McDaniel College

Date: Mar 16 2009
Major: Political Science (This Major's Salary over time)
As a second semester student here who is transferring, I will simply do a pro and con list of the school. I will however say that I am not transferring because I am entirely unsatisfied with the college, but mostly because I found a better program for my major at another school.

PRO's:

Financial aid: If you are putting yourself through college (like I am) or if you are not affluent, this college is VERY generous in terms of need-based aid. Additionally, I have friends who could afford the $38,000 who still got academic scholarships. Sports players, don't count on sports for scholarships because there are none of those here.

Friendly people: I have met some of the nicest people here, and I have a very good handful of people who I plan to keep in touch with when I leave. People are genuinely nice and caring, and it is a family-like environment especially if you become friends with the other residents on your floor.

Academics: It's true, you won't be a number here, or at least not in any of my classes. Classes are challenging and most make me feel like a more well-rounded person. There are always those crappy professors anywhere, I had one last semester, but most are good here.

Campus: Beautiful, especially in spring.

Dorms: If you're looking for glamor, don't come here. That being said, the facilities are fine and I have no problem with the dorm, communal bathroom setting.

CON's:

Location: If you are a person who enjoys going out on the town, this is NOT the place for you. I didn't realize until I came here that I really enjoy being near SOMEWHERE, because there is truly nothing to do in Westminster. Sure, Baltimore is about 45 minutes away by car, but for people who don't have cars or who don't wish to spend all their money on gas, it is really not conveniently close to the college. If you are used to being in the middle of nowhere, you will probably be alright, but trust me, there is NOTHING around campus to do.

Activities: The clubrooms are fun and there are small events sometimes, but on a daily basis, activities are not frequent enough to keep students excited and give them something to do. Most people simply hang out in their dorms all week long until Thursday or Friday, when they go out drinking.

Social Scene: While I do have good friends and while people are genuinely nice, MANY people join greek life. Greek life is fine and yes it gives you a lot more to do, but it is also expensive and creates large cliques on campus.

Food: All college food sucks, but there is really no variety here. You will get bored of it fast, even if you are not a picky eater. Also, the cafeteria is more like a high school than my high school with all the cliques of sports teams and frats and sororities sitting at their "designated" tables.

All in all, the college has its ups and downs, and it was great for a year. I just don't think that it is a place that can keep me entertained for long enough. McDaniel is a great place for some people, and a horrible place for others. Just try and visit on a day other than Accepted Students Day so that you can see the true happenings on campus. I'd suggest an overnight visit.