I began as a freshman in August, (30 years old, single parent, starting my first real college journey) and I have been unbelievably happy/impressed with Carlow, as a whole. It's big enough to have exceptional, experienced faculty, but small enough that I am more than just a number. Through my experiences so far, I have seen students of ALL ages/backgrounds/situations, and the faculty will go out of their way to help each and every one!!!
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
TALK TO EVERYONE ASSOCIATED WITH CARLOW!!! They are ALL there to help YOU! :)
From the admissions, financial aid, IT, academic resources, and ESPECIALLY the instructors. Here, you are NOT just another body in a gigantic lecture hall. Everything is more personal and every single person I have encountered will go out of their way to help you in whatever way they can. Be open and take the steps to introduce yourself to your instructors and any other staff, because they won't know you need help unless YOU ask. I haven't even completed one semester, and I am on a first name basis with a lot of Carlow staff (I ask a LOT of questions)! No one has ever made me feel like I'm dumb, or I should figure it out on my own, because they all actually care!!
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
It's all about the work YOU put in! Books and notes can only take you so far, you have to put in the work. It is a lot of work, but it is definitely possible. They have excellent resources to help students (Center for Academic Achievement, tutors, instructors, workshops/seminars, etc.)
Describe the dorm life at your college.
I don't live in the dorms, but I have heard a lot of great things from other students who do!
Describe the food and dining at your college.
Although the hours are a little restricted, I think the cafeteria offers a good variety every day. There is a fresh salad bar and they do different meals and sandwiches.
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
No, this is not a party school (sorry!). But, you're in the middle of Oakland. There is so much to do there!! All you have to do is walk down Fifth Ave or Forbes Ave and go exploring! Oakland has a great variety of attractions (museums, stores, etc.) and a HUGE variety of food!! Plus the buses run all day and can take you anywhere. I LOVE the Pittsburgh area. There are so many different things to do here (for me and for my 3 year old and her 9 year old sister). All you have to do is Google Pittsburgh events or activities or free Pittsburgh activities and you will find 100's of things to do. There are always festivals and different attractions to keep things exciting! Also there is access to gyms and even a relaxation room!!!
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
Yes, Carlow is a little more expensive than some other schools, but I know people who have degrees from Carlow and it has a great reputation.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
They have very traditional areas and new high-tech areas. It's the best of both worlds! Right now they are building a brand new library and student area! Also, I love the fact that there are many computer labs all over campus to work at and print things out as needed!
Which types of students will excel at your college?
ANYONE!!!!
18-99 years old. I have met students from any age/background/ethnicity/situation. Whether they attend straight from HS or Adult Students, they have classes and resources for anyone. I recently met a woman who will be walking to get her degree with her daughter! They are both attending at the same time.
Also, since I am a single parent (her dad hasn't seen or done anything for her in almost 2 years) I have had to rearrange things and take my daughter with me. She LOVES going to school with mommy. I had to take her with me for most of my admission/financial aid appointments, and nobody has ever been upset or looked down on me. Everyone is so nice to her, and has welcomed her right along with me. For some workshops/events they even have free babysitting included. One time, she was getting over a cold, and I had to take her into the library with me. She sat in the library and studied while mommy did her work. Everyone on campus is completely understanding and helps out whenever they can.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
There is a pretty good variety of clubs. There are always announcements on the website. Also, students are always going around to let people know what's going on. I joined the Business Leaders of Carlow club and everyone is so nice! The Campus Activities Board is always planning trips and events for anyone to attend.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
There are sororities, however I haven't experienced anything with them.
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
I have day classes and a night class, I have NEVER felt unsafe (even late at night). The campus police are super-friendly and helpful (no matter how small the issue) There are security cameras too. They have parking lot attendants to help with parking (which is a huge plus). Also, in Oakland, the Pittsburgh police are always around outside of the campus if needed.
I began as a freshman in August, (30 years old, single parent, starting my first real college journey) and I have been unbelievably happy/impressed with Carlow, as a whole. It's big enough to have exceptional, experienced faculty, but small enough that I am more than just a number. Through my experiences so far, I have seen students of ALL ages/backgrounds/situations, and the faculty will go out of their way to help each and every one!!!
TALK TO EVERYONE ASSOCIATED WITH CARLOW!!! They are ALL there to help YOU! :) From the admissions, financial aid, IT, academic resources, and ESPECIALLY the instructors. Here, you are NOT just another body in a gigantic lecture hall. Everything is more personal and every single person I have encountered will go out of their way to help you in whatever way they can. Be open and take the steps to introduce yourself to your instructors and any other staff, because they won't know you need help unless YOU ask. I haven't even completed one semester, and I am on a first name basis with a lot of Carlow staff (I ask a LOT of questions)! No one has ever made me feel like I'm dumb, or I should figure it out on my own, because they all actually care!!
It's all about the work YOU put in! Books and notes can only take you so far, you have to put in the work. It is a lot of work, but it is definitely possible. They have excellent resources to help students (Center for Academic Achievement, tutors, instructors, workshops/seminars, etc.)
I don't live in the dorms, but I have heard a lot of great things from other students who do!
Although the hours are a little restricted, I think the cafeteria offers a good variety every day. There is a fresh salad bar and they do different meals and sandwiches.
No, this is not a party school (sorry!). But, you're in the middle of Oakland. There is so much to do there!! All you have to do is walk down Fifth Ave or Forbes Ave and go exploring! Oakland has a great variety of attractions (museums, stores, etc.) and a HUGE variety of food!! Plus the buses run all day and can take you anywhere. I LOVE the Pittsburgh area. There are so many different things to do here (for me and for my 3 year old and her 9 year old sister). All you have to do is Google Pittsburgh events or activities or free Pittsburgh activities and you will find 100's of things to do. There are always festivals and different attractions to keep things exciting! Also there is access to gyms and even a relaxation room!!!
Yes, Carlow is a little more expensive than some other schools, but I know people who have degrees from Carlow and it has a great reputation.
They have very traditional areas and new high-tech areas. It's the best of both worlds! Right now they are building a brand new library and student area! Also, I love the fact that there are many computer labs all over campus to work at and print things out as needed!
ANYONE!!!! 18-99 years old. I have met students from any age/background/ethnicity/situation. Whether they attend straight from HS or Adult Students, they have classes and resources for anyone. I recently met a woman who will be walking to get her degree with her daughter! They are both attending at the same time. Also, since I am a single parent (her dad hasn't seen or done anything for her in almost 2 years) I have had to rearrange things and take my daughter with me. She LOVES going to school with mommy. I had to take her with me for most of my admission/financial aid appointments, and nobody has ever been upset or looked down on me. Everyone is so nice to her, and has welcomed her right along with me. For some workshops/events they even have free babysitting included. One time, she was getting over a cold, and I had to take her into the library with me. She sat in the library and studied while mommy did her work. Everyone on campus is completely understanding and helps out whenever they can.
There is a pretty good variety of clubs. There are always announcements on the website. Also, students are always going around to let people know what's going on. I joined the Business Leaders of Carlow club and everyone is so nice! The Campus Activities Board is always planning trips and events for anyone to attend.
There are sororities, however I haven't experienced anything with them.
I have day classes and a night class, I have NEVER felt unsafe (even late at night). The campus police are super-friendly and helpful (no matter how small the issue) There are security cameras too. They have parking lot attendants to help with parking (which is a huge plus). Also, in Oakland, the Pittsburgh police are always around outside of the campus if needed.