Seattle University v. Puget Sound?

College Search & Selection
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<p>So initially Puget Sound was my top choice, but I got waitlisted there. I put my deposit down at Seattle U, but a few days ago I got accepted to Puget Sound off of the waitlist. The problem now is that I can't decide...both of them seem great to me, and the pros and cons of each seem to balance out almost identically. I'd say that I'm leaning slightly towards UPS, but only just slightly. A few facts that might help:</p>

<p>-I am planning on majoring in computer science
-I am not religious
-both gave me about the same financial aid
-I'm cool with either city life or a more rural setting...it doesn't matter to me.
-I don't like rules. That doesn't mean I plan on breaking rules if they're in place, I don't do drugs, drink, or party. I just want to be treated like an adult.
-the absolute most important thing to me is that the people I go to school with are open minded, friendly, and down to earth. Just based off of observation, Puget Sound seems to win here. </p>

<p>So, opinions?</p>

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<p>I don’t know either first hand. I do see that UPS shows a 25/75 ave. SAT of 1240, vs. 1160 for Seattle. I also see a higher % of classes have 10-19 and 20-29 students at UPS compared to Seattle. UPS wins in both those quantitative measures.</p>

<p>Seattle has about 3x as many students; however about 40% of them graduate students, so the undergrad population is only about 50% larger.</p>

<p>Tacoma as I recall is a nicer area than Seattle, but I haven’t visited either campus… have you? Which campus gives you a better feeling?</p>

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<p>“Tacoma as I recall is a nicer area than Seattle…”</p>

<p>This comment definitely falls under the ‘stranger than fiction’ category’ cause it taint true.</p>

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<p>I’m looking at these two also, so I bump this thread!</p>

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<p>The BIGGEST rap on UPS, and its a very good school with a fine reputation, is its in Tacoma. Tacoma is the red haired step child of Washington State. Its NOT Seattle. Not even close. If you like the big city and a phenomenal world class city, then Seattle is the place.</p>

<p>Seattle University will treat you like an adult. Many students live on campus but MOST live off campus on Capitol Hill in rented apartments or homes. Its within walking distance down the hill…actually several hills…lol…to the downtown district or waterfront or baseball/football stadiums. AWESOME restaurants in Seattle. </p>

<p>Its an amazing town.</p>

<p>Seattle University is a Jesuit School…but think less of the religious aspect and more towards the philosophical powerhouse they bring. It will make you think in ways that you otherwise would not think…even for computer science and that is a good thing. Bill Gates has funded some programs at Seattle University. </p>

<p>Seattle University bought UPS law school 20 years ago and moved it to Seattle, on campus. Its a very pretty campus, though somewhat smallish…in the middle of town. Seattle University returned to Division 1A basketball and that is very good news…they were at one time a national powerhouse. Final Four in late 50’s.</p>

<p>Puget Sound is a great school and ranked slightly higher. Its less of an urban campus and a tad more yuppy. But Seattle University is doing very, very well and is well financed and enjoys a very good reputation with strong ties to major employers in the city, including Boeing Computer Services, Microsoft, Amazon, etc.</p>

<p>Seattle University has had a strong engineering program for years as well.</p>

<p>You decide. But you see where I favor…</p>

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<p>The sister of my best friend attends Seattle U and absolutely loves it. She has gotten the oppurtunity to study abroad in South Africa and if thats not proof your treated as an adult I’m not sure what is seeing as SA is very dangerous. She is not religious but has found the Jesuits to be very interesting and spiritual. SU seems like a great school but so does Puget. However, there are alot of awesome oppurutnities in Seattle that you may not have in Tacoma.</p>

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<p>I did visit both campuses, and honestly didn’t have a huge problem with Tacoma. Sure, Seattle has a great vibe, but it’s only 30-45 minutes by bus, and the fare is only 3 bucks. I have heard that the dorms are SU are really strict. Does anybody know about that?</p>

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<p>Most colleges have strict rules…but its up to the RA’s to enforce them. There is no open cohabitating if that is what you think. I think you are over thinking that part of it. </p>

<p>Let me put it this way, Tacoma and Seattle are not the same and they really don’t intermingle. Tacoma isnt that bad and their downtown has been revitalized somewhat…but its distinctly more blue collar and not nearly as trendy and world class. Yes, you can ride the bus up to Seattle, and some do…but not many. </p>

<p>UPS has a more classic campus feel to it and its more insular and upper middle class yuppy. Seattle U is a pretty campus, just smaller and its definitely in the middle of the city and thus more urban. But the urban aspect is also its drawing point. Kids at Seattle U aren’t stuck in dorms looking for things to do. Not that kids at UPS are either, because the outdoors is always there and Tacoma is closer to Mt. Rainier than Seattle obviously. Or cross the Tacoma Narrows onto the Olympic Peninsula. </p>

<p>Its somewhat subjective, frankly. And we are not you. </p>

<p>I value a Jesuit education highly. I like the offerings of Seattle, concerts, pro sports events, the fabulous restaurants, the wonderful ferries across the Sound to Bremerton and Bainbridge Island, the savior faire…music scene, theatres, art museums etc of Seattle. </p>

<p>But you have to do what you want to do and what you really want in a school experience. DON"T BE MISLEAD BY SILLY RANKINGS. Kids often do that, because they personalize it as if somehow they are better people attending a slightly better ranking school. Its what you put into a college that matters, not what USNWR says.</p>

<p>I can assure you the faculty at Seattle U are fabulous and very approachable, personable and caring. Seattle U has some awesome overseas study programs some of which are very unique…and convenient…taking the professor and class with you, so matriculation is NOT a problem and you get every credit the same as if you were on campus. Its a very, very good school with a wonderful reputation among EMPLOYERS. Jobs, internships, etc are huge. </p>

<p>But you can’t go wrong at either school academically. Its the overall experience I am emphasizing. To me, Seattle trumps Tacoma.</p>

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<p>ghostbuster are you an SU alum/student?</p>