Reply to where would top SLACs fall in an overall college ranking list?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Debating rankings of top colleges is like arguing which Michelin-star restaurant deserves to be ranked higher. They all serve world-class food, the difference lies in the flavors and what suits your taste.

As a parent of a child attending a WASP, here’s my two cents:

POSITIVES

Tons of resources: lots of courses, no waiting at the gym, easy to join clubs, and undergrad research with professors is accessible.

No cutthroat competition: It’s not a rat race where kids fight for the best spots. This lets them explore what they’re truly interested in and builds great teamwork skills.

Intellectually alive: Small classes, seminars, and the kind of students admitted create a buzzing environment full of passionate, intense discussion. My child’s reasoning has really improved since starting.

NEGATIVES

SLACs are sheltered: They don’t always teach you to be tough or competitive, skills useful in the real world. There are different paths to success (think Trump’s sharp elbows [b]vs. Obama’s idealism)[/b]. SLAC fits my child’s personality but might feel limiting for someone super ambitious.

SLACs give great, personal education but aren’t usually at the research forefront. For example, Terence Tao at UCLA is a genius but a minimalist teacher. SLACs have great coaches but rarely A-list stars or speakers like research universities do.

Course choices are narrower. This only matters for those wanting very specialized classes; most have plenty to pick from.

I chose a SLAC to help my child build life skills - thinking critically, being open, working well with others - while exploring interests without pressure and getting ready for grad school.

I also think SLACs and top-tier research schools look for different qualities in applicants. SLACs want curiosity, teamwork, and broad interests; HYPSM want top achievers in their fields.[/quote]

You need to do better research on former President Obama's rise to power. He was no angel (which is fine as it is necessary).

No waiting in lines at the gym is a real benefit at most LACs, but if you think that LAC students are more "intellectually alive" than university students, you are incorrect.

Add to the [b]cons of LACs:[/b] Limited choice of courses, majors, professors, and perspectives. [/quote]

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