<p>This thread title generated a nice discussion on another very silent college forum, so I thought I'd try it here. As a parent I saw a lot that I liked when we went to the fall visit day. The administration just seemed so on top of things the whole day. The departmental visits were very encouraging. Nice dorms, intriguing theme houses, interesting neighborhood with places to go within walking distance. We are all looking forward to hearing from them soon.</p>
<p>Thanks, digx2, for getting a thread started. I would also be interested to know what current/past students (or parents of current/past students) think. We visited in August and were impressed with the campus, especially the new science building, and with the admissions team. We didn’t get to talk to many current students, however. What do people think about the core curriculum? Are the requirements too extensive or just about right? Thanks.</p>
<p>I’m also wondering how students like University of Puget Sound. My son and I are visiting soon. Could someone suggest interesting neighborhoods to visit nearby?</p>
<p>If you visit UPS, be sure to take some time to visit the Glass Museum in Tacoma. It is very unique. Don’t miss the opportunity to see the live glass blowing.</p>
<p>And, if you are from out of state, a visit to the market in Seattle is a must!</p>
<p>Full disclosure: I haven’t set out on foot yet, but these are the areas that caught my eye:</p>
<p>[Tacoma</a> Business Directory](<a href=“http://www.on6thave.com/6thave-businessdir.html]Tacoma”>http://www.on6thave.com/6thave-businessdir.html)</p>
<p>[Proctor</a> Business District - Proctor Home Page](<a href=“http://www.proctorbusinessdistrict.com/]Proctor”>http://www.proctorbusinessdistrict.com/)</p>
<p>and with a car, check here:</p>
<p>[url=<a href="http://www.traveltacoma.com/static/index.cfm?contentID=233]Tacoma’s">http://www.traveltacoma.com/static/index.cfm?contentID=233]Tacoma’s</a> Museum District Transforms Downtown Into A Cultural Hub<a href=“downtown%20museums”>/url</a></p>
<p>[url=<a href=“http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g58775-d254536-Reviews-Point_Defiance_Park-Tacoma_Washington.html]Point”>http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g58775-d254536-Reviews-Point_Defiance_Park-Tacoma_Washington.html]Point</a> Defiance Park - Tacoma - Reviews of Point Defiance Park - TripAdvisor<a href=“I%20have%20been%20to%20the%20zoo.”>/url</a></p>
<p>And if you aren’t from the area, hop on the ferry at Pt. Defiance and go where ever it goes. That can be an adventure right there. Gig Harbor is right across the Narrows bridge; you can find a secluded beach to walk on and enjoy the view back toward Tacoma.</p>
<p>I’ve applied to UPS for fall 2010 admission, and it’s currently tied for the title of my top-choice school. I really like the idea of blending liberal arts with professional programs, the size is perfect, the students and professors are all very kind and passionate, the campus is beautiful, and I love the Tacoma area.</p>
<p>One of the reasons UPS was originally lower on my list was because I live about 20 minutes from campus, while the rest of the colleges I’m applying to are hours away from home. This was initially kinda “uncool” in my mind, but after visiting some of the other schools I’m looking at, I realize just how much I love the Puget Sound area and Washington State.</p>
<p>For the out-of-state applicants on here, trust me when I say, this is one of the best places you can spend your college years at. Tacoma is the 2nd largest city in Wa, with about 200,000 residents, which means there’s always a lot going on. The UPS campus is located in an older, more residential north end neighborhood of Tacoma, which a quick driving tour will show you, is a lovely neighborhood. Beautiful old houses, clean and safe neighborhoods, lots of restaurants and shops, and magnificent views of the Sound (which, yes, btw, looks beautiful all year round). UPS’ location is also prime when you consider the surrounding areas. Seattle is about a 30 minute drive north, and has all sorts of fun things to do (concerts, museums, shows, sports, skyscrapers, pike place market, space needle, beaches, ferries, huge green parks, trendy neighborhoods, etc.) Also, you’re within a day’s drive of the Pacific Ocean, Mt. Rainier and national parks, a rainforest (near Forks, Wa), and the dry, desert-climate Eastern Washington. From the Sound, to the mountains, to the cities, the Pacific Northwest is absolutely stunning.</p>
<p>I know I probably sound like an adcom from UPS or a travel agent or something, but I swear I’m not! I didn’t fully appreciate the beauty of my own surroundings until I saw other college campuses, and I now know that I would be perfectly happy at UPS. True, I’ll be close to family and high school people I don’t want to see, but the area makes up for that! I highly encourage anyone considering UPS to visit the area and really get a feel for the environment. Yes, it rains…but you don’t notice it much after a while. And when it’s sunny…it’s glorious. hahah</p>
<p>Thanks mjh2010! We live close to Lewis and Clark and my son has the same issues, loves the school, loves Portland, but doesn’t know if it’s TOO close. Right now it’s a tie with Puget Sound and L&C. He’ll make a decision when those financial aid numbers arrive.</p>