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brightday
Member
| Joined: | Thu Jan 17th, 2008 |
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| Posts: | 11 |
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Posted: Mon May 19th, 2008 06:02 am |
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Hey, all.
I am an international student from Nepal. It is most likely that I'll be going to University of New Orleans, come this fall. I have high financial need, so it may have been one of the reasons why I was rejected at my top choices, namely, Bowdoin, Colby, etc. I am waitlisted in Middlebuty, Kalamazoo and Colorado College. But, unless Middlebury comes with a surprise, I'll be going to UNO. I have been accepted into the Honors program and have received full ride in UNO-- only need to pay about $800 + personal expense and insurance.
What do you think of University of New Orleans? Its academics, student life, surrounding areas, internship and study abroad oppurtunities and campus as a whole? Is its International Studies progam stron? I am planning to concentrate on 'International and Political organization' or 'Peace and Conflict Studies' instead of Area and Ethnics studies.
I'd love to receive comments.
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Mrs. Aardvark
Member
| Joined: | Thu Jan 31st, 2008 |
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| Posts: | 107 |
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Posted: Mon May 19th, 2008 10:54 pm |
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brightday, have you seen the Princeton Review description of University of New Orleans?
It indicates that only 4% of students are from out-of-state, and only 2% live on campus.
So it will have a completely different feel than the other schools you were considering -- Bowdoin, Colby, Middlebury, Kalamazoo and Colorado College.
Many students will be living at home, or may be older, "nontraditional" students. They will come from a wide variety of socio-economic backgrounds.
Per the Princeton Review, 21% of the student body is African-American, so, again, the student population will be ethnically much more diverse than, for example, Bowdoin (5% African American) or Middlebury (3% African American).
You will have more of a "slice of American life" experience at this school (albeit, that of the American South), rather than the traditional, liberal arts college life. Far more students will be local and have a lot going on outside their college responsibilities.
Again, academically the student body will far more mixed than the other schools you considered. Some students will be well prepared for college courses; others will need much remedial help. The school is a public school in a city with many low-income families, so more students will be first generation students from struggling families, as opposed to students from well-heeled families who have already arrived.Last edited on Mon May 19th, 2008 11:00 pm by Mrs. Aardvark
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CarolynLawrence
Administrator
| Joined: | Sun Mar 5th, 2006 |
| Location: | USA |
| Posts: | 3396 |
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Posted: Tue May 20th, 2008 04:09 pm |
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I don't know if you've read it, but the U of New Orleans' strategic plan for the next few years can be found here: http://www.uno.edu/docs/StrategicPlan2007-2010.pdf
On the positive side, the U of New Orleans has some really first-class programs in areas like creative writing, political science, film, business and urban planning. The Honors Program, which you'll be in, will give you a chance to take smaller and more challenging classes with the best students in the University. While it is true that it won't be a similar experience to the small LAC's you were looking at, a motivated student will be able to find challenges and make connections with faculty at UNO.
On the downside, the U of New Orleans suffered more damage and after effects from Hurricane Katrina than Tulane or Loyola did. As a result, they struggled in some areas, including having to lay off some faculty members, and repairing campus damage, but they are on a more even keel now. Katrina also changed the size and diversity of the student body at UNO a bit.
New Orleans itself is still a bit of a mixed bag, with the main tourist areas pretty much back to normal, but some areas of the city still recovering. The size and diversity of the population has changed, perhaps permanently. However, my daughter has a good friend who just finished his freshman year at Loyola and he said that he is enjoying the city and his experiences there. He has gotten very involved with helping with rebuilding efforts, and says that is satisfying as well.
My advice: At this point, your choice is made, so focus on the good and exciting parts of what lies ahead. You may have a different experience, but that doesn't mean it will be a bad experience. If you are motivated, flexible, and out-going, you can do very well for yourself at UNO. So, don't worry too much --- just come with a positive attitude, and it will work out.
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