<p>newken1 - still an amazing coincidence. Remember how I mentioned we visited the 3 schools you are considering, but how I mentioned that I also visited a forth - well that was U of Tampa -- as a safety. Funny to also see that on your list.</p>
<p>Yeah - good to see an active CofC thread going !</p>
<p>My D just finished her Jr year and has her heart set on CofC. We are from VA and have amazing schools here, but she's itching to get away & spread her wings. JMU (for those posters) has an excellent reputation, "cool" kids (so I hear) and everyone my daughter knows who goes there loves it.</p>
<p>We went to Charleston for spring break, and stayed 3 days.</p>
<p>The retention rate at CofC was discussed somewhere else - and what I picked up is that maybe it's a draw for SC students from the outset, but then they want to move on after a few years, thus the retention drop. We met a girl we know who goes there - second year student. She told us for the kids who stay there's an obsession about CofC, and they'll tell you that. Our tour guide was, for the Jewish posters, a nice Jewish girl from ?? She was obsessed with the school.... she was a fun, energetic, business/marketing major.</p>
<p>Some kids need that Greek life, football on the weekends, etc. If your kid needs that, they'll hate CofC. My daughter grew up at Sunday college games in our town so it's not that important to her. She loved that it wasn't heavily Greek, or heavily preppy. Kids ride around on beat up rusty bikes to class & the bike racks are jam packed. I loved that. There are kids everywhere - on every street, every sidewalk, every cafe. It's a youthful town! So, we loved that the city is right in the school's backyard. Some people won't, but we did. It feels like a quaint, small town, not like a city in any way. That works for us, but it's not everyone's cup of tea. </p>
<p>As for the college, we were impressed with the new buildings going up & obvious $$ going in. My daughter liked that she could change up her major and not get locked into anything. All the programs seemed interesting and progressive. We were allowed in the new dorm & it was really nice -- a suite set up. I haven't seen a lot of college dorms but I kept hearing how fantastic it was.</p>
<p>My daughter couldn't find anything not to like. She kept saying, "I feel so relaxed". Maybe that's not ok with some, but for me, it meant she felt at home and not pressured the way life can sure feel for these kids. It was a "fit" for her. (now she's just gotta get in!!)</p>
<p>My D is thinking about playing with the softball team.... they may not have football but they are serious about all the sports they do have. Patriots Point is a beautiful complex a short drive from campus. A new basketball arena is going up next to campus, and basketball is apparently the pride of the school. And, how many other schools can brag of a DI surfing team?</p>
<p>All for now, hope that helped some! good luck :-)</p>
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<p>hannie 27--thank you so much for your "take" on CofC. that was very encouraging. may i ask what other schools your D is considering?</p>
<p>I know this is not a great idea, but she really only has her heart set on C of C. I think we'd encourage her to stay in VA otherwise. Possibly UNC - Wilmington, but really, it's all CofC for her. Like one mom said to me, it's like a kid picking their halloween costume too early.... you don't want them to get tired of it before it's the real thing. Will keep you posted if it changes at all!</p>
<p>We will soon have 2 kids at CofC! My S has been there 2 years and is on an athletic team. My D will be attending in the fall. She has decided to defer a BFA Acting in a NE school for a year ( due to family illness, etc.). We have been thrilled with the education my s is receiving. We live in Athens Georgia, home of UGA, so the college town life is familiar to my kids. My S does miss the football but being on the golf team takes up his time anyway. He has managed to come home for a couple UGA games each year, and even gone to a USC football game. He likes the fraternities....thought about it but again, golf takes up a lot of time. </p>
<p>Recently they have poured millions of dollars into upgrading the campus. New freshman dorm, new Performing Arts building that is going to be fabulous, and a brand new gymnasium for the very popular Cougars Basketball.
Sororities and fraternities are fairly big, yet somewhat more laid back than at the major Southern schools. The kids not interested in Greek life have many other organizations to be a part of and get involved. For other fun, Folly Beach is the "college kid" beach and 20 minute car ride. Patriots Point is nearer and the baseball/softball/tennis and soccer teams are very popular. The equestrian team is nationally ranked, and the Sailing Team is always one of the best. There are tons of activities and opportunities for the students interested in art and music.
Shopping is Heaven in Charleston. King Street is lined with the best shops and offers lots of potential employment to the interested student! Night life...well its obviously very popular but the kids are walking everywhere and the "freshman bar" is located conveniently close to the freshman dorms. Especially the girls dorm where my d will be!! Great!
Academics is not a pushover there. The faculty is serious about the kids learning and growing, but most will work with the ones that need some extra help (ex. my s!) The Medical University of South Carolina is in Charleston and a very progressive medical school. We met several kids that were studying premed. The College....as it is called in Charleston....doesn't have a premed major but they just take all the Biology and science courses they can get to do well on the MCAT.
The size of the student body is smaller than a USC or UGA and we think that is a plus. My s has had no classes larger than 45 and that was only one. A lot of kids ride bikes to campus, he will walk on the days not having to go to the golf course. He lived in a dorm the first year but lived about a mile away this year. This fall will be in a better location only 3 blocks from the center of campus.</p>
<p>Comparing to Tulane? I know a lot of people in the South that say "Charleston is a great walking city like New Orleans...yet a clean one". We have friends at Tulane and it is a great school. </p>
<p>Positives: Good academics, diverse classes and interested faculty, size and friendliness of student body, location of campus in heart of city, Outstanding library, gorgeous buildings and parks near campus, beach, great shopping, Southern feel with a worldly atmosphere, weather (except in August, September), nearby Isle of Palms and Wild Dunes, fabulous restaurants, art and cultural attractions, sporting events, MUSC, wonderful churches and synagogues ( not that my son has found very many yet), cost for the education...did I say Beach?</p>
<p>Negatives- Hot/Humid in the summer and first 2 months of Fall (August/September), traffic can be difficult if having to drive everyday, off campus housing rentals are pricey and near run down neighborhoods, no football team, my son feels he has to study more than his UGA friends. He actually told me to write that and maybe it's true!</p>
<p>My D is in a 3 bedroom suite in the girls dorm this fall, her roommate is from Massachusetts, one suitemate is from Maine, and another from Missouri. More and more kids from outside the South are finding out about Charleston. It is a gem of a school, a real find. I feel blessed and honored that my S is there....the athletics got him in so the academics is hard. But he will have something when he graduates and it will be more than just knowing how to do a job. 4 levels of Foreign Language are required and study abroad is really encouraged. He has friends from all over the world, South Africa, Scotland, New York and even Tennessee! I think that makes up for the lack of a few home football games!</p>
<p>Feel free to pm with any questions and when you are visiting. My D visited many colleges in great cities, Boston, New York, Altanta, Chicago....she loved the feel of the city of Charleston and the feel on the campus. She said "Charleston is my dream school!" Let us know when you visit!</p>
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<p>One more thing...I agree with Hannie27 only I know lots of girls and guys there that are in Greek and football fans. They are very happy....travel together to nearby USC, UGA or Clemson for the big games. My S is a golfer and they have a brand new practice facility that is as fine as any in the country. It is a youthful city and the kids love to walk through the town.</p>
<p>poohie57, thanks for the info on College of Charleston.</p>
<p>Does the school have a very "Southern" feel to you?</p>
<p>We are from Massachusetts and I'm wondering how my daughter would find the Southern atmosphere -- interesting that your daughter's roommate is from Massachusetts, I know there is one graduate from my daughter's high school who will be going to CofC next year.</p>
<p>Wow...her roommates initials are HM. Charleston has a Southern feel because of the town itself. However, the feel on campus is not near as "southern" as you would feel at South Carolina, Clemson, UGA, Alabama or Auburn. The SEC schools are true Southern....in Every since of the word. Possibly due to the medical school or the progressive nature of the last 2 presidents but the College is much more "worldly " than some parts of the South. Lots of different kinds of kids feel comfortable at Charleston where most Southern schools generally attract one kind.</p>
<p>Hope this makes sense without judging. I have the traditional kids and I have one that is very different. He would feel comfortable at Charleston and loves the city.</p>
<p>My husband and daughter visited C of C over spring break and were really taken by it. They did not get a sense for why there is a somewhat low freshman retention rate. If anyone knows and can share a little, that would be great. We hear a lot of good things about the school, but could not get a good feel for why a slightly larger number than is normal do not return for sophomore year.</p>
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<p>I don't have an official survey but my guess (this is my 3rd to go to college!) is that this could be due to various reasons, such as homesickness, serious distractions in Charleston, lack of a football team, and more difficult academics than a state university. Comparing the academics to the state colleges in South Carolina and Georgia, I know it is more difficult. I have had coaches and faculty from different colleges tell me that. The College also requires 4 language classes....most state schools in the South only require 2-3. The liberal arts and humanities classes are taught from a Science perspective. My son, who is an athlete, has discovered that much more is expected of him than his peers at similar size Div. 1 state schools. It takes a lot of dedication and hard work to get the grades at College. Attendance is taken quite regularly in the classes. I read on their college website that the Honors College average student finished in the top 6% of their high school class. This number has gone from 10% to 6% in just a few short years.
With a beach nearby, seriously great shopping, obvious nightlife and temperate weather, it might be harder to be disciplined to study. The kids seem to stay around on weekends, even without football, and this leads to more socializing. Freshman can be immature and somewhat overconfident in their preparation for the college life!! Academic issues can come quickly and be difficult to overcome! Encourage a full academic senior year....it really does make a difference.</p>
<p>By the way, what is the freshman retention rate?</p>
<p>According to a couple of the Common Data Sets for recent years, it shows 82% for the most recent freshman class, and approx. 83% and 84% for less recent years.</p>
<p>The number is a little out of line with some other schools we are looking at. When husband and D spoke to students, they did say that it was more difficult than they thought it would be - I see this as a definite positive. This, combined with the issue of distractions and discipline could definitely contribute.</p>
<p>Thanks for you thoughts, poohie57.</p>
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<p>pumpkin65--we haven't visited yet..i was wondering if you could just share some thoughts about the facilities, student life, dorms any what you liked and disliked about the school. thanks</p>
<p>Husband and D visited, unfortunately, I was not there. On the tour, the dorms they were shown were new. One of our concerns had been having housing available all four years, which had apparently been an issue. It sounds as if there is enough housing now to accomodate those who need it. They thought the campus was very beautiful, and were pleased with the academic buildings they toured. They spoke to a few students (females) - they said academics were challenging, moreso than they expected. One had left College of Charleston and returned again, after going to a small LAC. The girls did say that they felt the imbalance of men and women on campus, which is 65/35 I think. </p>
<p>Husband and D thought Charleston was very beautiful, and looked like a great city to go to school in, if you are interested in an urban campus. </p>
<p>They left with a good impression overall. We are only curious about the freshman retention rate, as mentioned previously. I think poohie's theories hold water. I got the feeling the city was so beautiful and full of activity it was nearly intoxicating, which could be a tempation to some kids, and a distraction to studying. </p>
<p>Report back with your impressions if you go! We will return if our D ends up being serious about it.</p>
<p>pumpkin, thanks for all the great info. i will absolutely report to you after we visit. thanks!</p>
<p>Pumpkin - I'd have to respectfully disagree with you about a college such as C of C being located in a vibrant city having an adverse relationship on students studying and transfer rates. You could look at those schools in the middle of nowhere - you probably have an equal sense of unhappiness/frustration with little to do off campus.
Since I work in NYC, I don't think this should be a problem with students who go to NYU, Columbia, Baruch etc. My daughter is in Tulane (New Orleans) and like any other city, I think students find plenty of positive things to do to keep them stumulated (music, culture, food, volunteer work etc). We visited C of C 3 years ago, and felt the location was a big plus for its students. Getting an education outside the classroom may be as important as the one you get in it. Good luck.</p>
<p>I was only theorizing and agreeing with one of poohie's points. I have to agree with you about other colleges certainly having their share of distractions, and that factor not contributing to lower retention. </p>
<p>I will probably simply call admissions and ask. I will definitely share what I learn.</p>
<p>My D (OOS-MD) just finished her freshman year at CofC, and amazingly will be returning in august! Seriously, she loves the school, loves the Honors College, and loves the city. She does wish they had a football team to get the school spirit thing going a little more, but thats about it. I asked her if anyone she knows isn't going back, and she told me about three girls. Two of the three were transfering to their original "dream school" that wait listed them in the OOS numbers game at UVA and Chapel Hill. The third was a boyfriend transfer to Richmond (at 48k per-ouch). These kids aren't transferring to slouch schools. I wouldn't worry about the retention rate, and by the way D turned down Chapel Hill for CofC with no regrets.</p>
<p>I agree with the post regarding other colleges in large cities having the same distractions. These don't have to have an adverse affect on the kids at all! I think the city only adds to their educational experiences. They have many more distractions AND opportunities available in the city environment. Many kids volunteer through their clubs, organizations, and sororities. Some work part time jobs, others don't miss a sporting event. Cultural opportunites are abundant. I didn't mean distractions in a negative sense, just a lot going on that can take them away from the library! </p>
<p>Most kids that go to Charleston got in several colleges. I guess it's the Charleston Charm that hooked them!! </p>
<p>Turtle Phobic, I sent a pm wondering about the Honors College. My D was interested for later as she applied after May 1.</p>
<p>My S just finished his 1st year at CofC, and like TurtlePhobics D has greatly enjoyed it. He has stayed for the summer working on getting Core classes out of the way. I asked if he felt he fit and he didn't hesitate to say "yes". he had been accepted at 6 other colleges but felt CofC was the one. He's not so distrated by the town as the "elctronic culture" and the rowing team keeps him busy. All-in-all, I'm pleased at what thecollege has provided him with.</p>
<p>going to charleston to tour the college on Oct 17 and 18 with my D and her friend. could all of you informative CofC parents recommend some restaurants? casual but yummy lunch and dinner recommendations, please? thanks!</p>