Furman University

Date: Mar 07 2005
Major: Art & Design Department (This Major's Salary over time)
Upon coming to Furman 2 years ago, I thought it would be just what I wanted: a small liberal arts school with a great music dept., strong academics, a good reputation, and a beautiful campus. Furman is all of those things, indeed. However, as I have grown as an individual over these last years I have begun to realize that this was not the right choice for me. Sure, it looks good on paper, but it's not what it seems. Classes at Furman are ridiculously hard, and many a professor picks "favorites". I have been stuck with a B- GPA for the past year (despite hours on end of studying) and it's not budging, while many of my ditzier friends seem to always get A's and B+'s. Be prepared for frustration: the equation "worker harder and you'll do better" does not apply at Furman. The student body here is very white and Southern Baptist, and generally very boring. Girls go to classes perfectly coiffed, complete with pearls and heels. The social life here is, well, nonexistent. I frequently come back to campus at 10 or 11 at night and can't find a parking space because NO ONE EVER LEAVES. Your only hope of having a social life and fitting in is joining a greek organization. Sure, I have friends, but I have felt for two years like I don't belong just 'cause I'm an independent. Of course Furman requires everyone to live on campus for 4 years, but doesn't allow students (even those of age) to possess alcohol. The administration refuses to allow condoms to be distributed anywhere on campus, including the Infirmary, because it refuses to acknowledge that students here have sex. Sexual violence, esp. date rape, is a problem here (as it is many other campuses), but Furman seems to try to hide the statistics from its students and offers little support for victims (the worse disciplinary action against a date rapist was a $500 fine). Furman truly is unlike the real world, and is little preparation for a life in it. This idealistic "bubble" is really Hell with a pretty facade. The academic frustration and mentality of the administration and most students here has completely drained me of motivation, interest, and a desire to learn. Furman will suck you dry, emotionally, mentally, and financially. I regret not attending a larger, more open-minded, real UNIVERSITY.