DePauw University

Date: Dec 04 2008
Major: Economics (This Major's Salary over time)
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.