<p>Can any of you guys tell me more about this college? It's a nationally ranked LAC but I've never heard of it before (and I live in Virginia). Is it known in other areas and is it respected? How are the academics in this school? For a political science or international affairs major? And how's the social scene, I've read that the people are stuck up and judgmental towards minorities?</p>
<p>Anything about this college would help!</p>
<p>I know a little bit about the school but not much. Everything I know is from pamphlets and stuff from their track coach so I’m sure it’s all biased. However, I drove by the campus on a visit to Tech and the campus is very, very pretty and from pictures I could tell the athletic facilities are really nice as well. </p>
<p>You’ll definitely get a very personalized education there and I remember reading how one of their international affairs majors got a job in the state dept (or some other govt job). Us News ranks them the “#1 up-and-coming liberal arts school” in the nation, but it seems like the people that go to Roanoke go cuz A.) they LOVE the school B.) they’re athletes and wanted to continue to compete at a high level or C.) they didn’t get into JMU or Tech. The academics are pretty good but it’s a small unknown school so that could be difficult. </p>
<p>Yes that’s what I thought. It seems like a really good school but I’m afraid that because it’s so unknown that it would be hard applying and getting accepted to grad schools. Thank you for your response! I didn’t know it was the #1 up and coming school, that’s definitely interesting! </p>
<p>I live in Roanoke and know some top-notch kids who have gone to Roanoke and have gotten into extremely good grad schools. I don’t know the poli sci program. I’d contact the department and ask for results on where their grads have gone. </p>
<p>That sounds like a good idea. I read somewhere that Roanoke has a good relationship with uva and uva is definitely a good grad school. thank you for your reply, mamaduck!</p>
<p>You’re welcome! Have you already checked out these links?
<a href=“https://roanoke.edu/Academics/Academic_Departments/Public_Affairs/Jobs_and_Grad_School.htm”>https://roanoke.edu/Academics/Academic_Departments/Public_Affairs/Jobs_and_Grad_School.htm</a>
<a href=“https://roanoke.edu/Academics/Academic_Departments/Public_Affairs/Washington_Semester_Program.htm”>https://roanoke.edu/Academics/Academic_Departments/Public_Affairs/Washington_Semester_Program.htm</a></p>
<p>Oh wow that’s pretty impressive coming from a small school, the careers especially!
I have another question, not sure if you know much about this, but the greek life seems to be very strong on campus. Would it be bad if someone wasn’t part of a sorority/frat?</p>
<p>It’s certainly a presence when I’m on campus for events (which is several times a year), but I don’t think you’d feel out of place at all if you aren’t in it. According to the Greek life page on the website:</p>
<p>The Fraternity and Sorority Community has much to offer men and women at Roanoke College. The 4 sororities currently consist of 227 women who are members. The 5 men’s fraternities currently have 182 total members.
<a href=“http://roanoke.edu/Student_Life/Clubs_and_Organizations/Greek_Life/Why_Join.htm”>http://roanoke.edu/Student_Life/Clubs_and_Organizations/Greek_Life/Why_Join.htm</a></p>
<p>So, maybe 20-25% Greek …</p>
<p>Here’s a little about the school from college board
<a href=“BigFuture College Search”>BigFuture College Search;
<p>39LA97, My son is graduating from Roanoke next Saturday, and what a journey it has been! When we first were applying to colleges his Senior year, we probably ranked RC as #12 out of 12. We only applied because it was a free application. As the year progressed and he had conversations with his admissions officer, it kept moving up in our decisions. Joining the facebook group also helped. He loved the school even more when he attended the Scholarship competition (which they awarded him a very nice scholarship). It finally came down to RC and Washington & Lee. He has never regretted his decision. It truly was the best school for him. Now that he is graduating, he has a Graduate Assistantship at Louisiana State University (so basically, LSU is paying him to attend there for his Master’s). (He also got into Bucknell, Wake Forest, U of Redlands, U of Richmond, and Lynchburg College).</p>
<p>Thank you so much to all who responded! After much research (and your responses of course) I’ve decided to add the college to my list and will most likely apply next year. Thank you all for your input it has really been helpful!</p>
<p>that’s great! One thing to keep in mind is that you can apply very early in the school year. My daughter applied in September and had her acceptance within a few weeks. It’s always nice to have one “for sure”!</p>
<p>I think I will definitely apply that early. Do you remember what her GPA/sat scores were? And you, 4ChicksMom?</p>
<p>My D is going to Roanoke in the fall. She looked at and applied to 6 schools and Roanoke was not even on her orginal list. After doing some research (here on CC), I suggested that she check out Roanoke. She went on their website and really liked what she saw. She decided to apply to Roanoke as well (ED). We live about 4 hours away so the drive is not that far for us. Our first visit was in early December 2013 and I must say her admissions rep went way beyond what any rep has done in all the schools to which she considered and applied. She set up our tour and made us feel like Roanoke was home. Anyway, my D was also invited back to the scholars competition in February and she was awarded a Dreher’s Scholarship. We were very happy with that since she’s a B+ student and her ACT is 25. But she knows, and we know as well, that Roanoke is the place for her. </p>
<p>I was very impressed by the students as well as the organization of the administration. We (as parents) sat in on a student panel and the students were well spoken and know what they want to do with their careers. One girl said that she was accepted into Cornell’s Veterinary school, which I thought was quite impressive. We also like the May term that is required at Roanoke…great opportunity for students to pursue a specialized interest.</p>
<p>We didn’t get the feeling that greek life was really big on campus, but my D plans to at least pursue that during the second semester to see if it’s for her.</p>
<p>Anyway, Roanoke may or may not be the school for you, but I would suggest a visit if it’s possible just to get a feel for the campus. </p>
<p>Best of luck in your college search!!!</p>
<p>@39LA97–It’s hard to remember after 4 years, but weighted GPA was above a 4.0 and SAT was around 2000. Greek Life was never an interest for my son and he never felt it was a big deal (unlike Washington & Lee where 80+% are Greek). I highly recommend looking into the Pre-Orientation programs for incoming freshman that take place about 5 days before orientation begins. My son did the Outdoor Adventures program, gained lifelong friends before orientation even began, found his passion, got a job leading adventures, and this year ran the entire program! Now he has a Graduate Assistantship running LSU’s program and is planning on getting his Master’s in Higher education and eventually work on college campuses overseeing their programs!</p>