<p>The professors and admistrators we’ve met at Nova seem very focused on the value of Liberal Arts and the purpose of education beyond a means to vocational goals. Of course, engineering, business, and nursing drive a lot of interest and activity so I can see why the school may appear to be vocationally focused. That said, it seems to me that the broader focus of education is not all lost at Nova. In fact, Nova is doing a lot more to promote and support student participation and success towards national prestigious scholarships (Rhodes, Goldwater, Fulbright, etc.) than most of the schools we visited. </p>
<p>The main thing we have heard about over and over, however, is the quality and accessibility of the professors. That’s been a fairly universal response from everyone we’ve encountered and it definitely outweighs most of our other concerns.</p>
<p>Just because we are going to be shelling out, as you say, $50k for our son’s education does NOT mean we are going to be looking over his shoulder in attempt to control his college experience. I don’t think we could do so even if we wanted to, which we most certainly do not!</p>
<p>For someone who says he is critical of parent involvement in education, the fact that you are posting on exactly that topic seems to indicate otherwise.</p>
<p>I would also like to add that if you are referring to my post about high achievers, I never said “Wall Street types.” Those are your words, not mine. I was thinking along the lines of nurses, teachers, doctors, scientists, engineers, whatever.</p>
<p>cwythree, I enjoy reading your comments. As I said earlier, I have a totally different view than what you have posted. I am not here to rebuff you since everyone is entitled to their opinion. I am just glad that my family is extremely positive of the school and my child is entering the next 4 years happy with his choice and knowing that I truly feel the same way. </p>
<p>cwythree, I do want to ask you have you discussed with your S in depth the positives and negatives of each of his choices? I would love to know if he has seen your comments here and what his thoughts were.</p>
<p>Just anecdotal, but a family friend got into Villanova business from the west coast. Wanted to transfer out after the first semester. Parents made him stay out the year, whereupon he promptly transferred to his flagship state u. Lack of diversity, “Vanillanova” was the reason cited. He really disliked the kids there. Came as a surprise to me, since this student was by no means “quirky” or edgy.</p>
<p>I think the part that scares me the most is the “Vanillanova” aspect. For many of the other schools I’ve looked into, there are often cons that are proven not exactly true by students who had different experiences. The general consensus is, and obviously the percentage statistics emphasizes that, Caucasians constitute way, way more than just a majority of the university.
The type of people in terms of character is not all that difficult to avoid in my opinion, but racial diversity is either there or it isn’t, and it sounds like it really isn’t there.</p>
<p>cwj Thinking more about your situation – If my husband and I had concerns such as you describe, I think we would try to steer our son in a different direction regarding his college choice. You say it’s his decision, but you probably have some influence with him. If you and your wife really got an uncomfortable “vibe” from Villanova due to the specific things you mention in your posts, you should have a heart to heart talk with your son. He may be very receptive to your opinions even though, as you point out, it is he who has to attend the school.</p>
<p>It’s also a long flight from CA to the east coast. That may not be a major factor, but Tulane is certainly much closer. Good luck. And remember, transfers are not unheard of when the original choice does not work out.</p>
<p>whyorwhynot: Good luck to you wherever you end up :)</p>
<p>Lack of diversity is often commented upon regarding Nova same as it is at many other private schools I have encountered. On a positive note, there seems to be an awareness and a desire to increase racial and ethnic diversity. In other words, I think the students and administrators are of a mind to welcome more students from different backgrounds. To me that is very different from an intentional, if not unspoken, resistance to diversity whereby URMs are made to feel unwanted and unwelcome. I think that’s an important distinction to make, especially for URMs seriously considering Nova. </p>
<p>I will admit to having had minimal exposure to campus life overall, but I have not been to find anything regarding the existence of racial strife or divisions among the students and/or administrators. Anyone with more experience regarding this, please feel free to correct me. </p>
<p>I will also add that schools with greater diversity often don’t achieve the objective of generating any substantive interaction. How many times have we seen clusters of students who simply self segregate anyway? I’ve seen it lots. Thus, I’m not sure that higher numbers of diverse student populations actually produce any critical differences in learning experiences.</p>
<p>Went to the school on sunday, and paid close attention to this “VanillaNova” title…While i didn’t see many minorities, the # of asians outnumbered blacks and hispanics…However, it also was not significantly different then any HS or grammar schools my children have attened…As mentioned above, just because the #'s of minorities are greater at some schools, the interaction doesn’t necessarily follow thru…I also sincerely believe Villanova tries to “draw” more minorities, and are very involved in “missions” to poor, underserved areas/countries</p>
<p>If diversity is what you want, then obviously Villanova isn’t going to cater to that particular wish. Nova never tries to play up its diversity like other schools, nor should it have to. If you are that opposed to the homogenous student population, then don’t send your son there, simple as that.</p>
<p>There are different kinds of diversity, as I already commented, I think. Racial diversity is certainly one of the most visible and is, as whyorwhynot observes, isn’t something you can negotiate around. I think self-segregation is prevelant at a lot of schools–maybe not at the most elite national universities where there is a true geographic, economic and racial melting pot, but those weren’t meaningful options for us. Let’s face it, CA is one of the most diverse states in the US and the UC campuses are very diverse–heavily dominated by Asians in many instances (that’s a thread for some other board not this one).</p>
<p>My goal in posting here was to provoke and invite comments from others. Hopefully, comments that might ameliorate some of my concerns. I think my S is less concerned about these issues than we are (nor do I feel any obligation to share all of my own thoughts with him, nor do I think making what I hope are reasonably thoughtful observations means I am parentally involved in educational decisionmaking like whether my S has completed a draft resume by junior year or where he studies abroad, topics that were covered in the admitted students session at V), but there are a lot of reasons for that and, frankly, one has to choose among the alternatives one has. UCs are very very large schools with huge classes and the opportunity to get lost in the crowd. Villanova doesn’t have that problem. Point to V. Tulane has a much stronger “party” reputation than Villanova and NOLA is very liberal in that regard. From a parent’s perspective, point to V (as long as S doesn’t get bored, a worry). </p>
<p>I think that any school that aspires to rise in reputation should be thinking about diversity and trying to broaden its appeal. I am not sure V is trying to do that or not. A lot of comments here suggest to me that V is a draw for families who are not particularly concerned about diversity as a priority and who in fact may perceive it as a negative. That may be a marketing decision on V’s part, I don’t know. </p>
<p>The story about the west coast student transfering out isn’t surprising. One of our friends here had a S/D who attended Emory and transferred to a LAC in the northeast after freshman year for reasons of diversity. We didn’t look at Emory but I can imagine some of the issues are the same. </p>
<p>Kelly37–PHL is far from the west coast but at least you can get there nonstop. NOLA is a stop away from almost every airport out here. I think the schools are equally distant and, perhaps, NOLA is farther in practice. No doubt, however, that Tulane is a much more geographically diverse place. </p>
<p>Looks to me like my S will be there this fall and I hope he has a great experience and loves it. I have trepidations and hope they are misplaced.</p>
<ol>
<li>Check your grammar</li>
<li>Perhaps your child should be posting on this site, instead of you, since you’re so very concerned about said child experiencing responsibility.<br></li>
<li> Tulane is a major party school, so that may be the college experience you are looking for. </li>
<li> I have visited and toured over twelve schools, including many in the Boston area. I adore Villanova. Perhaps you should have researched more.</li>
</ol>
<p>“Kelly37–PHL is far from the west coast but at least you can get there nonstop. NOLA is a stop away from almost every airport out here. I think the schools are equally distant and, perhaps, NOLA is farther in practice. No doubt, however, that Tulane is a much more geographically diverse place.”</p>
<p>I’m surprised there aren’t non-stop flights from CA to New Orleans. That fact certainly makes the trip much more difficult.</p>
<p>I hope your son has a great experience at Villanova, too. By almost every account, 'Nova kids are friendly and nice. Even though you have reservations, maybe you will be pleasantly surprised. I hope that is the case :)</p>
<p>“A lot of comments here suggest to me that V is a draw for families who are not particularly concerned about diversity as a priority and who in fact may perceive it as a negative.”</p>
<p>cwj, whoever you may be describing, it is not me or my family. My kids have GOOD friends from all ethnic groups, political persuasions and religions. Like you said in one of your posts, a benefit of diversity is kids learn from each other. In fact, wasn’t the Villanova essay topic related to how the University wants to inspire students to learn from each other, and what lesson would the applicant want to share with his/her fellow students?</p>
<p>Another poster here has pointed out that Villanova is working toward greater diversity, and even Princeton Review 2010 edition acknowledges this.</p>
<p>Lastly, upon second reading of your post, I may have misunderstood which school your son is going to attend. I originally thought you were referring to Villanova, but perhaps you meant Tulane. Tulane was on our short list, but its rep as a major party school was a concern. I also agree that the UC systems are overcrowded with large classes. </p>
<p>Whether it is Villanova or Tulane he ultimately chooses, I wish you all every success.</p>
<p>One last thing in support of Villanova - my son, like others posting here, turned down four substantial merit scholarships, from very reputable schools including Fordham, because he loved Villanova that much. </p>