Thoughts on this college list - SLAC with supportive community and mellow vibe

[Anonymous]

Willamette University, in OR is beyond chill SLAC, with smart, happy students. Beautiful campus in PNW, very nurturing and supportive, virtually no Greek life, amazing food, great and dedicated professors. Plus, undergrads can take courses at their law and business schools. Gives good merit & financial aid. A hidden gem!

[Anonymous]

Check out Assumption University

[Anonymous]

I have found this thread super helpful as we think through choices for our child. Can anyone here speak more in detail about what Dickinson is like socially and academically, in particular for boys who aren’t athletes? Are students down to earth? Do students like being there? Does it have a middle-of-nowhere vibe? Grateful for any of this!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have found this thread super helpful as we think through choices for our child. Can anyone here speak more in detail about what Dickinson is like socially and academically, in particular for boys who aren’t athletes? Are students down to earth? Do students like being there? Does it have a middle-of-nowhere vibe? Grateful for any of this!

Not a middle of nowhere vibe. The town is cute and walkable from campus. It is an easy drive from the DMV.

We did hear it was a little cliquey socially , but that they have a tight alum network locally (after graduating).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Kid has 4.2 and 35 ACT. Very limited ECs. Looking for SLAC with supportive community and mellow vibe.

Bard
Vassar
Union
Franklin and Marshall
Kenyon
Bucknell
Lafayette
Lehigh
Haverford
UMD (as a local option)

Is this a varied enough list?

How about Elon, Trinity, Connecticut College?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Kid has 4.2 and 35 ACT. Very limited ECs. Looking for SLAC with supportive community and mellow vibe.

Bard
Vassar
Union
Franklin and Marshall
Kenyon
Bucknell
Lafayette
Lehigh
Haverford
UMD (as a local option)

Is this a varied enough list?

How about Elon, Trinity, Connecticut College?

Elon might fulfill some of those, but it is not a SLAC. It's an actual university.

[Anonymous]

If you're looking at smallish D1 schools in the Patriot League schools like Lafayette and Lehigh, you should consider Holy Cross. It has a lot of school spirit and it doesn't have frats. Plus, it has an immersive first year program designed to truly support students in the transition to college and discovering their academic path.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you're looking at smallish D1 schools in the Patriot League schools like Lafayette and Lehigh, you should consider Holy Cross. It has a lot of school spirit and it doesn't have frats. Plus, it has an immersive first year program designed to truly support students in the transition to college and discovering their academic path.

We liked everything we read about Holy Cross - but when my son did the "virtual tour" he could not believe the lack of diversity and crossed it off the list.
I am uncertain if the actual school feels any different- just something to be aware of.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you're looking at smallish D1 schools in the Patriot League schools like Lafayette and Lehigh, you should consider Holy Cross. It has a lot of school spirit and it doesn't have frats. Plus, it has an immersive first year program designed to truly support students in the transition to college and discovering their academic path.

We liked everything we read about Holy Cross - but when my son did the "virtual tour" he could not believe the lack of diversity and crossed it off the list.
I am uncertain if the actual school feels any different- just something to be aware of.

Then check out St. Joe’s in Philly. Hits a lot on your wishlist.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Kid has 4.2 and 35 ACT. Very limited ECs. Looking for SLAC with supportive community and mellow vibe.

Bard
Vassar
Union
Franklin and Marshall
Kenyon
Bucknell
Lafayette
Lehigh
Haverford
UMD (as a local option)

Is this a varied enough list?

How about Elon, Trinity, Connecticut College?

Elon might fulfill some of those, but it is not a SLAC. It's an actual university.

That's also true of Lehigh though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you're looking at smallish D1 schools in the Patriot League schools like Lafayette and Lehigh, you should consider Holy Cross. It has a lot of school spirit and it doesn't have frats. Plus, it has an immersive first year program designed to truly support students in the transition to college and discovering their academic path.

We liked everything we read about Holy Cross - but when my son did the "virtual tour" he could not believe the lack of diversity and crossed it off the list.
I am uncertain if the actual school feels any different- just something to be aware of.

IME this is the case with every mid-range LAC we looked at. DD ended up at one and what racial/ethnic diversity it has comes from international students (12% last I looked). But, there is a greater SES diversity than she is accustomed to coming from an affluent NoVA HS.

[Anonymous]

Maybe add Brandeis as well?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s a strange list. A kid that finds their people at Haverford or Kenyon is not going to be the same kid that likes Lehigh. Have you visited these schools yet op?

Kid certainly prefers Kenyon and Haverford to Lehigh and Bucknell, but trying to have a long enough list. Have visited all schools.

Agree it is a normal list for kids who want schools of a certain size.

[Anonymous]

Try Wahington College in Chestertown

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Try Wahington College in Chestertown

Oops - Washington College