West Virgina University?

[snorpus]

Fuzzy, you're the one who'll make the decision whether to "party" or not. WVU has excellent reputations in the health-related fields, engineering, and forestry.

My #2 son is about to graduate from Penn State in Aero Engineering. I didn't let the party school rep there affect the decision.

At my freshman orientation (Cal Coolidge was president, as I recall ), they said look at the students to your left and right, only 1 of the 3 of you will graduate in 4 years with the degree they're currently pursuing, 1 in 3 will eventually graduate (but in a different field), and 1 in 3 will not get a degree from that university.

[ABCDom]

I am in a hiring position in with my company and when reviewing prospective candidates for an entry level position, their Alma Mater are definitely considered (along with their personal interview, references, etc.). When considering where an individual attended school, we look more at that school’s reputation in a specific field. Let’s face it, the quality of “general education” at most of the nationally recognized institutions is comparable (and so is the amount of partying). Schools set themselves apart and acquire reputations based on specific disciplines. With that in mind, I know that OT graduates from West Virginia University are highly regarded within the field. Simply because WVU is a “party school” doesn’t mean that all OT graduates are partiers. Lastly, I’d also strongly consider where you eventually desire to live. Ames and Morgantown are located in very different parts of the country. ISU and WVU are both “regional / national” universities. It’s rare for me to receive a resume from “middle-America,” but resumes from the surrounding states are very common. If you see yourself eventually settling down on the east coast, consider a regional school in proximity to the east coast (i.e. WVU). Conversely, if you desire to eventually live somewhere in the mid-west, I’d select a school like Iowa State. Good luck on your decision…

[CTMountaineer]

Although I'm retired, I was essentially a lifelong student. As a government employee, I was always taking classes somewhere. During my career, I attended 22 different colleges and universities... WVU, Ohio State, Marshall, Indiana U., Univ. of the State of NY @ Albany, Wisconsin, Marist, and several others. I didn't notice a difference in quality of instruction from one to another. Remember, college professors literally come from all over and they themselves have varied educational backgrounds. The program of study is more important in determining difficulty than the school.

Someone can take Sociology or Educational Administration at any school and if of average intelligence they won't be taxed to any significant degree. They can take psychology or any of the medical fields, sciences, or engineering and have to work their butts off to get through no matter the school.

If you live in the Midwest and want a somewhat different experience in life, West Virginia is an excellent choice for you. I'm not saying that because the OT school is any better or worse than any other. I'm saying that because Morgantown and WVU is a great place to go to school. I'm sure you can get a great education at Iowa State too.

[t borchman]

my daughter has been accepted at wvu for the fall. after reading the posts here, i feel that she would like the school. i think it is true that you will get an education if you are mature enough to avoid the pitfalls. as a nurse in a pediatric practice here in n.y,. i've seen so many go off to college only to flounder because they were not discipllined enough. some of them were very bright students.

[CTMountaineer]

t. borchman, ... If your daughter is like most of our NYC area students and alums, she will absolutely love Morgantown. It has most of the amenities of the larger cities without the hassles or inherent dangers. It is close to wonderful outdoor opportunities that students are encouraged to experience, and is located in a nice college town setting. It has a student centered culture that is complimented by a generally college friendly environment in the local government, and as you know, for a New Yorker, it is a well recognized institution in the metro region. Odds are your daughter will be very happy with her choice, and there is a large and highly organized alumni group in the NYC/NJ/CT area.

[David Kennedy]

Snorpus...We did that too...but we shook hands...on the bleachers at the football stadium...points for that memory...our Registrars must have been Frat Bro's...

points later..promise

[vec101]

Originally Posted by t borchman

my daughter has been accepted at wvu for the fall. after reading the posts here, i feel that she would like the school. i think it is true that you will get an education if you are mature enough to avoid the pitfalls. as a nurse in a pediatric practice here in n.y,. i've seen so many go off to college only to flounder because they were not discipllined enough. some of them were very bright students.

Welcome to WVU. Hope your daughter loves it and MoTown. Be sure she (and the rest of your family) gets out to enjoy some of the wonderful nature things we have to do in the state (such as Canaan Valley).

You will have to come in for a home football game - on game day MoTown becomes the largest city in WV. It never ceases to amaze me - you can go to any town or "holler" in WV and you will find support for the football team. I am not exaggering when I say that a great many people check the home game schedule before setting a date for functions, even weddings.

BTW, if you do plan on coming in on a game day weekend - book your hotel room months in advance.

[Lady of the Lake 1959]

I have a daughter with a chemistry degree from WVU that never got into the social scene and kept her head on her shoulders, Daughter # 2 is graduating this Spring with a degree in Criminolgy and minoring in Spanish. She too has made it through without losing herself...