Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My non-athlete, straight, not-too-political son is thriving at a D1 SLAC. Three weeks in, and he already has a wide variety of friends, including athletes and students that plan to major/minor in music. I can't disagree more strongly with the comment that "mainstreamish non-athlete might find themselves socially isolated." Definitely school dependent so research each institution and speak with current students to get a feel for the culture.

Which D-1 LAC ???

Three weeks in may be a bit too early to assess & judge a school's environment & effects of its campus culture.

I think Davidson is the only real D1 SLAC.

Anonymous wrote:Most SLACs have approximately 30% of athletes: 70% are NOT athletes.

The non athletes should be able to find their group.

It's not like high school didn't have athletics.

Right. So the issue then becomes whether or not one prefers a repeat of the high school experience in college.

Anonymous wrote:kinda hate this term, and that it's used derogatorily to describe non-athletes. Schools which foster such strong athlete/non-athlete divides should reconsider what they're doing

Whether or not you like the term NARP, the divide is very rael at many--probably most--LACs/SLACs. Certainly the case at Middlebury & Amherst & Williams--although some experiences may be different.

Anonymous wrote:My non-athlete, straight, not-too-political son is thriving at a D1 SLAC. Three weeks in, and he already has a wide variety of friends, including athletes and students that plan to major/minor in music. I can't disagree more strongly with the comment that "mainstreamish non-athlete might find themselves socially isolated." Definitely school dependent so research each institution and speak with current students to get a feel for the culture.

Which D-1 LAC ???

Three weeks in may be a bit too early to assess & judge a school's environment & effects of its campus culture.

I have never heard this expression either. My non-athlete regular straight DH is doing well at his SLAC - he is a freshman so not really sure how it will all work out, but so far he seems happy and hasn't said anything about any difference between athletes and non-athletes and I didn't think to ask. Seems to have made friends that I assume are not busy with their sport.

Anonymous wrote:My non-athlete, straight, not-too-political son is thriving at a D1 SLAC. Three weeks in, and he already has a wide variety of friends, including athletes and students that plan to major/minor in music. I can't disagree more strongly with the comment that "mainstreamish non-athlete might find themselves socially isolated." Definitely school dependent so research each institution and speak with current students to get a feel for the culture.

key word is "might"-- idea is to gauge how much of a problem this is

Never heard this term before but I guess my kid qualifies. Not an athlete, not into the arts, not political at all. He also doesn't like drinking. And yet he loves his SLAC (one of the New England schools.) I've asked him if it feels cliquey or isolating not to be on a team and it doesn't seem to be the case at all. I've wondered if this would be the case for everyone - DS is a pretty happy, self-confident guy in general and gets along with lots of different people.

He has become a little bit more sporty at college - he plays some intramural sports there and some of his social life revolves around watching sports. I don't think this is the result of peer pressure - he was recruited to play a club sport and turned it down.

My non-athlete, straight, not-too-political son is thriving at a D1 SLAC. Three weeks in, and he already has a wide variety of friends, including athletes and students that plan to major/minor in music. I can't disagree more strongly with the comment that "mainstreamish non-athlete might find themselves socially isolated." Definitely school dependent so research each institution and speak with current students to get a feel for the culture.

Anonymous wrote:kinda hate this term, and that it's used derogatorily to describe non-athletes. Schools which foster such strong athlete/non-athlete divides should reconsider what they're doing

I don't think schools foster it but athletes tend to be mainstreamish/well-rounded while non-athletes can be very artsy fartsy or bookish.

So it seems like a mainstreamish non-athlete might find themselves socially isolated.

Anonymous wrote:The only school that we felt had a strong divide (visible in the dining hall) was Dickenson. At my kid's overnight visit, the host confirmed it is pretty cliquey.

If this is a concern, pick a school that is not known for sports or Greek life. That suggests a more equal playing field, socially.

It seems possible though that fraternities/sororities offer an opportunity to be part of a tight knit social group for a student who isn't on a team.

Most SLACs have approximately 30% of athletes: 70% are NOT athletes.

The non athletes should be able to find their group.

It's not like high school didn't have athletics.

The only school that we felt had a strong divide (visible in the dining hall) was Dickenson. At my kid's overnight visit, the host confirmed it is pretty cliquey.

If this is a concern, pick a school that is not known for sports or Greek life. That suggests a more equal playing field, socially.

I learned a new acronym today.

kinda hate this term, and that it's used derogatorily to describe non-athletes. Schools which foster such strong athlete/non-athlete divides should reconsider what they're doing

Any parents of NARPs (non athlete regular person) out there w kids at SLACs? What has been their experience socially especially if they are mainstream type kids (not political/LGBTQ activists or super artsy)?