Tell us about Kenyon...
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Anonymous
| I like Kenton |
Anonymous
|
Here is my two cents worth for students and parents alike to consider. First off, don't put too much weight on so called rankings. They are not always comparing apples to apples. For example, why is a research institute being compared to a true LAC? They say that Kenyon has 20% of its students from the top 1% of the wealthiest families. Everyone seems to harp about the benefits of the network of connections students make from different schools and this is weighted in some of the rankings websites. Yet Kenyon is knocked down in the rankings for its lack of economic diversity among students?? This kind of seems counter intuitive. I guess they want a solid network of connections... as long as they are not well off.
If you are looking for a top notch undergrad school, then Kenyon is a good choice. As are many LAC's. Let's not forget that both Harvard and Yale are LAC's... but the biggest difference is that while attending a school such as Kenyon, your instructors will be just that, "instructors/teachers"... while if you go to a top Ivy, then many of your classes may be taught by TA's, while the instructor is off doing research. The people who really matter when it comes to name recognition are those in the admissions department at grad schools... and those in the HR department of great companies... I assure you, they know Kenyon. Each LAC has a very unique vibe.. and the student should definitely experience a school overnight before making any decision. It was astonishing to me/us how varied they were.. and we toured many, and were on the campus of many more. My child is an athlete who had two criteria for a school. They did not want to play D1 because they wanted the full college experience and secondly, they wanted to be in a collaborative and welcoming environment. Kenyon has both. I will say that my child graduated from one of the best boarding schools and had experienced first hand the challenges of an ultra competitive school environment. I don't think everyone truly understands just how competitive and pressure packed some of these schools are... and not in an enjoyable way. Learning and the college experience should be fun as well as challenging!! Also, on a side note in case you are an athlete... look closely at your conference... Kenyon athletes are almost always home in their own beds after games/events because they do not have to endure 4-8hr bus rides to get to games. This is a huge benefit believe it or not. It really helps them have a student life. Top rate LAC's do exist outside of the northeast believe it or not. The athletic facilities at Kenyon are among the best in the nation and the new library is incredible. New dorms on the way thanks to a $100 millions donation. They also offer excellent merit and need based aid. |
Anonymous
Many good points, especially the contradictory points on networking. DC weighed between Kenyon and another school for ED1, DC ultimately deciding would ED2 Kenyon if not successful. DC liked the tour, liked the students, etc. DC loves to write and thought that was one of Kenyon's best qualities. DC will be going elsewhere, but think DC would have been happy at Kenyon. |
Anonymous
This. IB has target schools. Which are all Ivy or U Chicago type schools. |
Anonymous
Thoughtful post. On the connections point, is the point connecting to one another, or connecting to your friends' parents? |
Anonymous
I agree. But Kenyon also seems to like the kids at the MoCo publics. |
Anonymous
My MoCo public kid loves her Kenyon experience. |
Anonymous
My Landon alum loves Kenyon. Yes, the Bethesda Chevy Chase area both from private schools like Prep, STA/NCS, Sidwell are well represented as is BCC, Whitman etc. Most are recruited athletes I’ve observed and/or top one percenter families. |
Anonymous
From Landon to Kenyon. The definition of overrated second tier to overrated second tier. I mean, if you have money to burn why not I guess . . . |
Anonymous
Those are the kinds of thoughts I have when thinking about EL Doctorow, Allison Janney, Paul Newman, William Rehnquist, etc. |
Anonymous
Oh please. Any college has a handful of well known graduates. Doesn’t mean anything. |
Anonymous
So if any college has a handful, then they all must be doing something right. What I just don't get - why does this matter to you? If you are able to live a life free of the second tier, then why do you even post in a thread about Kenyon (or any similar school in your eyes)? Sadly you live a first tier life devoid of grace. Did you also teach your DCs to punch down? Sincerely, Ivy grad married to Ivy grad with DCs @ top LACs |
Anonymous
I limit my scorn to expensive second tier. Otherwise I’m fine with it. I can’t stand parents with money who will do whatever they can to limit their kids’ exposure to the real world because they think they’re too good for it, when clearly they’re not or they’d be going to first tier. That’s what schools like Landon and Kenyon are designed for. Just my opinion. - somewhat with a lot of money who sent theirs kids to public schools and state colleges |
Anonymous
but why? why does this matter to you? if you care about something like this, why not get involved in programs promoting college access or something similarly constructive then punching down. and how DYK that is what all these parents are doing? one of my closest friends has a kid enrolling at Kenyon. this friend is very involved in equity work (and not the private kind) as was the DC at their school. Kenyon ended up being a good fit for a kid who might have struggled in a university setting. Not every state offers a public college like W+M. And not every kid can get in there. Yes, there are probably some who want to limit their kids' exposure, but it is certainly not everyone. |
Anonymous
It’s not “punching down” when you’re talking about rich people trying to buy a bubble. |