SLACs for my DS?

[Anonymous]

OP, does he have an idea of what fields/majors would be of most interest? That's the place to start.

If he knows the subjects he most wants to study, he can begin narrowing down SLACs based on which ones have programs in the fields of interest to him. Just looking at SLACs because they're SLACs could end up wasting your time -- there's no need to put research effort into, for example, getting informaiton about a SLAC that doesn't have or has very minimal investment in his main subject of interest.

He should research the subjects first and see what schools are known for the subjects he wants, rather than casting a net at SLACs in general. That's what our DD did; she only focused on SLACs (and a few universities) that had good reputations in the fields she thought she'd study for a major, and eliminated all others. That narrows any list way down, very quickly, but still should leave a lot of colleges in the running. This only works well if the student has some strong preferences about subjects and majors, but if the student does have that, it can save a lot of wasted time, I think.

The most prestigious SLAC in the world doesnt mean much if it doesn't have the subject you plan to study or has it, but doesn't really give it much priority or many resources. That may seem obvious, I know. But on this forum, where prestige/ranking/"top tier" are obsessions, there often is zero discussion about why a top-ranked college may not provide the education the student really wants and needs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
OP, does he have an idea of what fields/majors would be of most interest? That's the place to start.

If he knows the subjects he most wants to study, he can begin narrowing down SLACs based on which ones have programs in the fields of interest to him. Just looking at SLACs because they're SLACs could end up wasting your time -- there's no need to put research effort into, for example, getting informaiton about a SLAC that doesn't have or has very minimal investment in his main subject of interest.

He should research the subjects first and see what schools are known for the subjects he wants, rather than casting a net at SLACs in general. That's what our DD did; she only focused on SLACs (and a few universities) that had good reputations in the fields she thought she'd study for a major, and eliminated all others. That narrows any list way down, very quickly, but still should leave a lot of colleges in the running. This only works well if the student has some strong preferences about subjects and majors, but if the student does have that, it can save a lot of wasted time, I think.

The most prestigious SLAC in the world doesnt mean much if it doesn't have the subject you plan to study or has it, but doesn't really give it much priority or many resources. That may seem obvious, I know. But on this forum, where prestige/ranking/"top tier" are obsessions, there often is zero discussion about why a top-ranked college may not provide the education the student really wants and needs.

In my experience, most people interested in slac’s aren’t as set on specific major as people interested in big unis or more preprofessional colleges/unis. One appeal of slac’s is the ability and encouragement to try out various subjects, and given that all are small they are not going to be the types of colleges with 95 majors and many “schools.” Of course some people know they enjoy best hard sciences or history, but more in broader category which could like be satisfied at many slac’s.

[Anonymous]

Seems like most of them are in to the liberal arts for some reason.

[Anonymous]

Vassar.

[Anonymous]

Are you full pay? Looking for merit aid? That will make a difference when choosing schools.

[Anonymous]

I think fit is the most important in terms of choosing a college. LACs are great for many students because almost all (if not all) courses are taught by professors. Students develop close relationships with their professors which is helpful when obtaining research positions or when asking for recommendations. LACs also provide a broad education which includes math and science (many mistakenly believe that liberal arts only include the humanities). Students are taught to think deeply, critically, and rigorously which is good preparation for any job in the future.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DS is interested in SLACs but DW and I don't know much about them. What would some match schools be for a kid with a 1380 SAT and a 3.93 uw GPA? Doesn't have any specific criteria now other than small and liberal-artsy.

Liberal and artsy - Vassar and Oberlin.

[Anonymous]

Look all over New England. So many hidden gems up there.

[Anonymous]

Oberlin

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Oberlin

It’s a reach.

[Anonymous]

I’d look below the top 20 or get his SAT up