Anonymous wrote:Dickinson College in Pennsylvania might work for OP.

Pomona College, Bowdoin College, Carleton College, Davidson College, Grinnell College, Hamilton College, Skidmore College, Wesleyan University, Bates College, Colby College, Colorado College, Macalester College, Holy Cross, Pitzer, Connecticut College, Sewanee-The University of the South, Gettysburg College, St. Lawrence University, Kalamazoo College, Lewis & Clark, and many others, but I see no need to venture further down the rankings.

Anonymous wrote:Dickinson College in Pennsylvania might work for OP.

Pomona College, Bowdoin College, Carleton College, Davidson College, Grinnell College, Hamilton College, Skidmore College, Wesleyan University, Bates College, Colby College, Colorado College, Macalester College, Holy Cross, Pitzer, Connecticut College, Sewanee-The University of the South, Gettysburg College, St. Lawrence University, Kalamazoo College, Lewis & Clark, and many others, but I see no need to venture further down the rankings.

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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:Carleton and St. Olaf

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Anonymous wrote:I assume he’s a junior. He should ED to his favorite SLAC. It is really hard to find comparable schools to the more selective SLACs.

I would add Grinnell.

The kid is not getting into Grinnell. Not with limited extras. And definitely not if the kid doesn’t apply ED. The admit rate is in the single digits.

Agreed. So, could someone please suggest some Midwest safeties.

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Anonymous wrote:Check out Colleges that Change Lives.

They are known for being supportive communities.

Oh please. They are known only for banning together for marketing purposes.

Here. We. Go. Again.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I assume he’s a junior. He should ED to his favorite SLAC. It is really hard to find comparable schools to the more selective SLACs.

I would add Grinnell.

The kid is not getting into Grinnell. Not with limited extras. And definitely not if the kid doesn’t apply ED. The admit rate is in the single digits.

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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.

Anonymous wrote:I'd also add Davidson.

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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.