Elon University

Date: Aug 22 2008
Major: Biology (This Major's Salary over time)
I've read a few of the comments and I just felt that I had to set some records straight. Yes, there are rich preppy kids at Elon but not everyone is rich and preppy (including me). I would say the ratio is maybe 60%/40% in favor of the rich kids. I got here on financial aid and scholarships, and while I didn't go Greek, I still managed to become good friends with many people from both sides of the spectrum.

Elon is definitely a party school and people drink on the weekends, and many drink on weekdays (the business and communication majors). But really, the frat parties are the only real big ones (besides Festivus), and there are usually many smaller off-campus parties to choose from (and they're usually the better ones). If you don't drink, you will have no problem finding friends that don't drink as well, and many drinkers will respect your decision (I didn't say all though).

Coming from a small town, I felt that Burlington offered a bit more for me, but I can definitely see the boring issue if you're from a major city. But keep in mind that Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and Durham are less than an hour away and have a lot of options that Burlington can't offer. Also you have the mountains to the west as outdoor activities outside of Burlington if you enjoy that stuff. On campus, there are a lot of organizations to get involved with, and they are a good way to meet new people with similar interests, and learn more about on-campus events. Unfortunately on-campus events, while plentiful, tend to be spread unevenly throughout the calender. If you don't have a car and live on campus, it can get boring, but that's what friends are for. If you are open to trying and experiencing new things and cultures, you should have no problem with that at Elon.

Classes are really a hit or miss. Some professors are great, some are horrible. Some classes are easy (not Biology lol), some are not. I will admit it is harder to get an A in a science-related class than it is in most other subjects, but the quality of the teaching should outweigh the GPA in your mind…that's what you are hopefully here for. I can say that because I was a double major in Biology and International Studies, and I didn't have a stellar GPA, but I learned a lot and enjoyed what I learned. The average class will involve a few hands-on projects (presentations, etc.), a few instances of group assignments, and at least one project that will let you explore and be creative (such as in research papers). The faculty is very supportive overall, and I've developed a good relationship with quite a few. They've been through the college experience as well and most will understand your problems and will work with you to resolve issues. With the exception of intro classes (esp. in science), most classes will have 15-25 students. The academic atmosphere is there and the university will give you many opportunities to present research at conferences, as well as study abroad (very good trips by the way), and secure internships.

Wow…I wrote more than I was planning to write. Overall, I very much enjoyed my time at Elon, and if I definitely had to do my undergrad all over again, I certainly would do it again at Elon. I think the best way to enjoy Elon is to try new things…join organizations, attend speakers and concerts, talk with faculty. I know it may seem daunting, but all the little things you do will help you discover something new about yourself you may not have known before, and ultimately, can help steer you down the path that is specifically chosen for you. You will meet new people that have diverse interests, and if you're like me, you'll appreciate the diversity that Elon, and the world has to offer.