DePauw University

Waste of money, everything they do is marketing, they sell the name and not education.. worst decision I ever made and I will be looking to transfer for sure.

2nd Year Male -- Class 2018

So. It's been four years, and I graduate in the spring. What to say about DePauw University. Well, here's the truth. Read my little diddy, and be honest about your self-appraisal. I hope it helps.

I wish I could recommend the school that I spent 3.5 years of my life at. I transferred here because it looked beautiful, I heard it was a great school, and it's got a pretty great reputation for churning out CEO's like pound cakes. It's true; a lot of folks here will go on to be very wealthy, successful people. And that, to be honest, is about it.

The school is terrible. I don't mean to sound melodramatic; I'm usually not. But this is the one chance I have to warn students who are getting ready to go to college not to make the same mistake I did. DePauw is a place where people smile at you while they talk about you behind your back. Where if you don't go Greek, you will not have a social life. Alot of people say that you don't have to go Greek to be social. It's untrue. Plain and simple. If you don't go Greek, the majority of your Friday's and Saturday's will be spent alone. And I mean alone.

Greencastle is the size of a postage stamp. It's true, there are a couple community programs, some of which are even spearheaded by college students. Be aware; those programs are run by a very "elite" group of social gods and goddesses. Participating in community projects is a social badge around these parts, not a humanitarian calling. The townies hate the students. The students judge the townies. It's unhealthy.

People are either depressed or alcoholic. If you don't drink, you will by the time you graduate. If you cherish your virginity (for whatever reason) you will find yourself believing more and more that it's something that you should give away, because if you don't, well...you're pretty lame.

DePauw has a way of turning people inside out, making them lose confidence in who they were before they got there. Sure, you'll meet one or two people to spend the long hours with. But please, if you actually want to go to a University where you can meet people, talk to people, hold people, connect with people, exist with people, don't come here. It's the loneliest, meanest place I've seen. And I've seen a lot of places.

Good luck in your college search. Don't settle for DePauw. DePauw isn't anybody's first choice; and if it is their first choice, this review isn't for them. The kind of person who wants to get black out drunk, go through college doubting themselves and working to prove their worth to random people, who are willing to judge and be judged...why, DePauw's a perfect fit.Good luck, Searcher.

4th Year Female -- Class 2011

Scholastic Success: A+, Individual Value: F

I wanted to love DePauw, but it was just not possible. DPU advertises itself as a challenging liberal arts school that is fun and exciting. However, my time at DePauw has been anything except that. I believe that DPU has taken a steady decline in recent years--they accept too many people and their freshmen retention rate has hit an all-time low last year--which is quite troubling. Although the new president is on a mission to change DPU, I will not be staying here.

First off, I had very good grades and test scores in high school, and I also got in many elite schools. However, I chose DPU because of the supposed "awesome social life, friendly people, and top-notch academics." Unfortunately, I think the social life is pretty dull--drinking in your dorm room the first semester hoping not to get caught, there are no bars, the frats/sororities are just like house parties in high school, etc. I don't know if I just had an unusual amount of fun in high school, but I had more fun in high school than at DePauw. Furthermore, the town is absolutely horrible. There are only 9,000 people that live in it, but I feel like there is less than 1,000. Basically, the only things there are Kroger, Walmart, and a dollar theatre. Indy isn't too far, but Indy isn't too much fun, and it's basically a city in a cornfield. I came from a large suburb, and it has been a constant struggle for me. All I have to say: If you are a city person, want a college town, nightlife, bars, etc. DO NOT COME HERE. Greek life isn't too bad, but it is peoples' lives, which is really sad. It is quite clique-y, which is to be expected, but overall it's pretty nice if you get into a good house. Also, the students are not too friendly..many come with high school friends or stick with their clique. The guys are usually more friendly than the girls.

Secondly, the academics at DePauw are very mediocre. Nothing was too challenging, and of you study a decent amount, you will achieve high grades. Sadly, most kids do not study here, so many get <3.0 their first semester, which is why DPU had the lowest greek life participation last year (Have to have a 2.5 or higher to rush). I feel like DPU has tried to diversify so much that they have lowered their standards, thus punishing kids who deserve to be thee. Plus, the fact that they accept>65% of their applicants and are running out of houses is quite off-putting. Kids in sports get higher "academic scholarships" than kids who do not play sports and had higher grades than those athletes in high school. The work here is not challenging and consists mostly of busywork, but the professors are very helpful and friendly if you do need help. Overall, most kids at DPU are of average intelligence, causing the school to suffer academically. If you got in a higher callibar school and are considering a good career/graduate school, go somewhere better known and more challenging than DPU.Overall, I will not be staying at DPU. I will be transferring to a school with better academics with a better social life (with actual bars, night life, etc.). Take my advice and really look at DPU..do an overnight and meet the students. Also, sit in on a class. DPU was not up to par with my expectations and academic level, but maybe you'll love it. I met some great friends here, but sadly I have to leave them since it is just not working for me at DPU.

1st Year Female -- Class 2012

Faculty Accessibility: A+, Surrounding City: F