Last minute college poll~!!!

troub · Aug 16, 2006

Currently accepted and enrolled to Spring Arbor University. 
BA - Double Major in Physics and Math (+creative writing minor) 
BS - Electronic Engineering 
5.5 years to complete. 
orrrr.... <a href="http://www.evergreen.edu" target="_blank">The Evergreen State College</a> 
Which is an alternative education environment. They focus on learning insted of grades. Overall I think I would get more from Evergreen, as it's broad spectrum learning. However Evergreen is in Washington state, and I am in Michigan. And a plane ticket isn't cheap >.> 
I would probably pursue a BA in writing/philosophy/environment/physics or some such. THeir programs are all personalised so I could mix n match pretty much whatever I wanted over 4 years. 
Note: Matt Groening (Simpsons) and Josh Blue (Last Comic Standing Winner 06) both graduated from Evergreen. 
Evergreen is one of the most "left" colleges, offering warm vegan meals, a large veg* student body, and a theme around campus supporting tollerance and environmental awareness. 
I can easily cancel my enrolement to Spring Arbor within the next week and go to Evergreen. I just don't know where to go... so... 
take the poll and help me choose! 
thanks <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="

">

Qwerks · Aug 17, 2006

Dude that first one sounds creepy. Here's their mission statement, which they say is what guides them besides Jesus: 
"Spring Arbor University is a community of learners, distinguished by our lifelong involvement in the study and application of the liberal arts, total commitment to Jesus Christ as the perspective for learning, and critical participation in the contemporary world." 
So I guess if you want to "explore all that God has intended for your life and profession" then go with that one. 
I voted Evergreen, and I would like my vote counted twice if that's okay. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/grin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="

">

Brandon · Aug 17, 2006

I agree with Qwerks, though you don't need to count my vote twice.

synergy · Aug 17, 2006

Evergreen sounds like such a fantastic environment. I wish I had gone there. 
So, my vote is Evergreen.

Dirty Martini · Aug 17, 2006

You've mentioned wanting to go to grad school before. 
I'd do some research into the plausibility of attending the grad schools you want and their policy/approach to admitting students who graduated from schools without a graded program.

Blue Plastic Straw · Aug 17, 2006

<div class="quote-container">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by Qwerks <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a> 
Dude that first one sounds creepy. Here's their mission statement, which they say is what guides them besides Jesus: 
"Spring Arbor University is a community of learners, distinguished by our lifelong involvement in the study and application of the liberal arts, total commitment to Jesus Christ as the perspective for learning, and critical participation in the contemporary world." 
So I guess if you want to "explore all that God has intended for your life and profession" then go with that one. </div>
</div>
 
I believe Troub is a Christian, so I don't think that's gonna bother him. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="

"> 
I'm with Amy on this one. If you're thinking that you want to go to graduate school, especially for something concerning hard sciences like physics, math and engineering, a non-traditional school environment is going to seriously limit your options.

Dirty Martini · Aug 17, 2006

Your avatar is illegally cute <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/wink3.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="

">

WonderRandy · Aug 17, 2006

I voted for Evergreen. I've known plenny people who have gone to school there and they all loved it! Plus, it's right outside of my hometown (McCleary) and I know for a fact that it is simply gorgeous there!

Blue Plastic Straw · Aug 17, 2006

<div class="quote-container">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by OregonAmy <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a> 
Your avatar is illegally cute <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/wink3.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="

"></div>
</div>
 
Thanks. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="

"> 
Troub, I wanted to add that Evergreen college is a really neat school and has a beautiful campus in Olympia. If you're not planning graduate school and you feel your career choices won't be impacted by a lack of traditional academic measures it would be a great choice.

Kenickie · Aug 17, 2006

i applied to evergreen, but couldn't afford out of state tution, you should totally go there.

whisper · Aug 17, 2006

I've never heard of Evergreen before. I took a look at their website and I would love to go there. I vote for Evergreen.

Qwerks · Aug 18, 2006

<div class="quote-container">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by Blue Plastic Straw <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a> 
I believe Troub is a Christian, so I don't think that's gonna bother him.</div>
</div>
 
I'm sure it doesn't, as he's already applied, but I don't think that religion belongs in schools. 
On the other hand if grad school is involved (you'll have to forgive me for not considering this as I see it as a form of torture) and your GPA is a happy face, I can see a cause for concern. That is unless you are headed for art school. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/grin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="

">

troub · Aug 19, 2006

Thanks for the input. 
I called evergreen about housing today and they only have a few spots left... seeing that I do not have $50 for a housing deposit...yeah. Theres no way I can go across country without a place to live... I'm going to try because I think overall Evergreen would provide a better education than Spring Arbor... but I'm not sure if I can get a place to sleep in time.... if nothing else I suppose I could always transfer next year. 
My top local choice "Calvin College" didn't have any housing options left. It is Christian, but they have vegetarian food options and better education options then SA. So I was considering transfering there next year if I stay in-state. 
meh. I'm upset at myself for waiting so long that now housing is closing everywhere.

WonderRandy · Aug 19, 2006

there's plenny of places to crash around Olympia. Lots and lots of street people find a way every nite... apartments aren't too outrageous either. check out craigslist.

Tom · Aug 19, 2006

As OregonAmy mentions, I'd be concerned with having grades if I were planning on grad school. But I didn't vote in the poll- I don't know what would be best. More power to you if you can handle math. Elementary algebra was the only course I had to repeat in high school. 
Best of luck in whatever you do! 
EDITED TO ADD: When I went to college, everyone was on mandatory pass-fail for their first two years. Exceptions were made for some students, such as those who were planning on going to medical school. What about going to Evergreen and transferring to Spring Arbor in your second or third year, getting some of both worlds? Would that be an option?

GhostUser · Aug 19, 2006

<div class="quote-container">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by troub <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a> 
because I think overall Evergreen would provide a better education than Spring Arbor</div>
</div>
 
Really? It seems the other way around to me. I'd feel weary about paying such a high tuition for a school that doesn't work on a grading system and may not appear sufficient for a grad degree. 
According the Princeton Review... <div class="quote-container">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Freshmen Returning for Sophomore Year:\t70% 
Freshmen Graduating in 4 years:\t42% 
Freshmen Graduating in 6 years:\t56%</div>
</div>
 
Eeek. Although that may not be reflective at all of your own progress. 
Evergreen also got the worst fire safety rating possible. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/tongue3.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="

"> Then again, the school has some really great things about it, so you have to decide if those things are worth it to you. 
As others mentioned, I would take time to seriously consider what type of career path you are looking to be on after you graduate, and then find out which school will help you get there. That is ultimately why you are paying to go there. Good luck! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="

">

Dirty Martini · Aug 19, 2006

It sounds like you've already made up your mind. 
But seriously... I urge you to think rationally before acting on emotions. When you're getting rejections from grad schools that don't accept applications from non-graded schools, would you regret it? 
Or, would you think, "pff, I wouldn't want to go to a grad school that is so closed to tradition anyway." 
Seriously - contact the schools you want to attend for grad school and find out what their philosophy is. Then make your decision. Making a decision on emotion is great, and is perfect when paired with the confidence that you've also done your research.

Dirty Martini · Aug 19, 2006

So... I looked into Evergreen a little more. When you said they're "mix & match" you weren't kidding. 
This is an extremely non-traditional educational program and honestly I think you need to seriously consider what you want to do after school before you go there. 
You want to major in Physics? These are the programs they tell you to look into: Physics <a href="http://www.evergreen.edu/catalog/2006-07/f.htm#41" target="_blank">Fire and Water: The Role of the Sun and the Ocean in Global Climate Change</a> <a href="http://www.evergreen.edu/catalog/2006-07/m.htm#98" target="_blank">Methods of Applied Mathematics</a> <a href="http://www.evergreen.edu/catalog/2006-07/m.htm#100" target="_blank">Motion: Physics and Philosophy</a> <a href="http://www.evergreen.edu/catalog/2006-07/p.htm#101" target="_blank">Physical Systems</a> <a href="http://www.evergreen.edu/catalog/2006-07/s.htm#102" target="_blank">Science Seminar</a> <a href="http://www.evergreen.edu/catalog/2006-07/u.htm#103" target="_blank">Undergraduate Research in Scientific Inquiry</a> 
For Physics, "Integrated seminars on history, literature, philosophy and/or cultural studies of science will stimulate ongoing consideration of the context and meaning of science knowledge systems and practices through history and across cultures." 
That might fly in a graduate writing program, but that probably won't fly for graduate physics. 
Seriously, troub, if you want to get a liberal arts education with the intent of going to graduate school afterward, I highly recommend you look into a public university at a liberal campus. What about Humboldt State? Chico State? UW Madison? 
In their Applied Math section, they say "Is mathematics discovered or created? What role do mathematical models play in representing reality? Who were the people behind the important developments in calculus?" no offense, but this was what we talked about in high school. I don't have a lot of faith in their math department. 
I'm not trying to be mean, just realistic.

sallyomally · Aug 19, 2006

My neice went to Evergreen for 2 years. She loved it and really enjoyed 
Olympia. She couldn't get over her homsickness and moved to a 
University here in Houston but had a very hard time transferring and found 
that a lot of schools don't take Evergreen seriously.

gaya · Aug 19, 2006

<div class="quote-container">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by OregonAmy <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a> 
So... I looked into Evergreen a little more. When you said they're "mix & match" you weren't kidding. 
This is an extremely non-traditional educational program and honestly I think you need to seriously consider what you want to do after school before you go there. 
You want to major in Physics? These are the programs they tell you to look into: Physics <a href="http://www.evergreen.edu/catalog/2006-07/f.htm#41" target="_blank">Fire and Water: The Role of the Sun and the Ocean in Global Climate Change</a> <a href="http://www.evergreen.edu/catalog/2006-07/m.htm#98" target="_blank">Methods of Applied Mathematics</a> <a href="http://www.evergreen.edu/catalog/2006-07/m.htm#100" target="_blank">Motion: Physics and Philosophy</a> <a href="http://www.evergreen.edu/catalog/2006-07/p.htm#101" target="_blank">Physical Systems</a> <a href="http://www.evergreen.edu/catalog/2006-07/s.htm#102" target="_blank">Science Seminar</a> <a href="http://www.evergreen.edu/catalog/2006-07/u.htm#103" target="_blank">Undergraduate Research in Scientific Inquiry</a> 
For Physics, "Integrated seminars on history, literature, philosophy and/or cultural studies of science will stimulate ongoing consideration of the context and meaning of science knowledge systems and practices through history and across cultures." 
That might fly in a graduate writing program, but that probably won't fly for graduate physics. 
Seriously, troub, if you want to get a liberal arts education with the intent of going to graduate school afterward, I highly recommend you look into a public university at a liberal campus. What about Humboldt State? Chico State? UW Madison? 
In their Applied Math section, they say "Is mathematics discovered or created? What role do mathematical models play in representing reality? Who were the people behind the important developments in calculus?" no offense, but this was what we talked about in high school. I don't have a lot of faith in their math department. 
I'm not trying to be mean, just realistic.</div>
</div>
 
wow, i'm surprised this school is accredited. 
eta: no offence intended either troub. I'm sure you'll rock where ever you decide to go!

Last minute college poll~!!!

Troub should go to:

Spring Arbor University

The Evergreen State College

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American Made, Rebel Born

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