classroom stuff. The library has lots of different resources and there’s always someone around to help.” Undergrads also appreciate how “Being in a smaller school, there are more opportunities to excel in one’s chosen field, whether it’s getting an internship in a biology lab, writing for the newspaper, or starring in a theatrical production.”</p>
<p>Student Body:
"Though Providence students “are not the most diverse group,” “The administration is really emphasizing our need for people who are different” from what some perceive to be the usual “cookie-cutter” student. That said, students report, by and large, that they are “all comfortable with one another and it is easy to fit in,” noting a “strong sense of community.” The typical student here “is a White, upper-middle class kid who went to a private/Catholic prep school in New England” and “looks as though he stepped of the pages of the Hollister/Abercrombie catalogue.” Students who do not fit the mold “seem to form their own peer groups for the most part. Interaction between atypical and typical students is not a problem.” One student says that “Everyone is working together to try to come up with ways to make our student population more diverse, both ethnically and economically.” Most here are “friendly and hardworking and are very involved in various organizations, from Student Government to intramural sports to the Board of Multicultural Student"</p>
<p>Campus Life:
"Social life at Providence College “revolves around the off-campus bars and the off-campus houses. While there are other activities to participate in, the main focus is drinking.” One undergrad reports, “Kids work hard from Sunday night to Thursday afternoon; then the weekend starts, and everyone hits the bars.” However, it would be remiss to assume students here do nothing but study and drink—on the contrary, there is “a huge focus on extracurriculars,” so much so that students always try to “balance and manage” their time between “schoolwork and a social life.” Intercollegiate athletics “are extremely popular (all the hockey games are packed) and bring a great atmosphere to the campus,” and intramurals “are lots of fun. There’s even a noncompetitive division for students who only want to have fun.” Community service “is also really popular. Students are always busy donating their time to different groups.” Downtown Providence has a lot more to offer than bars; it has “a great music scene, theater, and lots of art venues. The restaurants are good too.” Students can access the city easily as “public transportation is free for us. It’s only 5 minutes to downtown, and the bus runs right through campus.”"</p>
<p>Stonehill College:</p>
<p>Academics:
"“Stonehill is a small liberal arts college” “focused on educating the mind and soul” in the Roman Catholic tradition. “With a great small, interactive classroom experience” and “amazing” professors who “will help you no matter what,” the academic experience here is distinctly “personal.” “You won't be lost in the crowd at Stonehill. Professors know who you are and want to help you succeed.” (Dare we say they will also notice when you are absent and may call you to find out why?) But that does not mean professors don’t expect students to work hard. To the contrary, they “challenge you to question. Question your readings, your professors, yourself.” The whole point is to teach you “how to be a critical thinker and to look more in depth on ideas and topics.” Faculty and administrators are extremely accessible; “many give students not only their school e-mail addresses, but their cell phone or home phone numbers as well as their AIM screen names if they have them!” Students also appreciate the learning opportunities off-campus. “Stonehill has an amazing focus on internships and studying abroad, and is known for having connections in the working world. The internships and opportunities given to students are pretty unique.”</p>
<p>Student Body:
"“Stonehill is a pretty homogeneous place.” Most students are “Caucasian and from middle class families in New England.” They tend to be “preppy” and “love to party on the weekends.” However, they “also know how to crack down during the week and excel in class.” “The typical student at Stonehill is kind, considerate, friendly and smart. Here at Stonehill we hold doors, sometimes for an akwardly long time,” “but the friendly population makes everyone feel welcome.” “There are some minorities, but the one thing that does not deviate from this mold is the expected college ‘look.’”</p>
<p>Campus Life:
"“Being in the middle of Boston and Providence as well as having over 80 clubs and organizations on campus that are made to do two events a semester, there is always something to do” at Stonehill. “During the week, most people are considerate and allow you to get work done.” “We have quiet hours at 10 p.m. on the weekday and 1 A.M. on the weekends.” But on the weekends, students cut loose. “For fun, people head into Boston a lot; the school has a shuttle to take us to the metro T station so it’s very accessible if you don't have a car to take you in.” On campus, “Each night of the week there are different events sponsored by different groups on-campus or by Student Activities. Some of the more widely attended events include our mixers (dances) which are held at various points throughout the year.” “If you’re looking for the frat/sorority party school, this isn't the place for you. It’s much more laid-back, with drinking in the dorm rooms or in the 21-plus common rooms.” And it should be noted that alcohol is taken seriously here; many call the school’s alcohol policy “way too strict,” though it’s possible to “learn the ways around it.” The dorms here “are beautiful and you get to choose your housing based on a point system. You get points for being active in the school (sports, clubs, attending lectures, etc.) so the more you participate the better housing you get. You can lose points for misbehavior, so the best housing goes to the best students, which is a huge plus!”</p>
<p>My church is affiliated with Providence being Domincian and we are going to visit in the next month or two. I know a Junior there and although drinking goes on, there are quite a few students who get involved with other things. Being Catholic, you wouldn't find any trouble with groups that were religious and finding other volunteer and club opportunities. They have cracked down a lot the last year or so and I'm glad. I suggested a sub-free dorm but for now they cluster the students together that have similar views.
Stonehill is a good school, my son's prinicipal went there, but I was told very athletic and also quite a few students drink. It was also presented to him 3 years ago as a prep-type school, but I wouldn't have first hand knowledge. I think Providence will have more diversity in the next few years, they are actively trying and are one of the few SAT optional schools that offer merit aid to students who don't submit.
The "point system" turned him off at Marist as Stonehill and seemed to be more "high school-ish" but that is debatable and just one person's opinion.
Stonehill used to be under the Baccalaureate Universities in US News and was always No.1, but this year it seems to be switched to National Univ and 114.
I think they are both solid, good universities. Can you visit them? I know the Dominican presence at Providence is great and even non-Catholics like them and you have many masses and support from them if needed.</p>
<p>They are roughly comparable. Providence has division 1 basketball wherease Stonehill is division 2. Stonehill is in a small town whereas Providence is in a decent city with more to do. I would give a slight edge to Providence.</p>
<p>Have you visited both? I know people at both Stonehill and Providence, plenty of drinking at both of them, though I heard there was more at Providence than at Stonehill? Friends also say who go to one and have visited friends at the other that Stonehill students are a lot nicer than PC students in general, apparently there's a lot of holding the door open at Stonehill. For a very long time, lol. You'll find religious groups at either school. Lots of volunteer opportunities at Stonehill, don't know about PC.</p>
<p>Lots of kids from my HS go to both schools. PC has more of a party reputation than Stonehill, but that's not to say it's a major party school. Most kids go out to clubs and bars and will need a fake ID to go out. Stonehill has a bit more of a suitcase-school reputation than Providence. I think Providence is a little more highly regarded than Stonehill, but the latter supposedly has a very good business program.</p>
<p>Providence definately.</p>
<p>Angel2, you seemed to have joined CC recently, and posted three very negative comments about Stonehill in different threads on your very first day. I assume that you or someone close to you has had a bad experience. Given the strength of your sentiment, why don’t you provide more detail? </p>
<p>Also: I believe you meant “definitely,” no worries.</p>