Anonymous wrote:I chose a WASP school over Northwestern back in the day. Northwestern wasn’t the same T-10 school it is now. I’d make the same decision even today.

In other words, ignorance is bliss.

While some see the intimacy at LACs as a positive, it also means that everyone knows your business (especially at schools like Bowdoin/Haverford and other tiny LACs). Can be an even more difficult environment if a romatic break-up occurs between LAC students as you see the same faces each and every day. There is little chance for being anonymous or for experiencing privacy.

Regardless, some enjoy the small school experience as there is infrequent change and everyone has a label or role just as in a small town. Vibrant city life with myriad opportunities and challenges is not for everyone.

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Anonymous wrote:My DD is at one and chose it over Brown. I have yet to run into anyone in real life who looks down on her choice, and she's doing just fine.

My dd made the same choice - a WASP school over Brown. Honestly, she didn't care what others thought, though there were many who were shocked she didn't go to an Ivy League school. But then we are at a pretty much Ivy+ or bust mentality HS.

Our Val last year chose Williams over Stanford, UCB, and an Ivy. It caused 'talk' because she is Asian.

Our valedictorian last year also chose Williams over several ivies, coming from a famous boarding school - so it was also a bit scandalous. I hope they’ve met each other (I suspect they have).

LACs are great for one who wishes to continue the elite New England boarding school experience as it allows high school athletes to continue in their role as big man on campus while continuing with one or two D III sports such as soccer or lacrosse.

Those asserting that it is easy to "skate by" at a top 50 National University are full of BS. Yes, there is little hand-holding at National Universities when compared to LACs or boarding schools, but the teaching & expectations at National Universities is/are outstanding. Private National Universities tend to have smaller classes than do public National Universities.

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Anonymous wrote:I actually look down on SLACs as playgrounds for private school kids who can't handle larger schools. I'd take a top Big Ten school over a SLAC any day. If you're really all that, go to Michigan and prove yourself.

My favorite DCUM LAC post was when someone unironically referred to Pomona as a "major school" in Southern California. Pomona is smaller than most high schools, and there are likely 100 colleges in Southern California with more students. It's barely a blip on the academic radar, though it does punch well above its weight on the pretentiousness scale.

I went to a big school. It's so much easier to skate by. No one notices if you skip class, the average intellectualism is lower. At a SLAC there's no where to hide. Need to show up and contribute to all your classes at a much higher level.

NP

LOL ! The LAC hucksters never quit !

Anonymous wrote:I actually look down on SLACs as playgrounds for private school kids who can't handle larger schools. I'd take a top Big Ten school over a SLAC any day. If you're really all that, go to Michigan and prove yourself.

My favorite DCUM LAC post was when someone unironically referred to Pomona as a "major school" in Southern California. Pomona is smaller than most high schools, and there are likely 100 colleges in Southern California with more students. It's barely a blip on the academic radar, though it does punch well above its weight on the pretentiousness scale.

I went to a big school. It's so much easier to skate by. No one notices if you skip class, the average intellectualism is lower. At a SLAC there's no where to hide. Need to show up and contribute to all your classes at a much higher level.

Anonymous wrote:An SLAC is always better value for your money. There is a huge difference in quality of teaching. The alumni networks may be smaller but much stronger.

Lol needed this morning laugh, thanks.

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Anonymous wrote:What are the T5 Lacs?

in no particular order
swarthmore
williams
bowdoin
pomona
amherst
wellesley

yes, there are 6 not 5

There are 5, Bowdoin should be taken off the list.

Actually there are 9 (with SAT medians above 1500)

Amherst
Bowdoin
Claremont McKenna
Harvey Mudd
Middlebury
Pomona
Swarthmore
Wellesley
Williams

With another cluster right behind them (1480+)
Carleton
Colgate
Davidson
Hamilton
Haverford
Vassar
Washington & Lee

Agree. It’s either T5 or T9. And in this crazy environment if a student gets into Haverford, I’d still be impressed.

An SLAC is always better value for your money. There is a huge difference in quality of teaching. The alumni networks may be smaller but much stronger.

Anonymous wrote:LAC boosters either have an inferiority complex or looking for justification for spending $360,000 for a bachelor's degree for a school 50% of the public isn't familiar.

I would say 90% are unfamiliar excfor maybe 2 or 3 super well known ones.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What are the T5 Lacs?

in no particular order
swarthmore
williams
bowdoin
pomona
amherst
wellesley

yes, there are 6 not 5

There are 5, Bowdoin should be taken off the list.

Actually there are 9 (with SAT medians above 1500)

Amherst
Bowdoin
Claremont McKenna
Harvey Mudd
Middlebury
Pomona
Swarthmore
Wellesley
Williams

With another cluster right behind them (1480+)
Carleton
Colgate
Davidson
Hamilton
Haverford
Vassar
Washington & Lee

Assuming most of these schools are TO. A couple hundred from each incoming class is kind of a small sample size.

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Anonymous wrote:NP - my DH is insisting that Georgetown is a better school in all respects than Amherst. I am sort of surprised by that type of statement, but this is an example of how some people feel about LACs that I just don't understand.

DC chose Amherst over Georgetown and is very happy about his decision. With that said, it was a difficult decision, and he likes many things about Georgetown. I don't see why people need to be so hateful.

This is great to read. My daughter has decided on Amherst over Cornell and UVA and we’re hoping for the best.

She chose wisely. Best of luck to her!

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Anonymous wrote:NP - my DH is insisting that Georgetown is a better school in all respects than Amherst. I am sort of surprised by that type of statement, but this is an example of how some people feel about LACs that I just don't understand.

DC chose Amherst over Georgetown and is very happy about his decision. With that said, it was a difficult decision, and he likes many things about Georgetown. I don't see why people need to be so hateful.

This is great to read. My daughter has decided on Amherst over Cornell and UVA and we’re hoping for the best.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What are the T5 Lacs?

in no particular order
swarthmore
williams
bowdoin
pomona
amherst
wellesley

yes, there are 6 not 5

There are 5, Bowdoin should be taken off the list.

Actually there are 9 (with SAT medians above 1500)

Amherst
Bowdoin
Claremont McKenna
Harvey Mudd
Middlebury
Pomona
Swarthmore
Wellesley
Williams

With another cluster right behind them (1480+)
Carleton
Colgate
Davidson
Hamilton
Haverford
Vassar
Washington & Lee

+1

I actually look down on SLACs as playgrounds for private school kids who can't handle larger schools. I'd take a top Big Ten school over a SLAC any day. If you're really all that, go to Michigan and prove yourself.

My favorite DCUM LAC post was when someone unironically referred to Pomona as a "major school" in Southern California. Pomona is smaller than most high schools, and there are likely 100 colleges in Southern California with more students. It's barely a blip on the academic radar, though it does punch well above its weight on the pretentiousness scale.

I chose a WASP school over Northwestern back in the day. Northwestern wasn’t the same T-10 school it is now. I’d make the same decision even today.