Valparaiso University

Date: Aug 31 2008
Major: Civil Engineering (This Major's Salary over time)
Background: solid student, high test scores, Lutheran, middle class, grew up in a large college town: majority of friends were professor's kids, played 3 sports in high school, active at church and academic clubs. At Valpo, I am active in Greek life, intramural and club sports, and a few academic groups and honor societies

NO DIVERSITY. Throughout high school roughly half of my friends were Asian. If you like white,upper middle class suburban who are unaware of the world around them, this is the school for you.

Dull, ignorant university

I (my parents) chose Valpo over more prestigious schools and strongly regret the decision

Don't be deceived by rankings or university propaganda

Social life centers around drinking. I realize this is common, but no other school has the VUPD. They will LITERALLY follow and question you at night regardless if you have been drinking.

Christ College and CORE are engaging classes but I swear their only purpose is for student retention. If you try to transfer, you will find out that these 16 or 10 credits won't.

on the bright side…

friendly atmosphere

students have stronger morals/values than most schools

many opportunities for students to become involved on campus

THE BOTTOM LINE: 90% of my complaints are realated to social aspects. If you are active, ambitious, and intelligent, you will have trouble fitting in. Go to another school. Don't make the same decision I did. I feel I have been socially and intellectually surpassed by friends who chose better universities.

Valpo is a fine choice for many students, just not for myself.