<p>Hi, a friend mentioned U. of P. and I find nothing about it here on CC - it sounds like it might be of interest to my now-junior S. Does anyone have anything to share - I've read US News, but I love the "real" scoop on CC.</p>
<p>My son is a sophomore @ UP and loves it! It is a catholic university, sister school of Notre Dame. He was given a nice merit aid package, lived on campus last year, liked his dorm, teachers, classes, etc. Now lives 5 blocks from school in a nice residential area with 3 other UP students. Rent is reasonable, nice house. </p>
<p>Lots of new building on campus. New dorms, refurbished state of the art engineering building, 100’ tall bell tower. Just purchased a large tract of land on the river to be built on in the future. Tuition went up a small amount this year but haven’t seen evidence of recession. Good selection of classes if they have a major you are interested in.</p>
<p>Seems like lots of school spirit for such a small school. Women’s soccer is the biggest sport on campus. They set attendance record for the nation again (appro. 3500/game). Most of their sports do well considering size of school. </p>
<p>My son is there mainly due to the sport he plays but as a CA kid he’s really adjusted well. As a parent I have been impressed with the nurturing atmosphere of the school. </p>
<p>Good location as downtown Portland is about 10 minutes away but school is in a nice residential area. No complaints from my son or us. Let me know if I can answer more questions.</p>
<p>Somehow I missed this thread. Sammy thanks for the info–I just posted questions about U of P in the Parents forum as D1 and I are exploring colleges in that area in a couple weeks.
I’ve found it difficult to get just your kind of personal reviews/input on U of P and also Pacific University in Forest Grove.</p>
<p>My buddy went there and had a great time. Now he’s a junior.</p>
<p>Though I haven’t had any direct experience with the school myself, I know many who go there and love it. It has a rep here for being really strong in nursing, though I also know some people studying the arts that love it too. As far as the city of Portland, there is always something to do downtown, should your son need to resort to that, but from friends at UP, I’ve heard that there’s plenty to do on campus, that they bring a lot of music/bands on, etc.</p>
<p>How religious is UofP - how would a Jewish kid feel? (I’m keeping in mind ‘Christian’ schools run the gamut, but I don’t know about this one)</p>
<p>crester–My son graduated from UP in May, and although we are Catholic and it is a Catholic university, the student body is not what I would call “Christian” meaning there was no pressure to have a religious affiliation, to evangelize, or attend Mass. There are all denominations of students and staff, and many people, staff and students alike, who don’t have any religious affiliation.</p>
<p>My son’s favorite professor was Jewish. It was a thrill to meet him at graduation after all the years we heard about him. </p>
<p>UP is very service oriented, but it does not necessarily have to do with any religious denomination. They give students so many opportunities to be of service to others, but they don’t require it.</p>
<p>So to sum it up, go to UP if you have the desire to be the change you wish to see in the world… not because of a religious affiliation. They will give you many opportunities.</p>
<p>I am protestant and have loved my time at UP, so I am sure your Jewish child would feel the same. I actually love the catholic influence because the city of Portland is very liberal but the UP administration is somewhat conservative which creates an interesting college experience. Students are active in campus activities but make the best of living in such an artistic and fun city. Not a big party school, but a very fun and intelligent student body.</p>