<p>Almost ready to mail in my son's agreement to attend Towson. Has anyone on this forum been to Towson recently and can you provide your reaction to this school? Feel free to post here and/or PM me. Thanks so much.</p>
<p>You could check the posts in the Towson forum under Colleges.</p>
<p>Make sure you look at their retention rates.</p>
<p>From PrincetonReview.com:</p>
<p>Academics - Towson Students Say…
Located only a stone’s throw from Baltimore, Towson University offers “the perfect balance” between “academic and social life” with “tons of events on weekends and classes that you actually look forward to during the week.” Indeed, students report classes are “interesting” and “challenging,” which allows students “the opportunity to achieve academically in order to be successful both in the classroom and in the real world.” “My experience at Towson has allowed me to expand my ideas and my mind,” says one undergrad. “Friendly, insightful,” and “resourceful” professors “want students to succeed.” Another student says, they’re “very easy to get in touch with” outside of class and “are open to answer[ing] any questions.” Most students report their dealings with the administration have been “positive.” “Whenever I have a question for them,” says one student, “I receive an answer as soon as I call a particular office.” That said, there are some concerns about housing. “They can’t give on-campus housing to most students because (even though they are building more housing/parking), they keep accepting more and more students…You have to get to campus before 8 A.M. if you want a good space.” When it comes to registration, students report “trouble signing up for their classes.” This seems especially true for freshmen. “The classes fill up too quickly…Sometimes all the classes for a subject are gone by the time the freshmen enroll.” However, most agree overall, being at Towson pays off. As one student explains, “I have found that if you work hard and are respectful here, you will be successful.”</p>
<p>Student Body - Towson Students Say…
What’s the typical Towson student like in a word? According to nearly everyone here, it’s “diverse.” Though “There’s a lot of Greek life,” and “many students exemplify that stereotype,” most students here struggle to describe any traits they share with their peers other than being “very social, outgoing, and committed to learning.” “There are many different ethnicities, religious beliefs, and interests in the student body,” says one undergrad. Or, more simply put, “Towson is so diverse that we cannot stereotype the students at Towson.” This diversity is surely enhanced by the sizeable “international student” population, “particularly in the business college.” the “good thing” about Towson is “no matter who you are or what your background there is a niche for you.” students here get involved in everything from campus organizations to “Greek life” to “ad hoc groups.” and if you there isn’t something that immediately suits your tastes, you and your pals can “start a new group.” </p>
<p>Campus Life - Towson Students Say…
Students praise Towson’s location. “It’s less than a mile from restaurants, movie theaters, bars, shops, etc.,” says one student, “and about five miles from downtown Baltimore.” Baltimore figures prominently in students’ social lives. In addition, “the city of Towson is also a lot of fun.” Keep in mind though, Towson students lead “very busy” lives thanks to “large work loads,” meaning they’re in classes “all day” and “studying at night.” However, once Thursday rolls around students “start celebrating.” For some, this might mean traveling “back home if they live close” (Towson does have a strong number of “commuters”). For others, this means everything from “partying” to “sports” to “frats and sororities.” There’s “plenty” to do without leaving the “beautiful” campus, including “Friday Night Live (a concert/lecture series),” “more than 200 student groups,” and a gym with “a great rock climbing wall.”</p>
<p>We looked at Towson last year. Quite a few kids from my d’s high school are going there now and are happy there. My daughter didn’t like it because she thought it would be too much like high school with a lot of the same people. The location is great, and there’s plenty of things to do. We were mainly looking at the theatre dept, I don’t know much about the other depts.</p>
<p>Our neighbors son graduated from there two years ago. He loved it and did a study abroad in Rome. Graduated with honors and now owns a small store with a friend. I visited with my older son and while he was accepted there he chose not to attend because OOS tuition was too high. I liked it too. Mail in that check!</p>
<p>Might want to ask DougBetsy - I believe she graduated from there and is still in the loop, somewhat.</p>