Providence, RI: The college process is a hard one. Many questions come up: Am I going to like it there? How's the food? Am I going to fit in? Am I going to be accepted? Many people say that visiting a college will help. So my parents and I took a trip to Providence, RI. This is the place I wanted to be. Big city, lots of people, lots of noise, nothing like my hometown of Alton, New Hampshire.

We visited Johnson & Wales University. I was very impressed. It was nothing like I expected. You would like J&W if you like good food, lots of people, and downtown Providence. When we took the tour, little things impressed me. The newest dorm was very big. It had double rooms that were very spacious, and had their own bathrooms. You have to clean them yourself, but the privacy is great. There are five different dining halls, where the food is prepared by the culinary students. The menu was very diverse and each hall had a different theme, which ranged from a classy restaurant to a fifties type cafe. As for my parents, they liked the fact that J&W has a 98% job placement rate within six months of graduation. This high rate is due to the special work-study program. This program enables you to gain experience in your field, which makes you more eligible for job. Employment is something my parents worry about. They do not want me to graduate from college, in debt, and not able to get a decent job to pay off my loans.

College is a big decision. If all of this appeals to you, I strongly suggest you set up a tour. Johnson & Wales seems to be a very good university. f


Reviewed in 1995