McDaniel College

Date: Nov 08 2008
Major: Communications (This Major's Salary over time)
I was only here for a semester, but I couldn't wait to leave from the first month. Maybe that's because this wasn't where I wanted to be and I was going to another university in the spring, but I really did try to make the best of it and had a positive attitude going on. I have nothing against the college itself; my mother went here and loved it, and I admit it is one of the most beautiful campuses you will ever see. That has been a big draw for many people. But if I had to spend the next four years here I think I would lose it.

One of my biggest problems here was boredom. The surrounding town is very quaint and everything closes early, and at night it can get very sketchy. We were constantly warned not to venture down Penn Avenue alone. Luckily, there are some good restaurants and a grocery store within walking distance since you WILL be sick of the food almost immediately. The college tries to make fun events, and there definitely are some a few times a month, but a lot of people go home on the weekends and the campus dies.

Socially, unless you are in a clique or on a sports team, it can get very lonely here. I have made some good friends that I will definitely keep in touch with, but I never really felt like I fit in with the people here. A lot of the social life reminds me of high school minus the diversity of where I attended. There are a lot of very, very strange people that go here, and because it's a small campus you will see them all the time. I've had creepy guys come and sit next to me in the dining hall and strike up some of the weirdest conversations I've ever had. You have your fair share of jocks, ditzy girls, weird people and of course there are a good deal of friendly, fun people…I just didn't come across too many of them. I guess it really depends on whether or not you can handle a very small school where you see the same people over and over again.

Dorm life for freshmen is terrible. The buildings are old, un-airconditioned (which means it's hot even in the winter since the walls retain heat), with facilities dying to be renovated or even sprayed down with W240. I had to spray my door and the bathroom door next to my room because it squeaked and crunched loudly every time someone opened it. Many doors to dorms slam shut extremely loudly, and of course people could care less if they are making noise at 2 AM. I never got a sense of community or friendliness in the dorms. The freshmen guy's dorm Rouzer isn't much better. It's going to be turned into an office building. Good riddance.

Smoking is huge here, and you'll find ashtrays everywhere. People love to smoke in front of the building entrances and leave their butts all over the ground. I've seen about 100 cigarette butts littering the steps near Whiteford. It is DISGUSTING and rude. It's really a shame since the campus is so beautiful.

The gym is decent and in a new building that looks pretty good. The classrooms are generally nice, comfortable and well-maintained. I guess McDaniel cares more about how they appear to the average visitor than how the average student lives. The meal plan sucks and the dining hall food is run by Sodexho. You eat the same shit every day unless you want to use your limited 4th meals (only after 7 PM!) or pay cash at the Pub & Grille or Sandella's. The Pub has some decent fried foods like burgers, fries, chicken wraps and tenders. I've spent a lot of money on Pub food because I am regularly un-appetized by the main dining hall. All I usually get there is cereal, a salad, a sandwich and sometimes a stale piece of cake.

Academically the school is above average. It honestly depends on the program you're in. Dual majors are a good alternative since the college doesn't have the biggest selection of majors to choose from, but it's great compared to some other small schools I've seen. If you want academic diversity, attend a large school.

You have to take a First Year Seminar that can be really fun or really, really intense. It's supposed to help you adjust to college but I've heard of having to write 10 page papers, single-spaced alongside heavy reading. There are some good classes here but many of them aren't ever offered! You may have to wait a year to get into a class you need for your major. I'm surprised anyone finishes in 4 years. Luckily, you generally get into classes because the school is small.

Overall, some people love it here and feel like they really belong. I do enjoy the library, the campus and many of the academic buildings. The theatre is very nice and the acting program is solid. I don't regret coming here for a semester but I can't say I'm sad to leave.