<p>I only have time to make one, or at the very most two, last minute school visits. Here are the canidates:
*Case (April 1): This is the day they're holding the Creative Achievement interviews. I like some things about Case (the focused student body, the urban environment, the residential housing system) while I'm weary about others (the workload, the unhappiness of the student body, the cost)
*DePaul (tenatively April 23): I like the urban environment and class selection (especially modern Hebrew). I dislike the commuter focus and difficult disability department. Also, it's quite expensive and has a substantial amount of required courses.
*Westminster College in Utah (tentatively April 23): I like the area its in, the small class sizes, and the variety of on campus activities while I'm heistant about the commuter school focus, low freshman retention rates, and food (though admittedly I've never tried it). Less flexible in majors than the other schools, but it has what I want. My parents will be living in the city (barring any sudden changes in plans) starting next year.</p>
<p>From what you've said I would visit Case. It sounds the most viable option and I think that it is a school that you have to visit to see if you would be happy there.</p>
<p>Give Case a chance and try to steer clear of big stereotypes about any college. Just because Case has a "serious" reputation does not mean you have to have that downer experience because college years are about assuming the task of making your own lifestyle..and that is awkward for everyone for a while, but also it is a fun journey of wrong turns and happy discoveries. Make sure to do things like eat in the main hall, watch kids during their "down" time, and sit in class and appreciate the excellence offered from lectures. Get online and read the opinion and editorials the kids write in the college paper for the last school year. My S is in a "hard" college and sent me photos of himself on a silly coed Dodgeball team in the first month! Freshman year is both fun and confusing for all. You have to scramble by early spring to find a couple of people to room with sophomore year and use your first semester well getting to know as many of your classmates as possible. There are many ways to cut tension and keep your perspective in college. Your four years need to have a mental health "fit" but also this is an investment towards your ability to earn a living and keep up with your generation in the work force. Case has a strong track record academically. You may not choose to work on the most stressful academic track for instance..you may choose a major that makes your heart sing and that does not make you feel oppressed. One of the hardest things about college years is learning to make your own "family" of friends, and then finding an academic niche where you feel both challenged and fulfilled without being crazed or oppressed by ridiculous standards. Building up a social support system for oneself is crucial anywhere you choose next fall and that is a process that can take anywhere from one semester to two years for most kids. When you make those final visits, don't ask yourself "will I be happy here?", ask yourself, "are the odds good that over a couple semesters time I can make a happy life for myself here?"
Westminster sounds like it offers a more personal college experience with easy access to your family which could be valuable. One thing I noticed this year is that freshmen have very different patterns of interaction with their parents now that we have cell phones and email. I think most freshmen interact much more with parents than in my day this way yet if you set up a few ground rules, you can still have boundaries and privacy
good luck and congrats on your admissions.</p>