Why apply to an Oberlin/Kenyon/Grinnell

[Anonymous]

when there are similar schools on the East Coast? Not trying to be snarky; genuinely wondering what these schools have that a Bates/Bowdoin/Colby/Hamilton does not.

[Anonymous]

Seats for kids who aren’t recruited athletes, for one.

[Anonymous]

Merit Aid

[Anonymous]

I’m not sure why even to compare them to northeastern schools? Oberlin and Kenyon are several hours closer to the DC area than Bates, Bowdoin, and Colby.

[Anonymous]

Merit Aid is the big one.
Trying to live in a different part of the country for four years and away from East Coasters?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:when there are similar schools on the East Coast? Not trying to be snarky; genuinely wondering what these schools have that a Bates/Bowdoin/Colby/Hamilton does not.

They are all safer than Bates.

They are all easier admits than Bowdoin.

They all offer merit scholarships that are not offered at Hamilton.

Better weather.

Better environments for ultra liberals and LGBTQ+.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Merit Aid

+1

[Anonymous]

Fewer preppies?

[Anonymous]

Each school has particular programs that may appeal to some over others.

[Anonymous]

Grinnell is as good as any liberal arts college in the country and has a much more quirky and less preppy and rich kid vibe than any of the top northeast schools. And yes, there’s the merit aid.

My kid loved Grinnell.

[Anonymous]

Oberlin has the music scene obviously.

Oberlin and Kenyon both have excellent creative writing.

Oberlin and Grinnell has excellent STEM PhD placement.

They all have decent merit aid.

Etc.

Depends on what you want? A big 3, but in the NE? Don’t apply.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:when there are similar schools on the East Coast? Not trying to be snarky; genuinely wondering what these schools have that a Bates/Bowdoin/Colby/Hamilton does not.

They are all safer than Bates.

They are all easier admits than Bowdoin.

They all offer merit scholarships that are not offered at Hamilton.

Better weather.

Better environments for ultra liberals and LGBTQ+.

Grinnell is nipping at Bowdoins heels at this point when it comes to selectivity.

[Anonymous]

The vibe is different. My student was looking for a change from the east coast. Enjoyed the four years and returned to DC after graduation.

[Anonymous]

Kenyon has the top DIII swim team -- that's why my kid applied.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Kenyon has the top DIII swim team -- that's why my kid applied.

Kenyon is without question a back up school for kids who really wanted but got rejected from the Northeast schools. Grinnell and Oberlin are for kids who are not interested in the northeast.