OT: Looking for insight on our B1G college tour
- Thread starter John Otterstedt
- Start date
Why does it seem we have a poster posting while on heavy drugs? some of the strangest posts I have ever seen in 10 years.
John, the trip you are planning sounds like an absolutely wonderful trip to take with your kids. Before you know it, time slips away and you don't have that chance again. Wish I could help you with advice though but I do not know the other campuses or areas that well.
What your OP does show that is interesting- related to recruiting...You have had your son to Rutgers many many times and I am sure you never could have imagined him telling you it is a city school.
Wherever you travel too- I do know you will have fun!
John, the trip you are planning sounds like an absolutely wonderful trip to take with your kids. Before you know it, time slips away and you don't have that chance again. Wish I could help you with advice though but I do not know the other campuses or areas that well.
What your OP does show that is interesting- related to recruiting...You have had your son to Rutgers many many times and I am sure you never could have imagined him telling you it is a city school.
Wherever you travel too- I do know you will have fun!
You're not the first to notice this poster's "style."
They do mention they had a previous name on here so if we knew who they used to be it might explain things.
John,
I did the Big 10 college tour two years ago with my wife and son. We had an amazing time, and we used Ann Arbor as our base. Here are some of our experiences from touring the campuses in the conference:
The Michigan campus was more urban than we imagined. A system of buses connects the different parts of the campus (sounds familiar?). The campus architecture was not as impressive as we imagined, with the exception of the Law Quadrangle, a series of gothic buildings that house the Law School. Be sure to visit the Law Library - it's a spectacular space with stained glass windows that contain the official seals of almost every American college. We were thrilled to find the Rutgers seal.
The engineering campus contains a series of modern buildings (it's part of their north campus). Make sure that you visit the building that contains their Makerspace - it's very cool.
We also visited Michigan State. It had the prototype Big 10 campus - traditional college buildings scattered around lots of beautiful open space. I thought that they also had the best football stadium, and I would love to go there for a game.
Purdue also had a prototype Big 10 campus - more concrete than grass, but still very bucolic. The Neil Armstrong engineering building looked impressive (from the outside).
Ohio State was also more urban (no pun intended) than we imagined. Be sure to visit the Horseshoe and go to the top floor of the library for a great view of the campus.
Penn State has an attractive, well-maintained campus. Be sure to visit the Creamery (you will wait on line for at least 30 mins) to sample their homemade ice cream.
We had a few takeaways from our visits:
1. We visited most of the campuses the year before Rutgers officially entered the Big 10. It was clear that the Rutgers New Brunswick/Piscataway campus looks like a Big 10 school, so that made us proud.
2. In Michigan, make sure that you go on the Ford Factory tour. It's amazing. You should also visit the Henry Ford museum - we thought that it was "the best museum we never hear of." It contains a vast collection of Americana that rivals the Smithsonian. You will need almost a full day to see the entire museum and the collection of historic buildings.
3. Pay attention to how each college tour is organized. As an IT guy, it was surprising to see go on many tours where the tour guide leaders had trouble opening their Powerpoint presentations and the touring groups were somewhat disorganized. The exception was Michigan - their tour was a well-oiled machine with pre-made signs for each group, and nice opening video, etc.
4. The Big 10 students and townspeople we met were very friendly. They were very excited to have Rutgers join the conference (although we did receive funny stared in Ann Arbor as we walked around in our Scarlet T-Shirts - we forgot that we were wearing the color of their nemesis).
Our story has a happy ending. After seeing the campuses, my son chose Rutgers and had a magical freshman year experience.
Good luck and enjoy your trip.
-Scarlet Jerry
I did the Big 10 college tour two years ago with my wife and son. We had an amazing time, and we used Ann Arbor as our base. Here are some of our experiences from touring the campuses in the conference:
The Michigan campus was more urban than we imagined. A system of buses connects the different parts of the campus (sounds familiar?). The campus architecture was not as impressive as we imagined, with the exception of the Law Quadrangle, a series of gothic buildings that house the Law School. Be sure to visit the Law Library - it's a spectacular space with stained glass windows that contain the official seals of almost every American college. We were thrilled to find the Rutgers seal.
The engineering campus contains a series of modern buildings (it's part of their north campus). Make sure that you visit the building that contains their Makerspace - it's very cool.
We also visited Michigan State. It had the prototype Big 10 campus - traditional college buildings scattered around lots of beautiful open space. I thought that they also had the best football stadium, and I would love to go there for a game.
Purdue also had a prototype Big 10 campus - more concrete than grass, but still very bucolic. The Neil Armstrong engineering building looked impressive (from the outside).
Ohio State was also more urban (no pun intended) than we imagined. Be sure to visit the Horseshoe and go to the top floor of the library for a great view of the campus.
Penn State has an attractive, well-maintained campus. Be sure to visit the Creamery (you will wait on line for at least 30 mins) to sample their homemade ice cream.
We had a few takeaways from our visits:
1. We visited most of the campuses the year before Rutgers officially entered the Big 10. It was clear that the Rutgers New Brunswick/Piscataway campus looks like a Big 10 school, so that made us proud.
2. In Michigan, make sure that you go on the Ford Factory tour. It's amazing. You should also visit the Henry Ford museum - we thought that it was "the best museum we never hear of." It contains a vast collection of Americana that rivals the Smithsonian. You will need almost a full day to see the entire museum and the collection of historic buildings.
3. Pay attention to how each college tour is organized. As an IT guy, it was surprising to see go on many tours where the tour guide leaders had trouble opening their Powerpoint presentations and the touring groups were somewhat disorganized. The exception was Michigan - their tour was a well-oiled machine with pre-made signs for each group, and nice opening video, etc.
4. The Big 10 students and townspeople we met were very friendly. They were very excited to have Rutgers join the conference (although we did receive funny stared in Ann Arbor as we walked around in our Scarlet T-Shirts - we forgot that we were wearing the color of their nemesis).
Our story has a happy ending. After seeing the campuses, my son chose Rutgers and had a magical freshman year experience.
Good luck and enjoy your trip.
-Scarlet Jerry
I've ways been jealous of BK, who goes to many, many Rutgers away basketball games. The guy has literally toured the country that way.
Someone mentioned the German Village in Columbus, Ohio. Anyone else beside me show up there the last time RU was in town, see the crowd, and have to leave? If I recall, we were told that the wait was 90 minutes.
We ended up going to a restaurant that called Brick. It had just opened shortly before the trip. I highly recommend it. If you like burgers, try their BBQ burger. It was the best burger I have ever tasted, which says a lot considering I will drive quite a distance for a good burger.
Someone mentioned the German Village in Columbus, Ohio. Anyone else beside me show up there the last time RU was in town, see the crowd, and have to leave? If I recall, we were told that the wait was 90 minutes.
We ended up going to a restaurant that called Brick. It had just opened shortly before the trip. I highly recommend it. If you like burgers, try their BBQ burger. It was the best burger I have ever tasted, which says a lot considering I will drive quite a distance for a good burger.
I mentioned German village. We waited 45 miniutes at Thurmans last weekend, longest wait I have had is hour and 1/2. If you liked Brick you need to wait it out and eat at Thurmans.
Using the word "sans" is his tell! He used it a lot when posting under his previous screen name and I knew he'd out himself.
It's killing me that I can't remember what his old screen name was.
When I saw Shill I KNEW the comments would be negative. Shill, use the BRAIN AND PERHAPS TRY THE BIOGRAPHICAL INFO???
By the way (and I won't use sans since you don't like it) I was only teasing our John.I DID post 1-2 shows I had heard about (and John just posted he admired BK for touring the country via RU hoops) in WI. HOWEVER it was true I did get banned once for just posting my thoughts on one QB over another (maybe Teel overheart-and not being negative towards either or Schiano. Vaguely remember it happening to other which is why I say it was probably a heat of the moment thing. It certainly happens on others Rivals sites because others have laughed or complained such.
I also can't blame BKs predercessor for wearing his undergrad's school shirt during a big women's game hwn that team is the opponent! I used to do similar at Douglass Library-but did have a case where I saw who likely was a team member who frowned when he saw (CAN'T BLAME HIM) Common sense though (esp as President of the Court Club) is that he's gonna take some busting though. Have that experience with BK as he's a 125er and (though were pumped durimng games) he doesn't always have the thickest skin. :>)
You might not like my scarcasm but but at least a few others
have appreciated my help, thoughts and comments. I do seem to have a better "likes ratio" than thee :>)...
By the way (and I won't use sans since you don't like it) I was only teasing our John.I DID post 1-2 shows I had heard about (and John just posted he admired BK for touring the country via RU hoops) in WI. HOWEVER it was true I did get banned once for just posting my thoughts on one QB over another (maybe Teel overheart-and not being negative towards either or Schiano. Vaguely remember it happening to other which is why I say it was probably a heat of the moment thing. It certainly happens on others Rivals sites because others have laughed or complained such.
I also can't blame BKs predercessor for wearing his undergrad's school shirt during a big women's game hwn that team is the opponent! I used to do similar at Douglass Library-but did have a case where I saw who likely was a team member who frowned when he saw (CAN'T BLAME HIM) Common sense though (esp as President of the Court Club) is that he's gonna take some busting though. Have that experience with BK as he's a 125er and (though were pumped durimng games) he doesn't always have the thickest skin. :>)
You might not like my scarcasm but but at least a few others
have appreciated my help, thoughts and comments. I do seem to have a better "likes ratio" than thee :>)...
in full disclosure, i'm extremely biased, but for a flat out gorgeous and walkable campus, and the quintessential "college town" experience, Indiana and Bloomington is hard to beat.
another poster mentioned the Little 500 bike race weekend, but plenty going on most weekends.
football isn't the top dog in Btown, basketball is, but football is still a great day.
being in the B10 east, IU always has a plenty of big name opponents, with OSU, Mich, MSU, PSU, RU, guaranteed every yr.
fball tics are dirt cheap for students, and you can have a great seat every game.
and the tailgating scene is impressive.
basketball is a lot tougher good seat, but the place goes nuts over hoops.
if your boys like to play hoops, the pickup game scene is quite impressive with a couple indoor gyms for students. (one with 12 full courts side by side, and more in the same bldg).
major league school of music makes for lots of events on that front.
not that other college towns aren't, but Bloomington and the IU campus is a special kind of place.
another poster mentioned the Little 500 bike race weekend, but plenty going on most weekends.
football isn't the top dog in Btown, basketball is, but football is still a great day.
being in the B10 east, IU always has a plenty of big name opponents, with OSU, Mich, MSU, PSU, RU, guaranteed every yr.
fball tics are dirt cheap for students, and you can have a great seat every game.
and the tailgating scene is impressive.
basketball is a lot tougher good seat, but the place goes nuts over hoops.
if your boys like to play hoops, the pickup game scene is quite impressive with a couple indoor gyms for students. (one with 12 full courts side by side, and more in the same bldg).
major league school of music makes for lots of events on that front.
not that other college towns aren't, but Bloomington and the IU campus is a special kind of place.
On Wisconsin! Not only is Madison one of the best small cities in the country, the Wisconsin Dell's are about an hour away. Lakes, rivers, tons of water sports as well as numerous water parks. Almost every hotel has water slides and pools. A very interesting contrast to the NJ Shore.
Madison also has great bike trails. When I visited with my son we brought our bikes and explored the area, including trips well out into the country.
Depending on your trip the superior lake shore is a pretty amazing place, esp. in northwestern Wisconsin.
If you are camping, check out the Indiana Dunes National Seashore as a good stopping point between Ohio/Michigan/Indiana and Illinois/Wisconsin.
Every time I go to Michigan someone tells me about Mackinac Island, it's supposed to be a really cool, laid back place.
And if you make it to Michigan State don't forget to get Ice Cream at the dairy store.
Also, never buy gas on the Indiana turnpike it's very expensive. I u s sully gas up in southern Wisconsin and western Ohio when cruising I_80 and I_94.
I didn't read the entire thread but you will most likely come across 80. If so, hit Penn State (or not) and then continue to Pittsburgh and stay there. Seven Springs is right off the PA Turnpike exactly one hour from Oakland and is nestled in the beautiful Laurel Highlands of PA. If you are looking for a concrete campus, PITT could be a good option.
If you stay on 80 you can hit Kent State (rural) and then check out John Carroll and Baldwin Wallace on the north side of Cleveland on your way to Ann Arbor. Agree with the person who mentioned Miami of Ohio - beautiful campus and very good academic school but probably too far South for your trip.
EDIT: If you make it all the way out to BW, you could also check out Oberlin. Great school but also probably the most liberal in the country.
If you stay on 80 you can hit Kent State (rural) and then check out John Carroll and Baldwin Wallace on the north side of Cleveland on your way to Ann Arbor. Agree with the person who mentioned Miami of Ohio - beautiful campus and very good academic school but probably too far South for your trip.
EDIT: If you make it all the way out to BW, you could also check out Oberlin. Great school but also probably the most liberal in the country.
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1. Try your best to set up campus tours through the universities. Walking around a campus yourself is not the same.
2. Do your kids have an idea what they want to major in? Rutgers is great if you are undecided because there are so many options and you pay in state tuition while you figure out what to do. If your kids want to go out of state or pay for a private school they should have a clear plan and major in mind. I studied engineering and wish I had a chance to meet with engineering deans at other schools and hear their pitch and what they were researching.
So my advice is to try to set up meetings/tours with specific academic departments. This will really help your kids decide what they want to study.
2. Do your kids have an idea what they want to major in? Rutgers is great if you are undecided because there are so many options and you pay in state tuition while you figure out what to do. If your kids want to go out of state or pay for a private school they should have a clear plan and major in mind. I studied engineering and wish I had a chance to meet with engineering deans at other schools and hear their pitch and what they were researching.
So my advice is to try to set up meetings/tours with specific academic departments. This will really help your kids decide what they want to study.
Style-one of the major problems or complaints about RU admissions is that there care programs and schools that you need to get into right away or apply to based on grades one's first 2-3 years. One of our tailgate crews daughter was accepted at parts of RU but not the business school? so she's headed to the tradtional #1 NJ out of state school Delaware.
I experienced this to an extend back in the day (still paying for it) when I frst applied to Pharma school was accepted, and went to Cook instead. My class was about half (400/800) pre med and pre vet so the advisors (many bitter themselves) deliberately set up horrible weed out schedules. Had bad grades for 1-2 years before learning how to play the game-motivated by being turned down by the Pharma school my 2nd time around-while many county college grads (back then for the most part definitely inferior students-this was before all these transfer programs existed.
From what I think I have heard many potential students don't want to risk spending 2-3 tough years at RU only to be rejected later on,
I agree one should try these visits during the academic year-and get an official or unofficial tour-to get a feel for the school/academics/facilities. Though I had some good profs eventually over 5 years who wrote me great recommendations I made a bad choice by going to Cook where I wasn't encouraged or supported-and the competition was iincredible (with the most popular/social types getting their hands on the coveted former final exams).
Now compare that to my cousin (not the smartest person) and did a Costanza by going to a non typical pre vet school (FSU) and transferred one semester to UF to get electives he needed for Vet school. Avoided much direct competition had he gone to UF andc was likely helped by profs at FSU who wanted to see a "rare" student accepted into Vet school (tougher to get n than Med School as there aren't that many Vet schools.
I experienced this to an extend back in the day (still paying for it) when I frst applied to Pharma school was accepted, and went to Cook instead. My class was about half (400/800) pre med and pre vet so the advisors (many bitter themselves) deliberately set up horrible weed out schedules. Had bad grades for 1-2 years before learning how to play the game-motivated by being turned down by the Pharma school my 2nd time around-while many county college grads (back then for the most part definitely inferior students-this was before all these transfer programs existed.
From what I think I have heard many potential students don't want to risk spending 2-3 tough years at RU only to be rejected later on,
I agree one should try these visits during the academic year-and get an official or unofficial tour-to get a feel for the school/academics/facilities. Though I had some good profs eventually over 5 years who wrote me great recommendations I made a bad choice by going to Cook where I wasn't encouraged or supported-and the competition was iincredible (with the most popular/social types getting their hands on the coveted former final exams).
Now compare that to my cousin (not the smartest person) and did a Costanza by going to a non typical pre vet school (FSU) and transferred one semester to UF to get electives he needed for Vet school. Avoided much direct competition had he gone to UF andc was likely helped by profs at FSU who wanted to see a "rare" student accepted into Vet school (tougher to get n than Med School as there aren't that many Vet schools.
LOL
Graduates from Columbia, Yale, Cornell,Princeton,Dartmouth, Brown,Chicago, Northwestern etc attending our Medical School or UPMC Residency Programs don't have a problem with the Pitt campus.
Since our Medical School is ranked 16th in the Nation (in addition to the fact that ALL of Pitt's Health Science Programs are all ranked in the Top 20 in the Nation) and the GPA and MCAT scores are equivalent to the University of Pennsylvania. UPMC residency Programs also attract many Ivy League Medical School Graduates.
HAIL TO PITT!!!!
I'm sorry, did I say I had a problem with the PITT campus? I said it was a concrete campus, which it is.
Congrats on the medical programs.
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