<p>Any opinions out there about the social scene for girls at the College of Charleston... my D is accepted... we are from New England... </p>
<p>We visited C of C with DD. She liked the school a great deal, but ended up not applying because only music majors can play in their college orchestra. HOWEVER, we recommended the school to a friend whose daughter attended and graduated from C of C. She LOVED it there. We are from New England and know more than a handful of students who attended C of C and LOVED it. And their parents loved going to visit them too!</p>
<p>Two of my nephews from NY went there, and they both liked it. I know they were happy with the ratio, but can’t say much about the experience from the female perspective. </p>
<p>My one friend’s dtr is a Jr there now and her son’s ex GF graduated from there. She likes it, freshman housing was an issue just off campus in what was once a motel. She has lived off campus since. My niece started there in Aug and came home in Sept. Housing, roommate issues, sororities big there, very southern wasn’t for her. I visited with friend and her dtr in Sept and loved the city.</p>
<p>My neighbor’s D (in North Carolina) went there and really enjoyed her time in Charleston. I hear CofC is very female heavy. Of course The Citadel is in Charleston too!</p>
<p>Two girls from my town went there, and both of them transferred after freshman year. They did not like the social atmosphere there. Too southern for them (we are from northeast), and felt the students did not care about school. Just the opinion of two girls, but thought I would share since you asked. </p>
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<p>To add to my above comment…the neighbor’s D did enjoy Charleston but she transferred after two years. She changed her mind on her initial major of choice and the new major she wanted was not offered at CofC. She ended up at the University of South Carolina.</p>
<p>My D has also been accepted to CofC. As the previous poster mentioned the male/female ratio is abysmal, but the proximity of The Citadel helps to counter that ratio. Most of the girls I know who attend CofC love it and don’t complain much about the shortage of men. One would be hard pressed to find a better city than Charleston in which to attend college. There are an abundance of activities in Charleston including the beach, shopping, arts festivals, music, dining, and nightclubs, as well as typical school sponsored activities and student parties. The feel is very southern (but not really “redneck”). There are an increasing number of OOS students at CofC, as well as many “transplants” in the city. Greek life is prevalent. However, given the size of the school, there is a niche for everyone. On the whole, the school has a southern, laid back, somewhat “artsy” vibe. Has your D been able to visit?</p>
<p>I second the comment that housing is an issue. The school has outgrown its space and most upperclassmen have to live off campus. There are a wide range of off-campus options, but some are pricey, and the good ones go fast.</p>
<p>If your daughter is academically proficient, encourage her to consider the Aiken Scholars program, if she has the opportunity to become one. I have friends whose son is an Aiken Scholar, and it has made his experience at COC a very rewarding one.</p>
<p>Have you been there yet? Did she feel comfortable or did she feel like she was visiting an exotic foreign country? Depending on where you live in New England, it might be a pretty big culture shock. If you are from a “preppy” area, it will be less so.</p>
<p>We live in the South and a few of my daughter’s friends went there and transferred out. They love Charleston but didn’t like the fact that the school is mostly girls They thought there was too much emphasis on makeup and clothes and looking a certain way. And we come from a pretty conformist area in the South.</p>
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<p>I live here in Charleston and right now, CofC is the top of my daughter’s list! She’s going to be a Studio Art and French major. CofC is great for two types of kids. Those who enjoy a laid back urban feel with plenty of sun, etc. and the more artsy type of kids (my kind). It does have a Southern feel but I think I’m so used to it that I can’t tell the difference all the time. However, I did go to boarding school in the NE, so maybe I can offer some comparisons. </p>
<p>Social life is a big deal down here but pretty laid back in style. For a lot of our Southern girls, belonging to a sorority is a big thing. Those girls tend to be into the Carolina Girl style (a brand down here). It’s monograms, flip flops, polka dots, etc. We work hard at our casual style! We do tend to have really beautiful people down here - not sure why. Lots of outdoor activities but more water based in general (e.g. beach, boating, fishing). The artsy crowd is a bit of a mish mash. They’re the ones that tend to be a bit more hipster, for lack of a better word. </p>
<p>Sometimes people can find the overt friendliness overwhelming at first. We’re chatty. We tend to be very outgoing to just about anyone. However, I would caution that chatty, friendly, etc does not mean we are instant friends with that person. We kind of just consider that normal behavior. Making friends with people is about the same as I experienced up North - common interests, etc. </p>
<p>If you haven’t had a chance, the campus is stunning, located only one block over from our downtown shopping district of King Street. Downtown Charleston is absolutely a wonderful place. I like it because it’s technically a city but small. Oh and our food is divine. We’re kind of a foodie city.</p>
<p>If any of y’all have any questions about Charleston, etc, do not hesitate to ask! I would be happy to answer any of them.</p>
<p>CoC has a huge transfer out issue; the Frosh just leave at the end of the year, moreso than many other schools.</p>
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<p>bluebayou - I have heard the same thing so I researched information on the internet. Depending on the source and admit year, the fresh to soph retention rate is 80 to 85%, which is not bad. The four year graduation rate is around 50-60% and the six year is in the low 60’s. Kids are leaving but not after freshman year.</p>
<p>I was in Charleston on business in November and stayed not far from campus. I ran and walked through campu several times. It’s gorgeous, and the students looked happy. Charleston is just the most awesome city! It’s gotten to be a popular choice for kids from middle Tennessee since it’s not TOO far away (easy flight) and not huge. The kids/families I know who have chosen it are quite pleased. I suspect the transfers out have decided on a different major or are ready for a larger school environment. </p>
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<p>82% is better than it was a few years ago, last time I remembered. But still, a ~fifth of the Frosh transferring out is not a strong endorsement, IMO.</p>