Safety Concerns

I'm already stressed about the whole application process and future college experience. However, safety is something that's super important to me. Are there any colleges in the U.S you guys know are notorious for being a bit more dangerous, just so I can consider that along with other factors? Thanks!

Your concern about safety on campus is entirely valid and should be part of the factors you consider when choosing a potential college. Just like other areas of life, the level of safety can vary from one college to another due to location, size, security measures in place, and other factors.

Although it's not specifically feasible to list all schools known to have safety concerns, it's essential to know that location can have a significant impact. Urban campuses, due to their location, often have more security incidents reported compared to rural or suburban colleges. This doesn't mean that all urban campuses are unsafe, but it's something you might want to consider. For example, campuses in major cities like Los Angeles, New York, or Chicago may have higher crime rates simply due to their location in bustling urban areas.

Also, larger universities may have more incidents simply due to having a larger student population. However, it doesn't mean they're necessarily more dangerous. Many larger institutes have robust campus police departments and solid safety programs with visible presence and prompt response.

To objectively assess the safety of potential colleges, you can refer to the Annual Security Reports or the Clery Reports, which are required by law for all U.S. colleges and universities. These reports provide crime statistics for the prior three years, policy statements regarding various safety and security measures, campus crime prevention program descriptions, procedures to be followed in the investigation and prosecution of alleged sex offenses and other valuable information.

Additionally, researching the location of the school can be valuable too, understanding the kind of community it is in, and if it aligns with your comfort level. Don’t shy away from reaching out to current students or alumni from potential schools to get a first-hand account of their experiences and impression of safety on campus. More often than not, they'd offer very insightful perspectives.

Remember, everyone's comfort level regarding safety is different. What might make one individual uneasy might seem completely normal to another and vice versa. Your feelings about safety are personal, so it's important to trust your instincts and go with a college where you feel comfortable pursuing your academic goals.