<p>@WP- Thanks a ton 
! I would specifically like to know about life on campus. I’ve gone through websites like “<a href=“http://www.studentreview.com”>www.studentreview.com</a>”, and they happen to have some atrociously negative reviews there regarding the atmosphere at DU. I certainly don’t buy all I hear, but some of the comments have raised genuine concern. As a young girl who has never been away from her family, I do have some obvious fears about living alone in a foreign country. As a person, I may seem a little shy or demure (though very friendly) initially, but when I become comfortable with the people around and the environment, I can be quite crazy n fun. Also, I don’t drink, smoke or take drugs (one of the reviews on “studentreview” actually stated that students cannot survive at DU if we don’t booze, etc).</p>
<p>I hope you don’t feel that I am a timid geek that doesn’t have a life. I’m certainly willing to adjust and enjoy myself to the fullest, but I just can’t and won’t go beyond the limit I’ve set for myself. At the same time, I do not want to be the odd one out and end up with no friends at all.</p>
<p>@ Esquette- Thanks :D! Yes, the previous threads were very informative!</p>
<p>@spaceforager- Thank you :D! Yes, DU did meet my full demonstrated need.</p>
<p>@WP- The other schools I’m considering are as follows-</p>
<p>I think I have a fairly good shot at- Conn. Coll., Bard, F&M and MHC (though I guess I wouldn’t want to attend this one).</p>
<p>I am not sure about- Occidental, Smith and Hamilton.</p>
<p>I am pretty sure I wont be accepted to (keeping in mind the fact that I performed miserably on the SAT- it was a terrible test day! )- Vanderbilt, Middlebury, Reed, USC and Brandeis.</p>
<p>Correction- The website I mentioned is "<a href=“http://www..com">www..com</a>” not “<a href=“http://www.studentreview.com”>www.studentreview.com</a>”.</p>
<p>Desert.Mirage…just a few random, rambling thoughts …
- There is drinking and some drug activity there. However, I’m told that while some abuse the former, and a few birds the latter, neither is a requirement of matriculation. So that will be essentially YOUR decision and a distinct function of who you choose to run with. I and others have offered perspective about the drinking issue and how it has dramatically changed over the past 30+ years, mostly, I speculate, for the better. In any case, I’ve the distinct impression that none are deemed outcasts if they choose a diet pepsi vs. a budweiser @ the party. And there are ample of those, as I understand, both on and off campus. Ours tells us, in the latter instances, transportation is provided in mass and sober form. So …should you desire to be either a tea-totaler, social drinker, or candidate for AA, seems you’ll find company at DU, most probably in the middle set. But that’s purely speculative.</p>
<ol>
<li>I have perused DU’s safety/crime issues (not recently, I admit) AND I’ve visited w/ several of the campus safety officers. In my opinion, it seems like an exceptionally safe place, especially in light of its generally “open” lifestyle, meaning kids seem to be very trusting, open, doors often left unlocked, etc. You can check this info out though, as it’s required public knowledge of how many and what types of violations and infractions.</li>
</ol>
<p>Much of this is dictated by the nature and location of the beast. An upscale, post-card picture perfect community with a campus somewhat less than accessible on top the hill where EVERYONE is required to live there AND thus by quadrangles, cafeterias, classes, Greek entities, and other ECs …strange faces are generally recognized as just that.</p>
<p>So …it’s not Middlebury VT in its isolated state by any stretch, but neither is it Temple in awful uptown Philadelphia.</p>
<ol>
<li>You’ve got some great schools, many much better “known” than DU, some more selective, none better all-around value and institution. Each has its ups and downs, you’ll find. Several, btw, much more extreme in light of your expressed concerns. </li>
</ol>
<p>Again, congrats and best wishes for your coming seasons.</p>
<p>@Desert.Mirage …what are your stats? I’m an international applicant too</p>
<p>@ spaceforager- I’ve sent you a PM.</p>
<p>@WP- Thank you soooooooo much for your gems of advice ! Can I contact you when I have shortlisted 3-5 schools, so you can help me choose the right one?</p>
<p>I also applied for RD at Denison, but I havent heard back yet!!! Anyone know why that may be?? I really want to hear back! its killing me!</p>
<p>I’d not hesitate to call on Monday, ask about your status. Seems unusual.</p>
<p>@WP- I’m not being able to send you a PM as your inbox is full.</p>