What's it like and how does it compare?

<p>My D is very interested in UNCA, Lewis & Clark, Earlham, and Willamette. She has visited Earlham and will be visiting L&C and Willamette in February. She'll visit UNCA in March. Past posts about UNCA have been mostly positive. Has anyone visited UNCA recently? Are there any current students who can provide an update on the campus life, courses, Asheville, etc.? Anyone who can provide comparisons to these other colleges (it's cheaper!)? Her interests are environmental science and studio art. Thank you.</p>

<p>Willamette just bought a forest. Willamette</a> University Extends Campus to Zena Forest - News Headlines - Willamette University Make sure she checks it out while she is there!</p>

<p>That sounds delightful. I hope the students can venture into the forest without too much babysitting from the administration. I've heard that L&C campus security keeps a zealous - perhaps overzealous - watch on students' comings and goings in the forested area of that campus.</p>

<p>This forest is not on campus but is used as an outdoor lab. It is 15 miles off campus.</p>

<p>I'm also looking into UNCA as a transfer (Sophomore) and I'm curious about the same things. (I'm also interested in studio art, too) All I can offer is that I've been around Asheville and North Carolina, and the area is beautiful. Especially with the mountains. Very green. Unfortuneately I didn't get to see the campus. From what I understand, the school is much cheaper than others, but provides a very good education. I'd, also, appreciate any feedback anyone could give this mother, and in turn, me.</p>

<p>I'll try to post some observations after we visit UNCA in late March. But it would be wonderful to hear from others familiar with UNCA before that. My D is very excited because most of what she's read about UNCA is really positive, both on CC and at another student review site (I'm not able post the link here). We've been to Asheville before and agree that the area is simply beautiful.</p>

<p>HI Twocats--my daughter was accepted and we'll be visiting in late March also, (3/28-30) Everything I read and hear about Asheville really makes me want to move there. (from Florida) exciting to get to explore new areas as our kids make their way. my son is a freshman at washington and lee in virginia, also a beautiful area. good luck</p>

<p>lindz126 - Thx for the follow-up. We'll just miss you by a few days. My D is doing a dorm overnight and visiting a couple of classes the next day. Admissions has been very helpful and even arranged for my D's friend, who did not apply to UNCA, to spend the night with her and the host student. We're visiting Willamette, Lewis & Clark, and Western Washington U. later this month but I suspect that UNCA will be her choice in the end.</p>