Alright, I plan on majoring in Computer Sciences, and this place looks as good as any other. I’m also going to minor in English, History, or Philosophy.
I’ve only got a 2.5GPA, but I should meet their requirements with high ACT/SAT scores (sliding scale)
So, I want to hear what people have to say about it. Is it a good school? It’s not one of those schools employers look at and go “oh…he went to WWU. slacker!”
Never heard of it.
I know that might not seem helpful, but this would be a misleading survey if only those who are familiar with the school checked in.
Have you hugged a tree lately?
Seriously, I don’t know much even though I go to school across the state. My roommate’s sister goes to WWU and my own sister was considering it before she decided to come here to WSU.
I seriously doubt you will ever get a “oh …he went to WWU slacker.” They have a reputation for being a decent school around here. It’s proximity to Seattle (and Canada ;)) gives it quite an active social scene too, I’ve heard. And Bellingham is evidently an absolutely gorgeous place to live.
The only thing you will have to be careful of is the campus is EXTREMELY LIBERAL! One thing that turned my sister off to the place was the “BUSH SUCKS!!!” graffiti that is evidently common on the campus.
If you can handle that, I’ve heard no other complaints.
I agree. I wish I lived there.
[sub]And BTW, Bush does suck.[/sub]
I’m an atheist in a Christian school. I think I can handle it. 
Thanks, guys. Just public opinion from people in the area is vital. I know there are several colleges in alabama that look good on paper, but everyone in Alabama knows they’re complete trash.
I have a friend that recently graduated WWU with a language degree, and another friend that has every intention of attending it also to pursue a language degree. While two do not constitute a majority, it seems a good place to go for language if nothing else. I’ve met a few people that attended or plan to attend also seeking a degree in CS and they speak highly of the school in that respect.
The campus is pretty liberal (but I gather most colleges are nowadays), and Bellingham is a very hippy-ish town (organic supermarkets, mom 'n pop shops, as well as a pretty active indie music scene). It is a beautiful place to live, though I speak only as a visitor and not a resident. It does tend to rain a lot, so bring your uppers if you’re not used to virtually continuously overcast skies.
And as stated above, its proximity to Seattle and Vancouver, as well as some of the gosh darndest prettiest wilderness is a boon for any mood.
Western is a very good state school. It has the excellent Huxley school for environmental studies. In addition, Fairhaven college, is an alternative arm that offers a highly regarded education–quite similar to the Evergreen State College in Olympia.
B-ham is heavenly for the reasons stated above. Vancouver is just outstanding as is the North Cascades and San Juan Islands.
Like many, you will probably not want to leave when your gig is up.
I visited once. Nice Campus, but it’s rather Spread out, so you might have to hustle if you have a two classes, one right after another, on opposite sides of the campus. I also remember it being very hilly as well.
Bellingham is a very nice town. Me and soem friends used to go sailing from there, and we’d go up to the San Juans. Close to the Canadian border too, so if you like going to Vancouver on the weekends, you’ll enjoy it.
As for the hysterical liberals, you can always ignore them.
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Have you seriously considered changing your major to a field where your employment opportunities are markedly better?
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Duckster: Yeah, I hear that. I’ve been debating on whether or not to actually major in English/History/Philosophy and just minor in CS.
That wouldn’t be a bad idea, seeing as how all I really need for a job is my certifications.
Hell, I might even get a degree in German - I’ve been studying for one year, and I love it.
Western is a really nice place to go to school. I don’t know how strong the Computer Sciences program is…although one of my roommates got her Masters in computer something-or-other, so it can’t be too bad. It is actually harder to get into Western than it is to get into UW right now. The campus is smaller than the U, so classes are smaller, which is nice.
The History department is great - the head of the department is a fantastic professor. Definately take classes from Dr. Friday if at all possible.
Ummmm…what specifically do you want to know? Yes, it is liberal - get used to Birkenstocks, flannel and granola. There is a nightlife in the area, particularly in Canada where the drinking age is 19. If you don’t want to go to a huge university Western is a great place to go. And no, employers do not look at Western on your resume and think “slacker”. Not at all.