<p>My daughter has applied to Davidson, but we haven't visited yet because of the distance from our California home. For those of you who have visited and/or know Davidson students, what is the social life like? Is there enough to do on the weekends? Dances? Parties on campus? Also, are there students there from all over the country or mostly the South? Will it be a huge culture shock for a liberal Democrat from California? I know Davidson has great academics. But my daughter worked very hard in high school and wants to have a good social life as well as a good education in college. She is not the stereotypical So Cal girl -- no bleached blonde hair, no piercings, no $300 designer handbags. Just a down-to-earth girl who wants to have fun and maybe even a boyfriend!</p>
<p>Lots of parties, lots of cultural stuff going on at student union, moderate politics, not all that conservative but not as liberal as academia generally--certainly perfectly comfortable place for a liberal though. There is a lot of work but students seem able to budget time. There is considerable geographic diversity--I think the school Web site gives a breakdwon of geographical representation; keep in mind that "South" includes both South Florida and northern Virginia, as well as big cities like Atlanta, so it isn't monolithic/stereotypical in any case. About half the students are not from the South at all. (Student from New Jersey just elected SGA president, incidentally.) I think it is a relatively down to earth place--not many piercings, seemingly nice boys for girls to befriend. (And of course nice girls.)</p>
<p>My San Diego S will be a freshman at DC next fall. His HS usually sends at least 1 student from each of its 100 student graduating classes. They are unanimously enthusiastic about it - although they all say it is more academically challenging than they anticipated. This year they could send 2 or 3 depending on the outcome of RD. From what I can tell there's a good number of California kids who go to DC each year. In the 100 or so kids already in the DC of 2011 Facebook group there are 4 or 5 California kids and plenty others from Colorado, NE and Midwest. If you're serious I'd highly encourage you to make a trip to see the campus and get a sense of the place. We went in October after already having made a full EC swing in the spring and absolutely fell in love with it. My S decided that was the place for him beacuse he could see himself there [he's a pretty "normal" 18 year old boy - no piercings, no tats, smart kid but likes his fun, athletic, a well rounded nice guy]. We saw lots of kids just like him. I don't have the kind of on-the-ground knowledge you get from mattmom, but my sense is her assessment is right on-the-money. Good luck.</p>
<p>The Royal Shakespeare Theatre Company has come to Davidson College for the last few springs. They stay for a few weeks and do perfomances and workshops. Have never been to a performance but the reviews in the newspapers say they are marvelous.</p>
<p>A 5/2005 post on Students Review mentions a "God Squad" on campus; can anyone comment on this? I'm not even sure what it means. Thanks.</p>
<p>"God Squad" refers to the group of students that are evangelical christians who wear their religion on their sleeves(ie it is a very big aspect of their life). Every college has a group like this, it just varies in size. Davidson has its share of these students-perhaps less then Bob Jones University, perhaps more than Wesleyan, but they are just one of many groups of students and you will associate with the group that appeals to you. I am not religious and have found them not to be intrusive, however, they can be amusing.</p>
<p>Okay, thanks very much for the information.</p>
<p>davidson is VERY BORING socially, and i say that from the perspective of a student here. the fact that mom's and dad's are giving it good social reviews should tell you something. basically, if you like to drink, you have a vibrant social life. if not, then make your own friends. the interesting people here don't show it, you really have to go out of your way to find them. most people here are really content to be social wallpaper. the cultural diversity events don't really get too much support, probably because davidson has a very low level of diversity. Lots of southerners, but what do you expect. theres like one or two people from just about anywhere, but many many southerners. oh, and don't confuse politically "moderate" views with apathy, because to tell the truth, few people really care about politics and are willing to go to any lenghts to support their beliefs. there is a 'davidson bubble' syndrome, in which some ppl seem to become oblivious to life outside davidson.</p>
<p>WAIT.</p>
<p>don't let me talk you out of it, davidson also has AMAZING academics. if you tended to do what everyone else did socially in high school, and by everyone else you mean your middle-upper class white friends, i think you'll be fine. put your social life aside, someone is paying for your tuition, and you should make the most of it. its better to work hard for four years now then to party and do a little work, and regret it later. too many ppl burned themselves out getting into schools like davidson, and don't do anything when it really counts. DC's also a great place to come and really make an impact. teachers are AWESOME. they're actually good teachers, and not just knowledgable. there ARE interesting people, you just have to find them. and the black students are just as proportionally represented as everywhere else (i think), its just every other minority that is quite scarce. </p>
<p>we have pretty good sports too.</p>
<p>im just trying to say things that i wish i had known before coming here.</p>
<p>With any school, a small school especially, finding the right fit is important and not automatic. soemtiems it jsut isn't the right place for a given student. As a parent of two children who both attended or attend LACs, I realize that drinking does unfortunately play a role in social life, but even kids who drink do other things too, and not all kdis drink even when their friends do. I think it's also important to think about all the other things a school offers, including the serendipitous discovery of people you have a lot in common with in your classes or that you just end up meeting while doing other things. In the specific case of Davidson, which I woudl agree is not a highly political school (and to some people that is a good thing, not a bad one!) I also have to point out the opportunities that existed this year such as: attend the extraordinary Royal Shakespeare Company productions and accompanying programs; the great basketball season both the men and women had and the fun of being part of a cheering crowd at the games; the beautiful chamber music and other concerts presented by students in the music department; the communiy service opportunities available both through Patterson Court (yes, they do something other than drink!) and the school overall. And that is just part of it. That doesn't mean Davidson or any other school is the right place for everyone, but it is is inaccurate to say anyplace is boring, or to say that the only way to have fun and friends there is to drink.</p>
<p>it appears to be boring to introverted asian boys who hide in their rooms or library and then lament the fact that no one seeks them out. OHSIX is attempting to transfer to a place where, at least, there will be more guys just like him, and then they can hide out together. I wish him luck in his attempt, because there are such places.</p>
<p>It's good to have multiple points of view. I much prefer reading many different perspectives-both positive and negative-to get a better picture of the atmosphere at DC. Certainly the perspective of each poster is helpful, but personal derogatory comments may make it less likely that people will post their opinion and thus diminish the usefulness of the discussion.</p>
<p>I look forward to more information about life at DC as my dtr. has this school high on her list if she gets in.</p>
<p>im just trying to present a balanced view of davidson, its obviously not for everyone. as you can see, i said both positive and negative things. im just trying not to butter anything up, because someone is paying alot and theres really no reason to sell it to them.</p>
<p>ohsix; I thought your post was fair and honest. I was suggesting to hubbellgardner that (s)he could say that you were introverted or had a "quiet personality" or whatever without making it sound so negative and felt that his (her) comments were the ones that seemed personally negative. I welcome all comments/opinions, but if it gets personal then people may not be as willing to post their thoughts.</p>
<p>Personally I also disagree with Ohsix. I do not drink and I still feel I have a fine social life here, in fact one that some of my drinking friends comment that they wish they had. Davidson is work hard - play hard. If all you are going to do is work hard then you're not going to have a good social life. If you actively seek social activities then you will have a great social life. Plenty of people here don't drink and others still like to have fun when not drinking. My advice for someone not enjoying Davidson would be to get a hobby, join some clubs, play intramurals, do something in the arts (art, theater, music), go to sports events or other events / performances, do some community service, go on some Davison sponserd trips, go into Charlotte, join a religous discussion group or go to services, make use of Davidson's work out facilities, chill at the Union, prop your door open or work in your lounge, make a point of spending time with other people, but most of all don't live in the library! Admittedly the onus is on you to be active, but if you're not going to be active you're not going to have a social life anywhere. </p>
<p>I've gone through phases where I worked really hard here. I've come to realize that there is always going to be somebody who is working harder than you and who has a higher gpa than you. I've also realized that proffessors prepare you pretty well for their tests and that there is no need to stress about really small details. Take your academics seriously, but four years is a long time and it would be a shame to spend 4 years in the library with everything else going on on campus.</p>
<p>First of all, no more of this personal bashing. No school is right for everyone. And all these parents posting about their childrens' experiences need to step back and listen to people who have actually lived on the D campus. You don't know unless you're there. I attended Davidson for one year. Social reasons/diversity/extracurriculars....that's why I transferred...<br>
I see where Ohsix is coming from. If you aren't a big drinker, it most certainly feels like everyone is at Patterson Court (frats/eating houses) on the weekend and you are left in the dust. I was in an eating house during my time at D. Certainly wasn't my cup of tea even though I am a drinker. That said, many people are INCREDIBLE. Especially the men. Remember, Davidson is very small also... Dating scene gets incestuous and soap-opera-esque.....BEWARE!
Diversity is a major issue. I was heavily involved in a diversity council during my time. It isn't so much that the school doesn't have much diversity. It's how the administration looks at diversity (I know from personal conversations with deans). Administrators worry about numbers and statistics and how they are going to look to people that check out the school. I also knew a number of minorities who expressed their concern that some of the minorities at the school were very unhappy but were trapped at Davidson because of financial aid.
As for extracurriculars/outside contact...sure, Davidson has had the Royal Shakespeare company come (I was there the first time). But one visit isn't a reason to praise the outside world opportunities available there. Davidson is a bubble and Charlotte isn't as open/accessible as some make it seem. It is a city ideal for the 21+ crowd and even then, it's primarily a theater/banking district.<br>
Academics are incredibly. Better than ivy league schools, I would venture to say. However, even after an insanely rigorous high school experience, I found D classeds to be excessively overwhelming to the point where you don't have time to do much else.
Teachers are Top Grade, Class Room Education is Exceptional, People are Great. But if you are looking for a real-world education, I would urge you to make a careful decisions. I know many who have transferred from D and some who wish they did. I also know quite a few people who are just clawing to make it to the end. I still have a love hate relationship with the school. Davidson may be perfect for you... Best of luck to everyone waiting on a decision/deciding!</p>
<p>decisions2make, what kind of high school did you attend? Do you think you made some mistakes in course selection?</p>
<p>So, with all this said, it sounds to me like...if </p>
<ul>
<li><p>you're academically prepared and intellectually capable</p></li>
<li><p>you're willing to work hard and like to party as hard as you'll have to work</p></li>
<li><p>you're a fairly "mainstream" kid looking for a top-drawer education</p></li>
<li><p>you're looking for lots of personal attention from and connection to
an excellent faculty, and</p></li>
<li><p>you're interested in doing that in a beautiful physical setting with great facilities...</p></li>
</ul>
<p>...then you should fit right in at DC.</p>
<p>Fair?</p>
<p>At risk of offending the posters who don't like parents to respond on this thread I'd say based on the DC students I've met and know, yes. True, I haven't been a DC student but only a parent, but I've listened and watched and visited, and while obviously there are things I don't know and probably don't want to know, there is an undercurrent of happiness and hard work that generally comes across. And as far as the faculty and facilties go, that is not subjective; they are excellent.</p>
<p>Sorry Catg...I'm not sure what you mean. Are you asking if I wasn't ready for the course load?</p>
<p>And I agree that the teachers are grade A.</p>
<p>you said after "an insanely rigorous high school experience", did you mean top public, private day , boarding, etc? Just trying to get a better feel for your preparation. Davidson is known for being tough, but if say you are from a New England boarding school and found the classes overwhelming, that is really saying something. thanks.</p>