<p>I am a to-be freshman of the class of 2008 eagerly awaiting august! however, like most people of my age, I have a lot of questions. Could a current student, mother, father, or alumni hopefull help me out?</p>
<p>1) How far does a Villanova education really go? Does it have a good reputation in the real world? I am a little worried now when I see people rate it as a school for BC rejects...</p>
<p>2) What is the social scene like? Is there pressure to live up to the frat boy/sorority girl scene? Do Gucci and Prada really dominate the atmosphere?</p>
<p>3) How is the sports attitude for sports other than basketball?</p>
<p>4) Dorms, food, etc. What's it like? I'm not expecting heaven, but on a scale of 1-10, how is it?</p>
<p>5) How is Philly? Is it a good college town?</p>
<p>6) Alumni base: How involved and supportive are alumni? Do they rival the USCs, Notre Dames, and Michigans of the world?</p>
<p>7) Do students really get involved in clubs? If so, which are "the best" to join? Are club and intramural sports popular?</p>
<p>8) Are there a lot of opportunities to create a good resume and for future job or grad school placement?</p>
<p>9) Any other comments, etc. And, what's your favorite thing about Nova? On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your experience?</p>
<p>Jesernio I can answer a few of your questions about Nova. I am a parent not a student. The social scene has been so much fun for my daughter who is a freshman this year. She has gone on a couple of retreats, has seen a musical, has gone to three or four formals and goes to some of the cultural shows. The highlight of her first semester was working at the special Olympics. She also goes to the King of Prussia mall and about once a month her group of friends go out to eat for whoever had a recent birthday. Also,,they go to Philly and eat cheesesteaks, visit museums, or go to clubs. She's not in a sorority, when pledge time came she thought about joining but felt no pressure to do so. I totally dont care anything about fashion but, tried to notice when we visited campus as that was a concern of ours. It didn't seem noticable at all that fashion was a big deal, but you do see tons of Nova gear on everybody. Keep in mind that I would not know a Prada from a Payless. My daughter thinks the food is good and there is pretty decent variety. She is looking forward to home cooking this summer, but thats natural. She plays intermural soccer and is involved with the campus ministry. If she would have a complaint it is that she doesn't have time to do everything Nova has to offer. On a scale of one to ten I would say her freshman experience has been a nine.</p>
<p>Jerernio, I can also answer a few questions about Nova. Like "momkaes", I am also a parent of a daughter who is a sophmore. In fact we just arrived home after spending the day helping her pack some stuff to bring home. Yeah!!she'll be home next Wed.!!!! Anyway.....Villanova has a great reputation in the real world. My D got a very well paying internship with a very reputable company for 12 weeks this summer. She is a chemistry major. The person who interviewed her was a Villanova graduate. There is a strong alumni connection with all departments at the school. My D is part of a sorority and really enjoys it. There are many to choose from and it is quite easy to find a good fit. There is no greek scene or pressure per se. I am similar to "momkaes" in that I can't tell real Prada from fake. I think Gucci has the G's on it. Right?!!;) There is certainly a lot of wealth floating around Villanova but there seems to be no apparent pressure with that wealth. Hopefully I explained that correctly. In other words, my D has met some of the kindest and most thoughtful people. There does not seem to be too much attitude. The dorms and food??? My D has never been happy with the food. She can't wait to cook for herself next year. The dorms are bearable and that's about all I can say. My D goes into Philly for formals and dinners but I still can't believe she hasn't seen the Liberty Bell :) I do feel that Villanova is a bit pricey but when I see how happy my daughter is, it is worth every penny. Hopefully my responses helped.</p>
<p>Thanks so much for your input! It's good to hear that your daughters are having a great time. What are your daughters' favorite on campus activities? And what do they think of the curriculum?</p>
<p>My daughter seems to be leaning toward cultural clubs. We live in a small town thats not very diverse, but shes going to major in global studies so shes interested in other countries. To be honest she didn't join any clubs because there were so many she spent the year going to events and seeing what they are all about. She also loved a one credit seminar called healthy living (I think), it was about fitness and healthy eating and the myths surrounding both. The curriculem is challanging, like most students she was high honor for all her school years starting in grade school. One of her first papers was a C and she had a melt down about it, but has accepted that its not the same as high school. Her grades are not bad, but it was a shock to her. The writting center is fantastic and she has had wonderful professors.</p>
<p>Jesernio, My daughter thinks the curriculum is very challenging and does spend a great deal of time studying. I know there have been nights that all her friends were going to a party but she opted to stay home study a little and watch a movie. As I mentioned before, my d is a chemistry major and has 18 to 19 credits a sememster. Please don't think she is a science nerd, actually she is far from it. She really likes math and science and thinks this path will help her secure a job in the future. She has joined a sorority and enjoys time with the various projects that they are involved in. She really does not have a ton of time for all the campus activities.</p>