Tell us about Kenyon...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone have any experiences with Kenyon merit aid (how much for what stats)? From what I've heard, Oberlin is often more generous for high achieving students but I have pretty limited experience knowing kids attending Kenyon (or elsewhere instead) where Kenyon merit aid was a factor that led them to enroll or decide otherwise.

My understanding is about 25 pct of class gets merit aid of 10k to 25k (or maybe higher). DC got in ED with a 33 but not straight As and received goose egg. ED is supposed to be just as eligible for merit but some speculate it’s not since they already have you.

I believe Oberlin automatically gives 10k to everyone (so it’s not really merit aid but tuition is just lower). Oberlin has a reasonably large endowment as does Grinnell which they seem to use to incentivize families to come to the Midwest. Denison has a large endowment and throws merit aid around too. So Kenyon has to compete with all that.

From what I’ve seen on chat boards high stat RD students (maybe scores above median and strong transcript), if admitted (demonstrated interest is a factor there), will normally get decent merit aid at Kenyon.

Very happy DC is Kenyon bound. Acceptance rate is not as low as some other LACs but the caliber of students is higher than many of the schools USNWR places above it (just compare the CDS to a Bates, Richmond or Colorado). Culturally and academically, it’s as appealing as any other LAC in my opinion, and the alumni seem fanatical. The only issue is location if not from Midwest. Very pleased DC will be attending (though merit aid would have been nice!)

NP also interested - Thank you. Did you fill out FAFSA? I’m wondering if they consider likelihood money would impact decision. Not applicable, I understand to ED, but a family in RD who doesn’t fill it out probably less persuaded by money than a $175,000/year donut hole family?

You might have you're logic wrong, wealthy families love a coupon and bragging rights if it's a scholarship. Kenyon is not need blind, they can use their carrots any way they want.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone have any experiences with Kenyon merit aid (how much for what stats)? From what I've heard, Oberlin is often more generous for high achieving students but I have pretty limited experience knowing kids attending Kenyon (or elsewhere instead) where Kenyon merit aid was a factor that led them to enroll or decide otherwise.

My understanding is about 25 pct of class gets merit aid of 10k to 25k (or maybe higher). DC got in ED with a 33 but not straight As and received goose egg. ED is supposed to be just as eligible for merit but some speculate it’s not since they already have you.

I believe Oberlin automatically gives 10k to everyone (so it’s not really merit aid but tuition is just lower). Oberlin has a reasonably large endowment as does Grinnell which they seem to use to incentivize families to come to the Midwest. Denison has a large endowment and throws merit aid around too. So Kenyon has to compete with all that.

From what I’ve seen on chat boards high stat RD students (maybe scores above median and strong transcript), if admitted (demonstrated interest is a factor there), will normally get decent merit aid at Kenyon.

Very happy DC is Kenyon bound. Acceptance rate is not as low as some other LACs but the caliber of students is higher than many of the schools USNWR places above it (just compare the CDS to a Bates, Richmond or Colorado). Culturally and academically, it’s as appealing as any other LAC in my opinion, and the alumni seem fanatical. The only issue is location if not from Midwest. Very pleased DC will be attending (though merit aid would have been nice!)

NP also interested - Thank you. Did you fill out FAFSA? I’m wondering if they consider likelihood money would impact decision. Not applicable, I understand to ED, but a family in RD who doesn’t fill it out probably less persuaded by money than a $175,000/year donut hole family?

You might have you're logic wrong, wealthy families love a coupon and bragging rights if it's a scholarship. Kenyon is not need blind, they can use their carrots any way they want.

???

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone have any experiences with Kenyon merit aid (how much for what stats)? From what I've heard, Oberlin is often more generous for high achieving students but I have pretty limited experience knowing kids attending Kenyon (or elsewhere instead) where Kenyon merit aid was a factor that led them to enroll or decide otherwise.

My understanding is about 25 pct of class gets merit aid of 10k to 25k (or maybe higher). DC got in ED with a 33 but not straight As and received goose egg. ED is supposed to be just as eligible for merit but some speculate it’s not since they already have you.

I believe Oberlin automatically gives 10k to everyone (so it’s not really merit aid but tuition is just lower). Oberlin has a reasonably large endowment as does Grinnell which they seem to use to incentivize families to come to the Midwest. Denison has a large endowment and throws merit aid around too. So Kenyon has to compete with all that.

From what I’ve seen on chat boards high stat RD students (maybe scores above median and strong transcript), if admitted (demonstrated interest is a factor there), will normally get decent merit aid at Kenyon.

Very happy DC is Kenyon bound. Acceptance rate is not as low as some other LACs but the caliber of students is higher than many of the schools USNWR places above it (just compare the CDS to a Bates, Richmond or Colorado). Culturally and academically, it’s as appealing as any other LAC in my opinion, and the alumni seem fanatical. The only issue is location if not from Midwest. Very pleased DC will be attending (though merit aid would have been nice!)

NP also interested - Thank you. Did you fill out FAFSA? I’m wondering if they consider likelihood money would impact decision. Not applicable, I understand to ED, but a family in RD who doesn’t fill it out probably less persuaded by money than a $175,000/year donut hole family?

No FAFSA. And again it’s ED so it’s not like I had a choice. They do give merit ED, I think just so people are not persuaded to avoid ED just to have the potential to get merit RD, but maybe they are less generous about it, who knows.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Always wise to check first year retention rate for any school being given serious consideration.

First year retention rates: (Data for period 0f 2017 through Fall 2020)

Kenyon 90%
Grinnell 90%
Oberlin 89%
Denison 88%

According to US News, there are 41 LACs with retention rates above 90%.

90% is very good, but not excellent.

Which LACS have higher rates and what are they?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone have any experiences with Kenyon merit aid (how much for what stats)? From what I've heard, Oberlin is often more generous for high achieving students but I have pretty limited experience knowing kids attending Kenyon (or elsewhere instead) where Kenyon merit aid was a factor that led them to enroll or decide otherwise.

My understanding is about 25 pct of class gets merit aid of 10k to 25k (or maybe higher). DC got in ED with a 33 but not straight As and received goose egg. ED is supposed to be just as eligible for merit but some speculate it’s not since they already have you.

I believe Oberlin automatically gives 10k to everyone (so it’s not really merit aid but tuition is just lower). Oberlin has a reasonably large endowment as does Grinnell which they seem to use to incentivize families to come to the Midwest. Denison has a large endowment and throws merit aid around too. So Kenyon has to compete with all that.

From what I’ve seen on chat boards high stat RD students (maybe scores above median and strong transcript), if admitted (demonstrated interest is a factor there), will normally get decent merit aid at Kenyon.

Very happy DC is Kenyon bound. Acceptance rate is not as low as some other LACs but the caliber of students is higher than many of the schools USNWR places above it (just compare the CDS to a Bates, Richmond or Colorado). Culturally and academically, it’s as appealing as any other LAC in my opinion, and the alumni seem fanatical. The only issue is location if not from Midwest. Very pleased DC will be attending (though merit aid would have been nice!)

NP also interested - Thank you. Did you fill out FAFSA? I’m wondering if they consider likelihood money would impact decision. Not applicable, I understand to ED, but a family in RD who doesn’t fill it out probably less persuaded by money than a $175,000/year donut hole family?

You might have you're logic wrong, wealthy families love a coupon and bragging rights if it's a scholarship. Kenyon is not need blind, they can use their carrots any way they want.

I haven’t read that as being a factor for the optimization algorithms. Have you?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone have any experiences with Kenyon merit aid (how much for what stats)? From what I've heard, Oberlin is often more generous for high achieving students but I have pretty limited experience knowing kids attending Kenyon (or elsewhere instead) where Kenyon merit aid was a factor that led them to enroll or decide otherwise.

My understanding is about 25 pct of class gets merit aid of 10k to 25k (or maybe higher). DC got in ED with a 33 but not straight As and received goose egg. ED is supposed to be just as eligible for merit but some speculate it’s not since they already have you.

I believe Oberlin automatically gives 10k to everyone (so it’s not really merit aid but tuition is just lower). Oberlin has a reasonably large endowment as does Grinnell which they seem to use to incentivize families to come to the Midwest. Denison has a large endowment and throws merit aid around too. So Kenyon has to compete with all that.

From what I’ve seen on chat boards high stat RD students (maybe scores above median and strong transcript), if admitted (demonstrated interest is a factor there), will normally get decent merit aid at Kenyon.

Very happy DC is Kenyon bound. Acceptance rate is not as low as some other LACs but the caliber of students is higher than many of the schools USNWR places above it (just compare the CDS to a Bates, Richmond or Colorado). Culturally and academically, it’s as appealing as any other LAC in my opinion, and the alumni seem fanatical. The only issue is location if not from Midwest. Very pleased DC will be attending (though merit aid would have been nice!)

NP also interested - Thank you. Did you fill out FAFSA? I’m wondering if they consider likelihood money would impact decision. Not applicable, I understand to ED, but a family in RD who doesn’t fill it out probably less persuaded by money than a $175,000/year donut hole family?

No FAFSA. And again it’s ED so it’s not like I had a choice. They do give merit ED, I think just so people are not persuaded to avoid ED just to have the potential to get merit RD, but maybe they are less generous about it, who knows.

I’ve read and heard you should fill out Fafsa if you want merit as it signals that merit money is a consideration so this outcome isn’t surprising.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone have any experiences with Kenyon merit aid (how much for what stats)? From what I've heard, Oberlin is often more generous for high achieving students but I have pretty limited experience knowing kids attending Kenyon (or elsewhere instead) where Kenyon merit aid was a factor that led them to enroll or decide otherwise.

My understanding is about 25 pct of class gets merit aid of 10k to 25k (or maybe higher). DC got in ED with a 33 but not straight As and received goose egg. ED is supposed to be just as eligible for merit but some speculate it’s not since they already have you.

I believe Oberlin automatically gives 10k to everyone (so it’s not really merit aid but tuition is just lower). Oberlin has a reasonably large endowment as does Grinnell which they seem to use to incentivize families to come to the Midwest. Denison has a large endowment and throws merit aid around too. So Kenyon has to compete with all that.

From what I’ve seen on chat boards high stat RD students (maybe scores above median and strong transcript), if admitted (demonstrated interest is a factor there), will normally get decent merit aid at Kenyon.

Very happy DC is Kenyon bound. Acceptance rate is not as low as some other LACs but the caliber of students is higher than many of the schools USNWR places above it (just compare the CDS to a Bates, Richmond or Colorado). Culturally and academically, it’s as appealing as any other LAC in my opinion, and the alumni seem fanatical. The only issue is location if not from Midwest. Very pleased DC will be attending (though merit aid would have been nice!)

NP also interested - Thank you. Did you fill out FAFSA? I’m wondering if they consider likelihood money would impact decision. Not applicable, I understand to ED, but a family in RD who doesn’t fill it out probably less persuaded by money than a $175,000/year donut hole family?

You might have you're logic wrong, wealthy families love a coupon and bragging rights if it's a scholarship. Kenyon is not need blind, they can use their carrots any way they want.

???

I suspect the vast majority of families could be swayed on the margin by $40-$140k in savings (perhaps not mega millionaires or billionaires). And there is perhaps an emotional component to it, you may be partial to the school that shows you more love. I think for almost anyone, if you are somewhat undecided between two schools, merit aid is an easy tie breaker as it is hard to justify why one school is worth so much more than another similarly prestigious school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone have any experiences with Kenyon merit aid (how much for what stats)? From what I've heard, Oberlin is often more generous for high achieving students but I have pretty limited experience knowing kids attending Kenyon (or elsewhere instead) where Kenyon merit aid was a factor that led them to enroll or decide otherwise.

My understanding is about 25 pct of class gets merit aid of 10k to 25k (or maybe higher). DC got in ED with a 33 but not straight As and received goose egg. ED is supposed to be just as eligible for merit but some speculate it’s not since they already have you.

I believe Oberlin automatically gives 10k to everyone (so it’s not really merit aid but tuition is just lower). Oberlin has a reasonably large endowment as does Grinnell which they seem to use to incentivize families to come to the Midwest. Denison has a large endowment and throws merit aid around too. So Kenyon has to compete with all that.

From what I’ve seen on chat boards high stat RD students (maybe scores above median and strong transcript), if admitted (demonstrated interest is a factor there), will normally get decent merit aid at Kenyon.

Very happy DC is Kenyon bound. Acceptance rate is not as low as some other LACs but the caliber of students is higher than many of the schools USNWR places above it (just compare the CDS to a Bates, Richmond or Colorado). Culturally and academically, it’s as appealing as any other LAC in my opinion, and the alumni seem fanatical. The only issue is location if not from Midwest. Very pleased DC will be attending (though merit aid would have been nice!)

NP also interested - Thank you. Did you fill out FAFSA? I’m wondering if they consider likelihood money would impact decision. Not applicable, I understand to ED, but a family in RD who doesn’t fill it out probably less persuaded by money than a $175,000/year donut hole family?

No FAFSA. And again it’s ED so it’s not like I had a choice. They do give merit ED, I think just so people are not persuaded to avoid ED just to have the potential to get merit RD, but maybe they are less generous about it, who knows.

I’ve read and heard you should fill out Fafsa if you want merit as it signals that merit money is a consideration so this outcome isn’t surprising.

Oops… but my FAFSA would not leave an AO with the impression that this family needs money… It’s fine, we are happy to pay full price. Someone has to! About 35 percent of the school get no need based or merit aid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Always wise to check first year retention rate for any school being given serious consideration.

First year retention rates: (Data for period 0f 2017 through Fall 2020)

Kenyon 90%
Grinnell 90%
Oberlin 89%
Denison 88%

According to US News, there are 41 LACs with retention rates above 90%.

90% is very good, but not excellent.

Which LACS have higher rates and what are they?

I personally wouldn't quibble over the difference between 90% and slightly over 90%--it's more likely due to location I would think. A lot of kids from dense cities to places like Kenyon or Grinnell and find that the remote location is less charming when you have to stay there over the winter. I don't think it's a comment on the educational quality rather a mismatch of tastes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Always wise to check first year retention rate for any school being given serious consideration.

First year retention rates: (Data for period 0f 2017 through Fall 2020)

Kenyon 90%
Grinnell 90%
Oberlin 89%
Denison 88%

According to US News, there are 41 LACs with retention rates above 90%.

90% is very good, but not excellent.

Where can we find good data here? I googled it and the answers are very inconsistent. In one search, it seems Kenyon is 93 versus the highest LACs at 96-97, which is kind of marginal. I find data very inconsistent on the internet. The only numbers I think you can trust are those provided by the school directly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Beware - Kenyon College is one of the SLACs aggressively playing the game to move up the US News ranks. Kenyon has gotten rid of both its application fee and any extra essays other than the Common App. Colleges do this (Colby is another) as a way to encourage more students to apply so that they can reject more and appear more selective.

Literally every college is doing this shit.

Yes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: Kids may look preppy, or artsy or hippie, but they share commone traits - bright and from 1 percenter families.

There is a real effort to become more racially and economically diverse. Being in the middle of Trump territory makes some URM wary, but the school has no problem with attracting international students.

Yes because in international students are typically full pay and keep a place like Kenyon solvent. Their tuition dollars mean our American kids have a place like Kenyon to get drunk for four years.

Yuck

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone have any experiences with Kenyon merit aid (how much for what stats)? From what I've heard, Oberlin is often more generous for high achieving students but I have pretty limited experience knowing kids attending Kenyon (or elsewhere instead) where Kenyon merit aid was a factor that led them to enroll or decide otherwise.

My understanding is about 25 pct of class gets merit aid of 10k to 25k (or maybe higher). DC got in ED with a 33 but not straight As and received goose egg. ED is supposed to be just as eligible for merit but some speculate it’s not since they already have you.

I believe Oberlin automatically gives 10k to everyone (so it’s not really merit aid but tuition is just lower). Oberlin has a reasonably large endowment as does Grinnell which they seem to use to incentivize families to come to the Midwest. Denison has a large endowment and throws merit aid around too. So Kenyon has to compete with all that.

From what I’ve seen on chat boards high stat RD students (maybe scores above median and strong transcript), if admitted (demonstrated interest is a factor there), will normally get decent merit aid at Kenyon.

Very happy DC is Kenyon bound. Acceptance rate is not as low as some other LACs but the caliber of students is higher than many of the schools USNWR places above it (just compare the CDS to a Bates, Richmond or Colorado). Culturally and academically, it’s as appealing as any other LAC in my opinion, and the alumni seem fanatical. The only issue is location if not from Midwest. Very pleased DC will be attending (though merit aid would have been nice!)

NP also interested - Thank you. Did you fill out FAFSA? I’m wondering if they consider likelihood money would impact decision. Not applicable, I understand to ED, but a family in RD who doesn’t fill it out probably less persuaded by money than a $175,000/year donut hole family?

You might have you're logic wrong, wealthy families love a coupon and bragging rights if it's a scholarship. Kenyon is not need blind, they can use their carrots any way they want.

???

I suspect the vast majority of families could be swayed on the margin by $40-$140k in savings (perhaps not mega millionaires or billionaires). And there is perhaps an emotional component to it, you may be partial to the school that shows you more love. I think for almost anyone, if you are somewhat undecided between two schools, merit aid is an easy tie breaker as it is hard to justify why one school is worth so much more than another similarly prestigious school.

Exactly, it's an emotional coupon. And if the wealthy family is more valuable, than the middle class family, you give them the coupon.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone have any experiences with Kenyon merit aid (how much for what stats)? From what I've heard, Oberlin is often more generous for high achieving students but I have pretty limited experience knowing kids attending Kenyon (or elsewhere instead) where Kenyon merit aid was a factor that led them to enroll or decide otherwise.

My understanding is about 25 pct of class gets merit aid of 10k to 25k (or maybe higher). DC got in ED with a 33 but not straight As and received goose egg. ED is supposed to be just as eligible for merit but some speculate it’s not since they already have you.

I believe Oberlin automatically gives 10k to everyone (so it’s not really merit aid but tuition is just lower). Oberlin has a reasonably large endowment as does Grinnell which they seem to use to incentivize families to come to the Midwest. Denison has a large endowment and throws merit aid around too. So Kenyon has to compete with all that.

From what I’ve seen on chat boards high stat RD students (maybe scores above median and strong transcript), if admitted (demonstrated interest is a factor there), will normally get decent merit aid at Kenyon.

Very happy DC is Kenyon bound. Acceptance rate is not as low as some other LACs but the caliber of students is higher than many of the schools USNWR places above it (just compare the CDS to a Bates, Richmond or Colorado). Culturally and academically, it’s as appealing as any other LAC in my opinion, and the alumni seem fanatical. The only issue is location if not from Midwest. Very pleased DC will be attending (though merit aid would have been nice!)

NP also interested - Thank you. Did you fill out FAFSA? I’m wondering if they consider likelihood money would impact decision. Not applicable, I understand to ED, but a family in RD who doesn’t fill it out probably less persuaded by money than a $175,000/year donut hole family?

You might have you're logic wrong, wealthy families love a coupon and bragging rights if it's a scholarship. Kenyon is not need blind, they can use their carrots any way they want.

???

I suspect the vast majority of families could be swayed on the margin by $40-$140k in savings (perhaps not mega millionaires or billionaires). And there is perhaps an emotional component to it, you may be partial to the school that shows you more love. I think for almost anyone, if you are somewhat undecided between two schools, merit aid is an easy tie breaker as it is hard to justify why one school is worth so much more than another similarly prestigious school.

Exactly, it's an emotional coupon. And if the wealthy family is more valuable, than the middle class family, you give them the coupon.

But I think they are most interested in getting the best students, so the coupons go to the high stat kids. This is why Kenyon's acceptance rate is a bit elevated. They are chasing the high stat kids who either didn't get into top 10 LACs and/or can be swayed by merit aid. This may explain why Kenyon has higher test score profiles than other schools with lower acceptance rates (who are perhaps letting even more kids in ED or practicing yield control more aggressively). Frankly, I'd rather my kid attends the school seeking the best students rather than the one gaming the system to have a low acceptance rate.

[Anonymous]

Kenyon is located where?

Oberlin is located where?

Sending a student to any college in OHIO where they are leaning towards removing all vaccine requirements. Ie measels, polio, MMR etc

Amazing parents you all are. Just fantastic. Not to mention curriculums are about to change worse than in Florida. Amazing pay tons of money to get a crap education in a state that will jail your daughters. Amazing.