<p>I fully realize the Internet if rife with all kinds of mis-information, but I have to be frank - the student (allegedly student) comments about Davidson on a certain student review web site have a disproportionate number of troublesome comments on nearly everything from the pre-med accept rate claims, professor and administrator backgrounds, building issues, grade deflation, honor system, and location. Certainly a few disheartened students can post a lot of trash, but the number of posts and the consistency in the comments is enough to be worrisome. So what is going on? What is Davidson really like under the covers?</p>
<p>Name the student review web site to which you refer and I’ll give you my thoughts. I’ve had 2 children at Davidson for the past 5 years. They couldn’t be more thrilled with their experience. Davidson is not for the student looking to slide through college academically. It is very challenging and you are expected to earn your grades. But the edcuation my children have recieved is second to none.</p>
<p>It’s reassuring to hear about your positive experience. I am not sure what the rules are here about linking out to that other web site, so I hesitated. But if you put students and review together, then tack on a .com, you’ll find it.</p>
<p>Random Number, </p>
<p>I am not connected with Davidson, but the reviews on general sites like you describe for my two sons’ schools are terrible. I know that the bad reviews for my sophomore son’s school are nuts. Since my second son isn’t starting until next fall, I can just go by the tons of current students we’ve asked. They whole-heartedly disagree with the random bad reviews that are posted on these sites. Can’t you see that the disgruntled students are drawn to post most? Get those reviews out of your head and get real facts from real people. </p>
<p>I just looked at your other posts out of curiosity. Wow!!! tons of great acceptances for you!!! Congratulations!! How will you ever pick from all these amazing opportunities!</p>
<p>Current Davidson student here. In general, we love the experience, but, like every college, it is NOT a fairytale land. I refused to believe that until I got to Davidson and had to learn it the hard way.</p>
<p>Let me address the different aspects you mentioned. I can answer other questions if you have them.</p>
<p>I can’t say anything about pre-med accept rates because I am not pre-med.</p>
<p>Professor and administrator backgrounds: We have a new President. She went to Princeton, has a PhD, and had a very high position at Rice University. Look her up. Nothing about her background is sketchy or inadequate. As for professors, not everyone went to an Ivy League, but they’re pretty darn good at what they do. My history professor from last semester was a Harvard and Princeton grad. My psychology professor last semester just earned a very prestigious position in the American Psychological Association. My current psychology professor recently won a mentoring award from Obama for his work in teaching neuroscience. My advisor went to Columbia. There are many, many more Ivy Leaguers or people with awards. Bottom line: Davidson doesn’t hire crap. </p>
<p>Building issues: Just don’t live in Little. Pretty much everything else is very nice, and Davidson constantly renovates. Davidson is building a new dorm, which is going to be awesome.</p>
<p>Grade deflation absolutely, absolutely exists. I graduated from high school with a 4.0 and had nearly perfect grades. At Davidson, I have a 3.19. Huge difference! But I’m learning. It’s a process, and I think I’m getting a MUCH better education than the slackers who are sliding by in an easy school with a 4.0. Just think of how much it’ll pay off in the long run. At least that’s what stops the tears for me. That’s not to say that a 4.0 is impossible, but it’s very difficult to have in conjunction with a normal social life and sleep schedule.</p>
<p>The Honor System works. I would complain that it makes it difficult to adjust to the real world and realize that people do not always have the same integrity that you learn to expect at Davidson. I’ve nearly left my stuff in public places while going to the bathroom because I forget that I’m not at Davidson. Also, the Honor System seems to die down the hill (because the Code of Responsibility forbids underage drinking). But it really is nice and makes the school run SO smoothly. I love it, and it has really made me an adult with integrity.</p>
<p>Location: Yes, we are pretty isolated without a car to take you to Charlotte. But I’ve found that there’s so much to do without leaving. People who complain are probably not very involved on campus. I am head of a club and VP of another, in an eating house, and a volunteer in 2 other organizations. Truth be told, I have too much homework and studying to do to leave.</p>
<p>Based on what I know, penguin25 has it exactly right. Don’t go to DC for the easy A. Lots of schools talk about “Work Hard Play Hard.” DC walks the talk.</p>
<p>I find the site with student reviews to be somewhat less than the best source of information. According the the site itself, the most reviewed colleges (by more than 3 times the second most reviewed school) is Pensacola Christian College. This may or may not be a fine college but it certainly wasn’t the one I expected to be most reviewed when I went to the site. I suggest looking more broadly at resources and contacting students and alumni for direct personal information.</p>
<p>The grade deflation at Davidson seems extreme. It is often said that is OK becuase employers/grad schools know Davidson has great academics, but outside of NC, the school is unknown to many. Would appreciate any insight about whether others have been disadvantaged with job/grad school placement due to Davidson’s grade deflation.</p>