Anonymous wrote:Colby>Kenyon>Connecticut College>Denison

I have no doubt that's what USNWR would say, but these are four pretty different colleges in four very different places. The writing program at Kenyon, for example, is easily the strongest of the four. Conn probably is the strongest of the four in life sciences and visual/performing arts (although Kenyon's arts offerings also are quite good). Each of the four schools offers a true residential college experience, but Greek life is huge at Denison, significant at Kenyon, and non-existent at Conn and Colby.

I grew up in Ohio and didn’t realize kids from outside Ohio wanted to go to Kenyon and Dennison. Oberlin, maybe, but small LAC are a dime a dozen in Ohio.

I liked growing up in semi-rural Ohio, but I imagine affluent kids from NoVa turning up their noses at the small town midwestern valedictorians they’ll meet at college there.

Anonymous wrote:Can't go wrong. Denison most likely to give merit aid of the bunch I believe.

Denison alum here, and Denison does have an amazing endowment for financial aid.

The new president is impressive in his curriculum initiatives and they have built several new facilities over the years. It's a great place, less isolated than say Kenyon.

Denison's a strong choice on a good list of choices.

Colby>Kenyon>Connecticut College>Denison

Anonymous wrote:Conn College was on the list until counselor pulled it off. She did not give reason except it was not in the same league or feel as others.
Son now attends Kenyon and loves it

Interesting. No explanation?

Conn College was on the list until counselor pulled it off. She did not give reason except it was not in the same league or feel as others.
Son now attends Kenyon and loves it

DC's preference is the northeast. No interest in heading West. That said, Connecticut College seems like a strong choice for students looking for a classic LA education. It's also in a nice area of southern NE.

Anonymous wrote:Curious how Colby ended up on this list. Isn't it harder to get into?

Yes, of course it is. Regardless of all the games they, and frankly all colleges play, Colby has a much lower acceptance rate than the others which makes it a bit of a crap shoot in RD.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Curious how Colby ended up on this list. Isn't it harder to get into?

No.

Maybe not for your kid but our school didn't have anyone get into Colby last year during the regular admission's round where as there were lots of acceptances to Denison and Connecticut College with merit aid (not sure about Kenyon). The overall acceptance rate at Colby is 16%, and Colby picks up a lot of its kids in the ED rounds (so the regular decision acceptance rate is less than 16%). When the acceptance rate is that low, there are no guarantees, especially since kids who are matches on paper might get tossed out if the school doesn't think they will attend.

Here's another vote for flyover country. But aren't the majority of students at Denison or Kenyon from outside of the Midwest?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Four very good choices.

My son is at Denison - first year. I have posted on this site before and we (my wife and I) are very happy and my son, who is quiet, seems very content. Whenever we inquire about his choice he has never expressed a reservation. First semester grades were good and we feel fortunate for him to have the experience.

My best advice would be for your DC to over night at each school. I think that will give your DC the best feel.

Best of luck.

Another parent of a happy Denison student here. My DC also did three overnight visits, which helped seal the decision.

I think one of the things DC likes most is the Midwest vibe.

Easy access to Columbus is a big plus too.

A vote for fly over country.

Anonymous wrote:All great choices. Denison and Kenyon seem to have a buzz around them, but Colby is playing the USNWR game well. Conn College has always been considered to be a bottom half NESCAC, but their campus is gorgeous, students are very bright, as is the school's future. Not sure you can go wrong. Let your kid decide.

Please explain.

Anonymous wrote:Four very good choices.

My son is at Denison - first year. I have posted on this site before and we (my wife and I) are very happy and my son, who is quiet, seems very content. Whenever we inquire about his choice he has never expressed a reservation. First semester grades were good and we feel fortunate for him to have the experience.

My best advice would be for your DC to over night at each school. I think that will give your DC the best feel.

Best of luck.

Another parent of a happy Denison student here. My DC also did three overnight visits, which helped seal the decision.

I think one of the things DC likes most is the Midwest vibe.

Easy access to Columbus is a big plus too.

Anonymous wrote:Curious how Colby ended up on this list. Isn't it harder to get into?

No.

Curious how Colby ended up on this list. Isn't it harder to get into?