<p>I've been accepted to UR for the class of 2011. Tentatively, I'm looking to major in English lit. and philosophy. I'm hoping some of you can offer me some insight into the school, since I'm having trouble making the big decision.</p>
<p>Firstly, I'm looking for any and all opinions on the humanities (specifically English and phil., obviously) at UR. I know the school's science program is very highly esteemed, but I haven't heard anything about any of the other liberal arts. From your experiences or impressions, would you say that the school is equally strong in the humanities, or do the sciences get the best of what UR has to offer? Currently, I'm also looking at Clark, Northeastern, and University of New Hampshire. In your opinion, how does UR measure up to those schools? The impression I get (though I haven't done nearly enough research as perhaps I should have...) is that UR's academics are generally stronger than those at the aforementioned schools, but I'd love to hear you guys weigh in on that.</p>
<p>Also, as I understand it, general consensus is that UR is a largely a "preppy" school. While the demographics of the student body aren't really a concern for me, I am still curious. Would you say that this is a reasonably accurate assessment of the school, and if so, are there exceptions? Again, it's not too big of a deal to me, but I would like to know.</p>
<p>Thank you very much for your responses. This is a big decision for me (as it is for all prospective students), and I want to be as informed as possible before making it. Thanks again. I may be seeing some of you next year :)</p>
<p>hello Judson! Welcome to the UR Threads =P
I think you mean Class of 2010 btw hehe. I myself don't know much about the English and the Humanities at UR and it has been on my mind too lately - mostly because I was hoping to attend a Liberal Arts College (in hopes of avoiding colleges that put too much emphasize on science and neglect other departments).</p>
<p>I do know though, beyond all doubt, that the University of Rochester is by far your best option over Clark, Northeastern, and the University of New Hampshire - The University of Rochester is considered one of the best universities of its size in the world.</p>
<p>As for the humanities at the UofR, ive got high hopes for the English and Humanities but I haven't had the opportunity to speak to some of the professors/faculty in those departments. (As you've already pointed out - the sciences at the UofR are highly esteemed but not much has been said about the other departments).</p>
<p>What I do know though is that the English Programs at the University of Rochester are intenationally recognized as some of the best in the US.
The Graduate English Programs @ URochester consistently ranks in the 40-50s among top universities in the US according to the National Research Council of the National Academies. Of course its not a Harvard or Yale, but that is pretty high up =P
For the complete rankings, both math and english as well as to see the specific rankings based on their various methodologies, read from pg 54 onward in the online version of the study:
<a href="http://fermat.nap.edu/books/030909058X/html/54.html%5B/url%5D">http://fermat.nap.edu/books/030909058X/html/54.html</a></p>
<p>URochester does indeed strike me as a majorly preppy school - people are usually very studious and somewhat reserved...but thats just some people - and plus, I only spoke to Freshmen while i was there =P</p>
<p>Then again, they were very very friendly and I spoke for hours with them (not only about the school in general and their experiences but also just about random stuff) so they were very sociable. It seemed to me that they had a pretty good balance between work and fun (they have a good time but they also have the self control and motivation to work their hardest). </p>
<p>I say all of this from first handexperience having been on campus overnight and for the spring open house. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask. Good luck with your decision and hopefully I'll see you in the Fall at UR =P</p>
<p>Haha, you're right. It should say 2010. Stupid typos.</p>
<p>Anyway, thank you for a helpful and detailed response. Like you said, everything I've seen so far points to UR as the best option for me in terms of academics. As for the student body, as long as they're friendly and intelligent, I'm happy. Once again, thanks for your input.</p>