I’ll also add that as a student at an elite East Coast university, the attitude on campus was that our university was more rigorous than many. The university also promoted an elitist attitude among its students. I was surprised to learn the kids from Kalamazoo were every bit as bright as the kids from my own “top 30” university.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Kalamazoo?

Kalamazoo in case anyone reading this is curious: compact campus, traditional in appearance (old brick buildings around a green with criss-crossing paths, on a sloping hill), at the edge of an extremely unfancy midwestern city with a vibrant community arts scene. Students are encouraged to engage with the community, and there are robust opportunities to volunteer. Mostly open curriculum but with high standards annd expectations of independent research and hands-on learning. Lots of personal attention; the place clearly had a lot of heart. Seems to punch above its weight academically, with a graduation rate that is on par with far more selective schools, which suggested good things about the education. Eclectic group of kids who all seemed to like one another. All reported working hard.

We visited a bit on a lark, but turned out my kid really, really liked the vibe and is applying.

There’s an Amtrak station in town, maybe a mile from campus, which is probably how she’d get there were she to go.

OK, my experience with Kalamazoo is ancient, but I still see commonalities between my alma mater in the 80s and today, so I will share that I hold incredibly positive memories of the kids from Kalamazoo with whom I studied abroad so long ago. It seemed a very special place.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Kalamazoo?

Kalamazoo in case anyone reading this is curious: compact campus, traditional in appearance (old brick buildings around a green with criss-crossing paths, on a sloping hill), at the edge of an extremely unfancy midwestern city with a vibrant community arts scene. Students are encouraged to engage with the community, and there are robust opportunities to volunteer. Mostly open curriculum but with high standards annd expectations of independent research and hands-on learning. Lots of personal attention; the place clearly had a lot of heart. Seems to punch above its weight academically, with a graduation rate that is on par with far more selective schools, which suggested good things about the education. Eclectic group of kids who all seemed to like one another. All reported working hard.

We visited a bit on a lark, but turned out my kid really, really liked the vibe and is applying.

There’s an Amtrak station in town, maybe a mile from campus, which is probably how she’d get there were she to go.

Kalamazoo is also one of the best non-competitive lacs to go to if you like a livelier social location, want to study abroad and want to go into the health sciences (2 hospitals in town, original headquarters of Upjohn/Pfizer and of the Stryker medical equipment center, and Western Michigan University nearby with lots of additional research facilities). The school supports lots of internships as well as study abroad (it has an experiential learning focused curriculum along with traditional liberal arts). My kids ended up at their top in-state options (UVA and W&M) but Kalamazoo was their favorite safety--above higher ranked schools. Also very generous with merit aid--would have been cheaper for them to go there than UVA/W&M. I think the school should be on more people's safety lists--I think they just don't get out there because there aren't any other LACs nearby--people might do the Ohio tour or Minnesota. I also think it's a great place for strong academic kids who want to go to tough med school/health programs where GPA and medical experience are what matters more than the perceived reputation of your undergrad.

Guys, some of you missed that he is a senior. The ED ship has sailed.

OP, please have him visit/tour Dickinson. Since it wasn’t on his original list, I’m thinking you haven’t seen it. Great school, and they’d probably give him some merit for that ACT. Strong student population, and really great vibes.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Looks like a good list. Maybe add a safety or two -- Muhlenberg? Juniata? SMCM?

This boy has a 35 ACT. I think Juniata and Muhlenberg are not an academic match. He can aim higher for a safety.

All of these schools at those levels have a fair-sized population of kids with those scores on full scholarship. He's aiming higher, but a safety should be a safety.

Is there a reason you are not including Catholic schools? I mean have you ruled them out or did you just not think to look at them?

this kid is getting into BC

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here: Thanks for all the thoughts here!

Mellow vibe = Collaborative vs competitive feel

I am surprised that people aren't more bullish on kid's chances at F&M, Lafayette, Kenyon, etc.

Also, we are full pay - does that make a difference here?

I’d be very surprised if a full pay boy with his stats - and assuming good application and demonstrated interest (to include interviews) - wasn’t accepted to those schools. Only caveat is if MCPS or similar where honors are weighted 1 instead of .5, the gpa isn’t super strong. People really need to specify honors weighting.

Also - I’d consider adding Bates, Grinnell, Macalester and Oberlin. Not sure of location preferences.

All good additions, especially to replace the fratty colleges.

OP Here - thanks for all the thoughtful responses from this board. Very impressed with your breadth of knowledge and the advice you have given.

If fratty schools are eliminated, then this is list:

Kenyon
F&M
Lafayette
Vassar
Haverford (maybe too much of a reach)
UMD
Saint Mary's (for safety)
Union
Dickinson
Wooster (for safety)

Is this a better list? Kid is interested in Biology and History. Maxed out high school's curriculum. Are interviews vital? Has demonstrated interest/visited most of these schools already. Unwilling to go ED. Thanks!

F&M and Lafeyette are far more similar to the two schools you removed than any other school still on the list.

Not going ED is a bad strategy with SLACs since the more selective fill much of their class early, and will move you down a tier or two in terms of selectivity.

Carleton and St. Olaf

OP, supportive and mellow were the primary attributes. Obviously strong academically but perhaps a year at a local community college? Trying to prepare for self sufficient adulthood.

If you’re willing to go to the Midwest - Coe College and Beloit deserve a look. Friendly, supportive.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here: Thanks for all the thoughts here!

Mellow vibe = Collaborative vs competitive feel

I am surprised that people aren't more bullish on kid's chances at F&M, Lafayette, Kenyon, etc.

Also, we are full pay - does that make a difference here?

I’d be very surprised if a full pay boy with his stats - and assuming good application and demonstrated interest (to include interviews) - wasn’t accepted to those schools. Only caveat is if MCPS or similar where honors are weighted 1 instead of .5, the gpa isn’t super strong. People really need to specify honors weighting.

Also - I’d consider adding Bates, Grinnell, Macalester and Oberlin. Not sure of location preferences.

All good additions, especially to replace the fratty colleges.

OP Here - thanks for all the thoughtful responses from this board. Very impressed with your breadth of knowledge and the advice you have given.

If fratty schools are eliminated, then this is list:

Kenyon
F&M
Lafayette
Vassar
Haverford (maybe too much of a reach)
UMD
Saint Mary's (for safety)
Union
Dickinson
Wooster (for safety)

Is this a better list? Kid is interested in Biology and History. Maxed out high school's curriculum. Are interviews vital? Has demonstrated interest/visited most of these schools already. Unwilling to go ED. Thanks!

Vassar is stunning and seems to have strong academics and alum network.

*for

I am assuming this is for a young man, since you have not said you’re not looking at women’s colleges, many of which are known for being safe, supportive communities with excellent academics.
Fir schools a bit easier to get into than Bates I would suggest:
Connecticut College (the slac, not the state university)
Oberlin

Safety
- I would look at Clark. Warm, diverse small college feel although technically a university.

If kid has visited, I’m not sure interviews are essential, though they won’t hurt and might help in the decision process. Make sure kid genuinely likes their safeties. FYI, CDS will tell you how much value each school places on extracurriculars, interview, etc.