Colgate v. Colby v. Kenyon

[Anonymous]

DD anticipates the luxury of being able to choose from these 3. If you were in her shoes, which would you choose and why?

[Anonymous]

I went to (and loved) Colgate and my older sister went to Kenyon. Having seen where she went, I knew I wanted something a little larger and a little less remote and a little closer. But I still wanted small, because I was coming from a small private school, and remote, because I always had and wanted to continue to live in cities and wanted to see something different for college. I considered Bates/Bowdoin/Colby, but ended up not applying because Maine was just too far. Colgate has slightly more of an emphasis on sports than the other two, because it's not Division III. Have you visited?

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't choose Kenyon, simply because it is SO in the middle of nowhere (I considered applying and then visited and said no way). I ended up at Bates, so from your list, I'd choose Colby. Maine is awesome in the winter, but I'm a huge fan of cold weather. I don't really do any cold weather sports, but if you do like them, then it's just an added bonus.

[Anonymous]

Probably Colgate, although I really liked Kenyon when we visited.

[Anonymous]

Colby is at least a notch above the other two. Like Cornell compared to Georgetown and UNC.

Unless there is a compelling reason to choose one of the other two (which your question suggests is not the case) Colby is the obvious choice.

[Anonymous]

I was very happy with Kenyon and think some make too much of its rural location. It is Ohio, not Nunavut.

[Anonymous]

And Waterville Maine and Hamilton, NY are not exactly in the middle of everything either.

[Anonymous]

Colby!

[Anonymous]

Bottom line is, the distinctions between liberal arts schools of this caliber come down to student vibe, weather, geography, athletic division, etc. Academically there just isn't much light between them and any of the dozens of other fine small schools in their league. But I've been to each, have employed grads from each too, and they do have different personalities -- which is why college visits to SLACs are highly recommended IMO. Once they're on campus, kids tend to have strong gut instincts about SLACs that have little correlation to rankings -- at least that was our experience.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was very happy with Kenyon and think some make too much of its rural location. It is Ohio, not Nunavut.

+1

[Anonymous]

If we all get a vote, I'd pick Kenyon for prettiest campus and its focus on liberal arts.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Colby is at least a notch above the other two. Like Cornell compared to Georgetown and UNC.

Unless there is a compelling reason to choose one of the other two (which your question suggests is not the case) Colby is the obvious choice.

You spelled "Colgate" wrong (twice).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Colby is at least a notch above the other two. Like Cornell compared to Georgetown and UNC.

Unless there is a compelling reason to choose one of the other two (which your question suggests is not the case) Colby is the obvious choice.

You spelled "Colgate" wrong (twice).

USNEWS made the same mistake

[Anonymous]

I visited Kenyon after I was accepted but ended up going to another SLAC in a similarly rural setting. I liked Kenyon a lot though - strong academics, friendly students, the right size for me, beautiful campus. I didn't apply to Colgate or Colby. I would strongly suggest that your DD visit all 3 schools...all SLACs have a different vibe.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Colby is at least a notch above the other two. Like Cornell compared to Georgetown and UNC.

Unless there is a compelling reason to choose one of the other two (which your question suggests is not the case) Colby is the obvious choice.

I think Colgate has the best academic reputation. Haven't ever run into a Colby grad.