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[dtroi]

Hello! I'm looking at going back to school soon, and, after running across mention that there were programs for nontraditional students at some women's colleges, have begun to consider attending one of them if I can. I think I'd be far less distracted and far more likely to speak up in class in a women-only environment. (I'm pretty shy... my

Comments

[dancerlbv]

I go to Cedar Crest College in Allentown Pennsylvania, and it sounds like it may be just what you are looking for. Classes are very small, except maybe freshmen lecture classes but as a non-traditional (or life-long learner as my school calls it you wouldn't have to worry about it) Campus is very beautiful, and it is part of a big city, but you would never really know it. As far as partying goes, none of that happens on our campus, but there are many others close by that it does, where you can go if you want to have a good time. We have a disability service, as well as any academic services you may need

[dancerlbv]

I forgot, there's many stores within walking distance (right next to the campus) so anything you would need is in close supply. I have also found that every single professor I have come in contact with tries their best to be sure you succeed, so if you keep in contact with the professors you have for a given semester, they will give you all the help you need. We also have many volunteer opportunities and off-campus events and trips, with transportation that are available to all students.

[dtroi]

I hadn't heard about Cedar Crest before, thanks! I just sent them a request for more information. You make it sound like a good place to be. :)

I wandered over to the Cedar Crest livejournal community, and someone mentioned in a comment that science lectures can have 75-150 people in them. Is that accurate?

[dancerlbv]

It really depends on the lecture. I don't think the big lecture halls hold any more than 75ish people, but they usually only get half full, and that's only if you take a freshman science lecture. As a non traditional student you'd be able to get into the night class that has a lot less students in it, so you'd get much more one on one from the teachers. What they probably didn't mention is that the science lectures (chem, i know for sure) usually have a required recitation that goes with it, that only has 15-20 students in it, and the point of it is to do extra practice problems while a prof is present in case you need any help with what you are studying at the time.

To answer the vegan question, we do have those options, but you'd be better off eating in the bistro if you want to be sure of what you get than the cafe. although, if you ask, telling them you are vegan, they will make special meals for you from what I've heard.

[emotional_chica]

I go to Mills

[dtroi]

Does it feel like a pretty friendly school to you? The few bits of commentary I've run into on the internet from Mills students sound kinda... grouchy in a general way. Grouchy people tend to be louder anyway, so I'm taking it with a grain of salt. :) But I thought you might be able to tell me better.

I wonder whether I can swing a campus visit sometime... that would probably be the best thing.

[emotional_chica]

hey sorry it took so long to reply. finals...
well mills is a friendly school. There are many social activists and louder vocal people and such, but everyone is friendly :) I have been able to sit at brunch with a junior from my spanish class who i've only known for the semester and it's pretty neat.
Hope this helped!

[crankyasanoldma]

I know someone who went through Smith as an older student (She had been in the Navy first) and she really liked it. It has a good residential option, which not all colleges do (some colleges with "nontraditional age" programs are oriented towards locals who already have living arrangements in the area).

[dtroi]

That's good to know, thank you! I'm not sure yet whether I'll be living on campus or off... on, probably, unless my recently retired mom decides she wants an adventure in a new place and wants to come be my roomie. :)

Chatham college

[ls56]

Chatham is a great school for non-traditionals. I love going there. A couple of non-traditional women every year come in to the city and live in the dorms.

Also, for fine-aid, I would recommend that you fill in your FAFSA early, and get all your fine-aid offers first, before making a choice of schools. Chatham has a discount if you don't get other scholarships, so I'm sure other schools have the same thing.

Re: Chatham college

[ls56]

also, the cafeteria is very good about providing vegan or vegetarian options, supports local farms. lots of kids on campus are veg.

Re: Chatham college

[dtroi]

Awesome, thank you. :)

[colorwhirl]

A tip, if you will:

Don't tell them about your previous college experience. List yourself as a transfer and bring ONLY your community college credits. If you don't mention the stuff from earlier, you will not be required to transfer those credits and use them. I speak as someone who had previous credits and chose not to transfer them as well.

[dtroi]

I hadn't thought of that... that's not a bad idea. The only problem I can foresee is that the community college I'd be attending is in the same system as the university where I had the terrible grades, so my awesome new grades that I'd want them to know about would be at the same place as the crummy ones. That's assuming I go to community college first. I suppose I could at least check out going straight to the school I hope to graduate from and potential financial aid... hm hm hm. More thinking. :)

[roseofjuly]

Some college applications specify that you must submit all transcripts of previous college work, so be careful about omitting it -- some don't care whether or not you want to transfer the old grades. They want to see all of your work.

But considering that you've put some time between your old grades and your new perspective, and you have a legitimate reason, I think you should be okay.