Midwestern SLACS

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Dennison is probably the best Midwestern SLAC that isn't overly woke, if that matters to you. It would to me.

I personally prefer my kids go to woke schools because I want them to learn about our country’s complex and at times ugly history. I want them to be in an environment that fosters true inclusion and where the students are genuinely interested in making society more just and fair. Woke is a good thing; it means you are awake and have your eyes open. I get it, it’s easier to live in denial and pretend your white Indiana ancestors were in the KKK or that slavery was a benevolent form of employment, or that traditional women’s roles were just great, never mind my mother legally could not apply for a credit card on her own when I was a kid. I get that some kids aren’t able to handle being uncomfortable, ever. Mine can handle it.

If you think woke schools are inclusive, try standing up in class and saying Ron DeSantis did the best job of any governor during Covid. You'll see pretty quickly how tolerant your classmates and professor are.

Ma'am, this is a Wendy's...

Such an original joke.

Just what the tired “it’s censorship that my kids can’t talk about how awesome Gov. Meatball is without risk of social judgment” complaint deserves, I think.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A friend whose DC is at Mac was just raving to me last night about it! They love the school. Also have a brother who still calls Kenyon “magical”-and both have merit. I went to a NESCAC school but don’t see how they are worth full pay if you can get merit at a great SLAC elsewhere.

As the parent of a kid who chose a highly regarded NE LAC over Mac + top merit, I would agree except for two things: location/distance and weather. The ability to drive/train to and from school and being in a more temperate climate were meaningful. Obviously this varies by kid. But for this kid these lifestyle factors outweighed the possibility of some money leftover in the 529.

If the NE LAC hadn’t been an option, kid would have been very happy going to Mac.

What NE LAC is temperate?

the ones in Connecticut, PA, downstate NY (e.g. Vassar)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A friend whose DC is at Mac was just raving to me last night about it! They love the school. Also have a brother who still calls Kenyon “magical”-and both have merit. I went to a NESCAC school but don’t see how they are worth full pay if you can get merit at a great SLAC elsewhere.

As the parent of a kid who chose a highly regarded NE LAC over Mac + top merit, I would agree except for two things: location/distance and weather. The ability to drive/train to and from school and being in a more temperate climate were meaningful. Obviously this varies by kid. But for this kid these lifestyle factors outweighed the possibility of some money leftover in the 529.

If the NE LAC hadn’t been an option, kid would have been very happy going to Mac.

What NE LAC is temperate?

Seriously! We’re touring NE SLACs at the moment (it’s Spring Break and snowing) and it’s made me reconsider encouraging our DS to strongly consider SLACs in the Midwest.

Also why isn’t Kenyon mentioned in this thread? It’s lovely and full of smart, grounded, engaged students. It also seems to have a wonderfully tight-knit community.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Dennison is probably the best Midwestern SLAC that isn't overly woke, if that matters to you. It would to me.

I personally prefer my kids go to woke schools because I want them to learn about our country’s complex and at times ugly history. I want them to be in an environment that fosters true inclusion and where the students are genuinely interested in making society more just and fair. Woke is a good thing; it means you are awake and have your eyes open. I get it, it’s easier to live in denial and pretend your white Indiana ancestors were in the KKK or that slavery was a benevolent form of employment, or that traditional women’s roles were just great, never mind my mother legally could not apply for a credit card on her own when I was a kid. I get that some kids aren’t able to handle being uncomfortable, ever. Mine can handle it.

If you think woke schools are inclusive, try standing up in class and saying Ron DeSantis did the best job of any governor during Covid. You'll see pretty quickly how tolerant your classmates and professor are.

Why would someone stand up in class and say that? Such a weird hypothetical.

Many slac colleges that are liberal are illiberal in the Classic Sense. Went to Wesleyan. Was impossible for Republicans there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A friend whose DC is at Mac was just raving to me last night about it! They love the school. Also have a brother who still calls Kenyon “magical”-and both have merit. I went to a NESCAC school but don’t see how they are worth full pay if you can get merit at a great SLAC elsewhere.

As the parent of a kid who chose a highly regarded NE LAC over Mac + top merit, I would agree except for two things: location/distance and weather. The ability to drive/train to and from school and being in a more temperate climate were meaningful. Obviously this varies by kid. But for this kid these lifestyle factors outweighed the possibility of some money leftover in the 529.

If the NE LAC hadn’t been an option, kid would have been very happy going to Mac.

What NE LAC is temperate?

Seriously! We’re touring NE SLACs at the moment (it’s Spring Break and snowing) and it’s made me reconsider encouraging our DS to strongly consider SLACs in the Midwest.

Also why isn’t Kenyon mentioned in this thread? It’s lovely and full of smart, grounded, engaged students. It also seems to have a wonderfully tight-knit community.

That is exactly why my kid gravitated towards Kenyon. Plus, the incredible athletic facilities were a huge plus since she'll be a varsity athlete there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Dennison is probably the best Midwestern SLAC that isn't overly woke, if that matters to you. It would to me.

I personally prefer my kids go to woke schools because I want them to learn about our country’s complex and at times ugly history. I want them to be in an environment that fosters true inclusion and where the students are genuinely interested in making society more just and fair. Woke is a good thing; it means you are awake and have your eyes open. I get it, it’s easier to live in denial and pretend your white Indiana ancestors were in the KKK or that slavery was a benevolent form of employment, or that traditional women’s roles were just great, never mind my mother legally could not apply for a credit card on her own when I was a kid. I get that some kids aren’t able to handle being uncomfortable, ever. Mine can handle it.

If you think woke schools are inclusive, try standing up in class and saying Ron DeSantis did the best job of any governor during Covid. You'll see pretty quickly how tolerant your classmates and professor are.

Actually I’m pretty sure my Carleton kid and his classmates would sit and have a thoughtful discussion about that. And probably be able to cite facts about how he suppressed data on Covid cases and deaths but that’s another story.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Dennison is probably the best Midwestern SLAC that isn't overly woke, if that matters to you. It would to me.

I personally prefer my kids go to woke schools because I want them to learn about our country’s complex and at times ugly history. I want them to be in an environment that fosters true inclusion and where the students are genuinely interested in making society more just and fair. Woke is a good thing; it means you are awake and have your eyes open. I get it, it’s easier to live in denial and pretend your white Indiana ancestors were in the KKK or that slavery was a benevolent form of employment, or that traditional women’s roles were just great, never mind my mother legally could not apply for a credit card on her own when I was a kid. I get that some kids aren’t able to handle being uncomfortable, ever. Mine can handle it.

If you think woke schools are inclusive, try standing up in class and saying Ron DeSantis did the best job of any governor during Covid. You'll see pretty quickly how tolerant your classmates and professor are.

Why would someone stand up in class and say that? Such a weird hypothetical.

Many slac colleges that are liberal are illiberal in the Classic Sense. Went to Wesleyan. Was impossible for Republicans there.

Nonsensical fiction

[Anonymous]

My child is currently at Carleton. He does not find it to be a pressure cooker. The academics are demanding. The professors he’s had are great and they expect their students to really engage—to think and write. Overall he finds the vibe very chill. It’s an amazing school. They’ve figured out how to deliver top notch academics.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Have you considered Carleton or Macalaster? Mac offers merit aid

Yes, definitely look at Macalester. Lovely school in a great location that I’ve never heard anything but positive things about. My kid got the top merit aid of 25K. Got into top choice so won’t be attending, but it would have been a strong contender.

Is this everyone else's experience also? Interested in hearing first hand accounts.

Macalester is my DC's #1 choice. The school's values closely align with my DC's. One knock on the student experience is that the cafeteria food is supposedly not great. My DC, who visited, thinks that is a small price to pay. DC has already been admitted to a "T20" university and "higher ranked" SLACs, but will almost certainly attend Macalester next year.

For OP: Macalester gave DC good merit aid, although it was his #1 choice even before he got the aid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’ve been thinking a “midwestern nice” vibe would be good for DC. Any insight into which school might be best for a shy, sensitive, high stats kid?

Unless shy kid is intense about social justice, I’d avoid Grinnell & Macalaster. Check out Lawrence, Kalamazoo, & Hope College (underrated school in Holland, MI).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A friend whose DC is at Mac was just raving to me last night about it! They love the school. Also have a brother who still calls Kenyon “magical”-and both have merit. I went to a NESCAC school but don’t see how they are worth full pay if you can get merit at a great SLAC elsewhere.

As the parent of a kid who chose a highly regarded NE LAC over Mac + top merit, I would agree except for two things: location/distance and weather. The ability to drive/train to and from school and being in a more temperate climate were meaningful. Obviously this varies by kid. But for this kid these lifestyle factors outweighed the possibility of some money leftover in the 529.

If the NE LAC hadn’t been an option, kid would have been very happy going to Mac.

What NE LAC is temperate?

Seriously! We’re touring NE SLACs at the moment (it’s Spring Break and snowing) and it’s made me reconsider encouraging our DS to strongly consider SLACs in the Midwest.

Also why isn’t Kenyon mentioned in this thread? It’s lovely and full of smart, grounded, engaged students. It also seems to have a wonderfully tight-knit community.

That is exactly why my kid gravitated towards Kenyon. Plus, the incredible athletic facilities were a huge plus since she'll be a varsity athlete there.

Kenyon is rarely mentioned because it's more of a back-up for students who want a NE liberal arts college but can't get in. They're not looking at Kenyon as a "Midwest" liberal arts college.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve been thinking a “midwestern nice” vibe would be good for DC. Any insight into which school might be best for a shy, sensitive, high stats kid?

Unless shy kid is intense about social justice, I’d avoid Grinnell & Macalaster. Check out Lawrence, Kalamazoo, & Hope College (underrated school in Holland, MI).

Interesting that you're advising the student to avoid two of the best colleges in the region in favor of also rans. Grinnell is a great landing spot for a "shy, sensitive, high stats kid" -- it's tailored made for a kid like that, in fact.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Grinnell is in that I-80 meth corridor where all sorts of undocumented trafficking is rampant. See: murders in nearby towns of Mollie Tibbetts, Xavier Harrelson, and others unpublished.. see Iowa Bureau site. Grinnell is getting so bad.

You are not going to turn enough people off of Grinnell to make it any easier to get in. Just go to Drake or Luther and be done with it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve been thinking a “midwestern nice” vibe would be good for DC. Any insight into which school might be best for a shy, sensitive, high stats kid?

Unless shy kid is intense about social justice, I’d avoid Grinnell & Macalaster. Check out Lawrence, Kalamazoo, & Hope College (underrated school in Holland, MI).

Interesting that you're advising the student to avoid two of the best colleges in the region in favor of also rans. Grinnell is a great landing spot for a "shy, sensitive, high stats kid" -- it's tailored made for a kid like that, in fact.

Bringing social justice up as something to maybe avoid in favor of an overtly religious college is weird enough, but calling these other colleges "also rans" isn't really advancing the conversation either.

I would be delighted to have my child attend what others describe as "also rans."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Grinnell is desolate and the surrounding meth towns are quite dangerous. Students have been murdered at gas stations and rest stops traveling to and from Grinnell.

Why do you keep lying about this topic on this board? A young woman was murdered in 2018 in Poweshiek County who was not a student and a Grinnell College student in 1992 was murdered at some point driving back to Grinnell from Evanston. Grinnell and the surrounding area is very safe.