<p>How is the reputation overall? GC today suggested to son as an alternative to the University of the Pacific or the University of Miami.</p>
<p>Computer Science Major, OOS, Int'l. He wanted warm weather but we are really stuck now since the UC option was shaky. So I gather the 300 days of sunshine will be a draw. But I am more concerned about the fit. Son is non-competitive and down to earth.</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>have heard wonderful things about this school…long time poster, boyx3 has her middle one there and has only good things to say…</p>
<p>based on your son’s stats, I would imagine merit $$ would definitely comeinto play…</p>
<p>DU is the rare combination of small university (with all the advantages that offers) within a large cosmopolitan city…D1 sports (especially ice hockey)…</p>
<p>DU is especially known for its music, law and graduate business program. In terms of undergraduate education it’s gotten increasingly better and more selective but still doesn’t attract the top Colorado students. Those tend to go to Colorado College, Boulder, Mines or OOS, unless they’re lured to DU by its generous merit aid. Someone who had UC in mind may find the school small and DU’s students more homogeneus, often wealthier, and academically less accomplished than most of those heading to Berkeley, UCLA or UCSD. That said, a motivated student anywhere will find opportunities and peers, and that of course includes DU. There is no doubt, at DU students have easier access to classes and professors than at UC. DU is well connected within the business community and I would think interesting internships would also be fairly easy to come by. It does get cold in Colorado (tomorrow the high will be 18) but we also have streaks of 50 degree weather throughout the winter. Yes, over 300 days of sunshine. Summers are hot but dry and not buggy. The mountains are a big draw and downtown Denver, while small (and to some, sleepy) is easily accessible. The culture both at DU and in Denver overall is big on sports and the outdoors.</p>
<p>My D chose DU over UNC-chapel hill and Berkely, as well as others. She has been more than satisfied with the education, so far, has had great profs and great access to profs and has loved all of the friends she’s made. She really loves the culture and the whole emphasis on getting things done, getting out doors and getting active. They really select for kids who have shown a great deal of initiative. The motto is DU something. Most of her friends are OOS, so I don’t know what the kids from CO are like, but she has found plenty of hard working kids in the honors program and has done some incredible outddoor stuff. I think this is a real hidden gem of a school. The academics are not a skate, either. PM me if you want more 411. Definitely apply and visit. It has a really coherent culture and the kids who love it there love it there, though, like any other school, it is not for everyone.</p>
<p>I have loved University of Denver for years. Oldest D applied, Son did not. However, Two friends from class '09 are first years there. The girl is thinking of transferring and the boy is loving it. Once again proving that what might fit for one, may not fit for another. Neither of which says that it is anything but a great school.</p>
<p>^^curious what the girl’s impressions are if you know…or is it just not working?</p>
<p>Two of my D friends applied at the University of Denver and both got in. The boy, full IB was interested in studying Computer Science/Engineering and received 14K merit FA. The girl, partial IB received 10K and was interested in Business or possibly Biology. Only the girl accepted. While she was home over Thanksgiving, she told D she was very happy there. She joined a sorority, but commented on the heavy party scene. She told D about having to buy an expensive (and fake) ID to get into the bars and clubs. It may be a sorority/greek thing, but it might be worth looking into.</p>
<p>Really? That’s so strange. Denver is full of all ages shows and they just give the kids who are 21 a special wrist band so they can get alcohol. The younger kids can go to the shows and just dance. But, yeah, I really don’t think any school is especially good for everyone. It ought to be looked into. “Fit” is really important.</p>
<p>O2B, where did the boy go?</p>
<p>I am afraid my son hates cold, and has never liked to do outdoorsy stuff nor sports. He has played tennis and now doing Rugby out of the blue. Likes to hike, but I am not sure how to predict this whole thing. He has lived abroad in Asia and Europe since 4years old so liikes to hang out with various groups of people and is adaptable but still…He would not like to be around spoilt kids.</p>
<p>Too much of a risk?</p>
<p>Yeah. Too much of a risk. I wouldn’t have him go there. There’s a lot of money, though most of the kids my D is friends with are on work study. The school is expensive. But, if you don’t like the cold? don’t like to be outside? The big talk is which ski pass to buy for the season, even when the kids first get there. So, yeah, I’d rule it out. UMiami? That’s warm. A LOT of clubbing, but beaches and kind of the same demographic as Denver, financially. You might want to stick with UP</p>
<p>I second poetgrl - doesn’t sound like DU will be your son’s cup of tea. I don’t know his stats, but have you looked at Claremont colleges in southern California? San Luis Opisbo? Or Santa Clara University, near San Jose? Another to consider is Emory, in Atlanta.</p>
<p>Thanks^^. GC was also recommending U of San Diego, knowing that we did not apply to the UC’s even though thats where son wanted to be region-wise.</p>
<p>Any take on USD anyone?</p>
<p>How about Pepperdine? nice location.</p>
<p>Yeah ^^, had that in the list but the GC shot it down as being too conservative/religious. I thought OXY would have been nice, but no to that from son.</p>
<p>He wants to do Comp Engnr so has applied to SCU and USC, but I am wondering what if he does not get into those?</p>
<p>D got into a couple of the Claremont schools. You might want to try those. The only kids I know who went to USD are wealthy, and since your son wants to avoid that demographic? I don’t know.</p>
<p>Pepperdine’s location is stunning - Malibu - just know it has the reputation of being conservative and rather Christian in orientation - more so than Santa Clara or USD, both of them Catholic schools.</p>
<p>Do check out Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo and Pomona</p>
<p>He is not too much of a partier and does not mind being around wealthy kids as long as there is no overbearing attitude I presume. He tends to hang out with 2-3 different groups of kids depending on their interests at the time. Nowadays its Call of Duty!!! :(</p>
<p>He is a good kid, no ego, no attitude, even though he is quite liked by all students. I just do not want him to get slotted into someplace so far away from home, where he will be unhappy.</p>
<p>Of course you don’t! Judging from what you said, however, he’ll probably be happy wherever he goes. This time next year, I’m sure you will be feeling very relieved. The college selection process works and the kids, for the most part, end up at places where they belong. Adcoms are good at picking the right kids for thier schools and kids are really good at knowing the right place, too. I promise it will all be just fine. Your son will know when it’s the right place.</p>
<p>Thanks! He too says that he will be happy wherever he ends up. He is not stressed at all, I am! I am going to go through this again with second son who is a HS soph now. Gosh.</p>
<p>How about Rice U? Non-competitive and laid-back kids, lovely campus, residential college system, great comp science, warm weather…</p>