My daughter loved her experience at Olaf. The students are intellectually curious but not elitist or competitive, and the school’s emphasis on studying abroad and being “global citizens” was really taken to heart. There is a deep sense of community on campus, and students care about making the world a better place. I expect the friends my daughter made there will be her friends for life.

I appreciated that, despite its small size, there seemed to be a place for all different post-graduation goals at Olaf. Many students go on to the Peace Corps and similar programs, others pursue grad school, and many go into the work force directly after graduation.

The music and study abroad programs are phenomenal. Additionally, although the campus is in a rural area, there are plenty of things to do: there are all sorts of interesting events, and attendance is high. There’s also Carleton in the same town; Northfield itself is really charming.

Anonymous wrote:Solid school with a good bunch of kids who tend to take their studies seriously but are not cut throat with each other. Not a lot of drug use or excessive drinking. Students tend to be quite sheltered in a lot of ways but also open minded and curious. 20 years ago, the job prospects were largely limited to Chicago and Minneapolis unless you really went after things elsewhere on your own. I think things are better now and have seen that some NY banks and consulting firms recruit there. I don't regret going there but I would encourage my kids to aim higher. It does not close any doors but I can't say it really helps to open any either.

Completely agree with the first two characterizations of Olaf. However, to slightly disagree, as a DMV lifer that went to St. Olaf, I didn't feel it was a hindrance in job prospects in what I would consider a competitive field at that same time frame. Today even less so. I think today's students are less sheltered, very progressive and open minded however it is not an urban or even suburban campus. My cousin's kid is there now - took a break after soph year to study/research/serve in Africa for a year and changed majors (Pol Sci to Pre Med) - wasn't a big deal. If your child is interested in studying abroad it's one of the best places. Math department is top notch as is the music program.... It is very different from Macalester (and certainly Carleton) in feel and the view it is given from those on the East Coast. Have 3 kids, for one it could be a college I would include in their search. For my current HS Senior it's not on the list. Each kid is different but I certainly wouldn't feel like my dc wasn't aiming high enough if they chose to apply there.

Anonymous wrote:Something you should consider is that St. Olaf is sponsored by the ELCA. Quite conservative. The Church is pretty active and prominent, not just a historical figure.

Huh? As far as Christian denominations go, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is pretty darn liberal/progressive. Perhaps you are thinking of LCMS or WELS -- those are very conservative.

-- lifelong Lutheran attending an ELCA church led by a lesbian pastor

Anonymous wrote:Something you should consider is that St. Olaf is sponsored by the ELCA. Quite conservative. The Church is pretty active and prominent, not just a historical figure.

Are you sure you’re not confusing ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church of America) for something else? (The “Evangelical” terminology can throw people off.) The ELCA is widely considered to be progressive and inclusive. There are many LGBTQ pastors, and you’ll often see churches flying rainbow and BLM flags.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The college, in a fit of PC messaging, created a "George Floyd Fellowship" in June.

Most MN colleges did. And St O is far from diverse. This is a good thing.

You think it is a good thing that St. Olaf is far from diverse? Interesting

St. what?

Something you should consider is that St. Olaf is sponsored by the ELCA. Quite conservative. The Church is pretty active and prominent, not just a historical figure.

Anonymous wrote:Our friends’ son went there and had an excellent experience. Not a big party school. Macalester is awesome!

Have you checked out Carleton?

Forgot to mention that our friends’ son had a very successful study abroad experience through St. Olaf, which was pivotal in fueling his interest in grad school.

Our friends’ son went there and had an excellent experience. Not a big party school. Macalester is awesome!

Have you checked out Carleton?

Anonymous wrote:The college, in a fit of PC messaging, created a "George Floyd Fellowship" in June.

Most MN colleges did. And St O is far from diverse. This is a good thing.

Thanks

The college, in a fit of PC messaging, created a "George Floyd Fellowship" in June.

Solid school with a good bunch of kids who tend to take their studies seriously but are not cut throat with each other. Not a lot of drug use or excessive drinking. Students tend to be quite sheltered in a lot of ways but also open minded and curious. 20 years ago, the job prospects were largely limited to Chicago and Minneapolis unless you really went after things elsewhere on your own. I think things are better now and have seen that some NY banks and consulting firms recruit there. I don't regret going there but I would encourage my kids to aim higher. It does not close any doors but I can't say it really helps to open any either.

If you search here you will find a number of glowing reviews.

Have a kid also interested in Macalester, but want to hear more about St. O. TIA!