Gonzaga University

I am posting this comment purely for peoples advice.
Hey, I'm Leilani (thats not my real name but I want to keep this anonymous).I am going to be a freshman next year in 2014 and am dead caught in between 3 schools: Gonzaga, University of Portland, and University of San Diego. For the students who currently attend GU I ask you, do you think I would fit in and have a good experience at GU?

I consider myself to be smart, not validictorian or anything, but I get A's and B's in my honors and AP classes in high school. I live in Hawaii so I am used to warm weather, however I visited Portland in the middle of winter pretty much at its worst and it wasnt too bad at all... i like winter clothing :). I am thinking about going into the engineering program, and I consider myself fairly strong in mathematics and physics, but not excellent. I do like to have a social life, like go to fun party's and just doing fun and creative things with my friends, but I'm not some wild party girl. I do like to drink and party, but it's not my life; I actually do want a good education too. I also plan on running track while I'm at GU. I am white, so I guess I would 'blend-in' in that sense, but I am also slightly liberal and down-to-earth. Personality wise I am fairly outgoing and not a complete materialistic bitch, although I guess everyone has those moments. I guess I'm kinda weird, but who isnt. Haha but I actually do consider myself to be pretty normal. I am not very judgmental, open-minded, NOT racist, NOT sexist, and NOT religous. I wouldn't mind having those days or nights where I just cruize in my dorm and chill out, but I definitely dont want that to be the majority of my social life, but as I said earlier, I don't need to be partying every single night.

Overall, how do you guys think I would be able to fit in at GU, and would it be a good experience for me? You can either respond to this comment or add a comment of your own, add start it off with Dear Leilani or something like that so I know you are responding to me. Thank you soooo much and I would greatly appreciate your help. Feel free to add some stuff about things to do in the city, or the dorms, food options, things within walking distance to the school, etc. Mahalo Nui Loa.Sincerely, (Leilani)

1st Year Female -- Class 2014

Faculty Accessibility: A, Surrounding City: C+

I love Gonzaga. I grew up in Spokane and was trying to decide where to go. I chose Gonzaga because its a small school with small class size and I knew that I would be challenged and get a good education. I didn't want to go to a big school like WSU with 300 students and a teacher in a classroom. As a Biology major I am very challenged and thats no understatement. Be prepared to be spending alot of time studied compared to alot of other majors, especially when you take your 2 semesters of Ochem. If your like me and are here on scholarship and have to work it will be alot more difficult but its managable. The food at the COG isn't that great... really bland but other places on campus are much better. The core you have to take here is kind of annoying but it helps you be better rounded.

1st Year Female -- Class 2012

Faculty Accessibility: A+, Collaboration/Competitive: C+

Do your homework prior to matriculating at Gonzaga.
You should:
-Arrange an overnight visit; preferably one official
visit, and one random unannounced visit because the
students here put extra effort into assisting prospective
newcomers. This way you can avoid being misled.
-Realize that social life here consists of high school
style functions. Did you like high school? Then you'll
love Gonzaga.
-Be comfortable with being alone or attached at the hip.
There is usually no middle ground in this aspect of
Gonzaga life. Either everyone will be studying
obsessively, or bothering you to partake in some
charitable event.
-Look at possible job prospects (if necessary) before
moving here. Do you need to work? If so, realize that
Gonzaga is located in Spokane. Unemployment is
ridiculous in Spokane. Yes, maybe it's because there
exists a plethora of methamphetamine here, and everyone
spends money on drugs than boosting the economy...
-Know that if you're looking for God here, it'll be a
noteworthy search. I came here in search of learning
about Jesus. Instead, everyone assumed I knew all there
was to know about Christ, and sort of played down my
many inquiries.
-Bring your warmest clothes. Spokane is cold! This makes
for miserable walking weather, as driving inside campus
is out of the question. Maybe you could invest in a
enclosed and heated golf cart....
-Be aware that people here are only friendly because they
volunteer to be. The people taking care of you on your
visit will be very sweet and cordial. Don't be fooled.
They will forget who you are when you attend, unless
they discover that you have no opinions, and no wonders.
At that point, you will have successfully fit in to the Gonzaga lifestyle. Congratulations!

1st Year Male -- Class 2005

Scholastic Success: A+, Innovation: F