The truth is that Greek life is very strong at southern schools, for the most part. I would add Vassar and Sarah Lawrence to the list.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

I don't think a kid looking at Wake, Duke and W&M would really find Guilford sufficiently challenging.

But you *do* think Wake is in the same league as Duke and W&M?

Yes. Though I agree W&M is more sedate.

Anonymous wrote:
As a graduate of one of those schools on the long list -- I have to agree with the "stupidly overpiced and worthless degrees" -- except for rice (i didn't go to rice).

head for an expensive SLAC only if you plan on paying for their graduate school and if the the cost of the SLAC means nothing to your budget (in which case, lucky for you)!!

Well, two of those colleges on the long list are state schools (Mary Washington and C of C). Several of them are known for offering terrific financial aid (e.g., Rice, Swat, Haverford). Others are known for offering great merit aid (Wooster, Southwestern). Some of the schools are So many of these schools aren't necessarily more expensive than W&M would be, depending on the kid's grades/scores and the family's finances.

OP, I think W&M could be a good fit for your son, definitely worth a close look. If in-state tuition is appealing or necessary, also consider Mary Washington.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^^should have added--some of these may be more north or further away than he would like, but in my experience looking for a college with similar attributes, there aren't a lot of options that are "south" but not "southern" IYKWIM, especially if you want to stay within striking distance of DC. There are many Midwestern colleges that might interest him (Macalester, Earlham, Northwestern, UChicago, Knox, Grinnell, Carleton, Kalamazoo) but then you are dealing with cold AND distance.

And these are not all "stupidly overpriced"? Give me a break.

No, I'm 17:16, who wrote the list of colleges that another poster called stupidly overpriced. I posted the above midwestern colleges before I saw the stupidly overpriced comment, so didn't realize this list of midwestern colleges wouldn't be directly below the original list I wrote. If that makes any sense, LOL.

I was going to mention Guilford as well. Duke has a lot of Alpha Hotels.

Anonymous wrote:

I don't think a kid looking at Wake, Duke and W&M would really find Guilford sufficiently challenging.

But you *do* think Wake is in the same league as Duke and W&M?

Anonymous wrote:My husband went to a small all-boys school in MD and hated Wake. He is kind of a nerd, a little of an introvert but also social (just not one to go out and make friends on his own) and didn't drink in HS (or college). Wake was not his scene and he wished he had transferred.

I would recommend your DS go small.

Hey, PP, I'll bet my DS goes to the same school as your husband did! Thanks for sharing.
Again, really appreciate all the helpful suggestions, all.

Anonymous wrote:Guilford? I don't know how challenging it is, but Quaker colleges (I went to Haverford) tend to be on the studious rather than the party end of the spectrum (yes, I know it is possible to be both, but the plain living and high thinking that Friends schools are noted for seems like it would be a good fit for your son).

And I agree with the PP that the weather isn't that much colder than DC. See if you can sell a visit to Haverford and Swarthmore.

I don't think a kid looking at Wake, Duke and W&M would really find Guilford sufficiently challenging.

As a graduate of one of those schools on the long list -- I have to agree with the "stupidly overpiced and worthless degrees" -- except for rice (i didn't go to rice).

head for an expensive SLAC only if you plan on paying for their graduate school and if the the cost of the SLAC means nothing to your budget (in which case, lucky for you)!!

Guilford? I don't know how challenging it is, but Quaker colleges (I went to Haverford) tend to be on the studious rather than the party end of the spectrum (yes, I know it is possible to be both, but the plain living and high thinking that Friends schools are noted for seems like it would be a good fit for your son).

And I agree with the PP that the weather isn't that much colder than DC. See if you can sell a visit to Haverford and Swarthmore.

I'm betting your son would like Haverford if he could get in. Philly isn't too far north.

Eh. I went to Wake and even though I'm not into partying, I met most of my best friends there. It has Greek life, but most of my friends were independent and I was actually in a sorority (gasp!). Wake also has an emphasis on community service and studying abroad that I didn't find at the other schools I visited. I wouldn't rule it out just because they have frats.

Has he considered Davidson? Also, I know you said no Greek scene, but you should not rule out Washington and Lee if you are considering W&M, Wake, etc.

I went to W&L (graduated in the past 10 years) and so did my DH and both of our siblings. It is a place that many different kinds of kids can fit in and have a good time, even though the greek scene is huge. I am not your typical W&L grad (didn't go greek, slightly quirky and nerdy) and I was super happy and successful. It is totally worth a visit. The academics are great, the community is really close knit and overall, I loved it.

We don't live in the DC area right now (hoping to return soon) but the alumni group in DC is amazing and really supportive.

This is out your range(geo)but maybe think about oversea in the UK.

Look at st john's college in annaplois. In general, look for a school in a large urban area, anything rural, small town tends to go heavy on the Greek life. Just nothing to do.