<p>Hey everyone, I've recently become very interested in Davidson, but I'm not very far along in the college search process and would really appreciate some insight, especially from those who have visited/attended. My main questions are:</p>
<ol>
<li>How is the physics program at Davidson? I am not totally set on physics as a major but I will definitely be doing something in the sciences and want to know if I would be shortchanging myself by not going to a big research university. </li>
<li>What is the social scene like/how prominent are frats? I do want to go to a "party school" to some extent but of course a balance is always best in my opinion. </li>
<li>Can any generalizations be made about the student body or is it pretty diverse (in terms of interests/personality)?</li>
<li>How is Davidson as a college town? What are the main attractions/things to do?</li>
<li>What's the weather like in the area? (I cannot frickin stand long periods of extreme cold)</li>
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<p>1° Sciences are excellent. I don’t have specifics on physics though. Professors are hired for their willingness to include undergrads in their research so you should have plenty of opportunities.
2° it’s balanced - not crazy but definitely not dry either…FRaternities do not accept pledges during the first semester, although the process starts roughly during the 3rd week (until which time you are not allowed in any fraternity house) This allows you to get used to college. Note that there are Eating Clubs, too, and that basically all events are open to all, so that you don’t need to be part of a fraternity to have a good social life.
5° definitely not “extreme cold”!!! … Of course, it depends what your basis for comparison is… What state are you from?</p>
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<li><p>Seemed pretty diverse.</p></li>
<li><p>It’s not a college town. It’s a very pretty area, but it’s not a college town. It’s a pretty spread-out area, with things to do within driving distance. </p></li>
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<p>This isn’t especially a Parent Forum question, you may do better to browse the Davidson forum and see if your questions are addressed, then post over there. It’s not super busy but some of the existing and old thread address your questions, there’s even a Physics thread going.</p>
<p>Also a few LAC come to mind that have special programs in Physics. I’m sure there are others. One is Weslayan, they have a small grad program even though they are called an LAC. They have won two major undergraduate research awards in recent years, competing in the University category. Another is Reed a very strong college and the students there run a nuclear reactor. Another is Lawrence University in Wisconsin, which has special physics programming including an internship program with former graduates.</p>
<p>I know you made a thread worried about physics major and not wanting to do a PhD, I posted to it. But if you are looking to strong programs the lists of colleges that produce the most students that go on to get a PhD is interesting because it shows those students were well prepared. This info is collected by the NSF and the last survey showed:</p>