Anonymous
06/16/2026 21:53
Subject: Less popular Hidden Gems
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I liked Stetson when we toured. We also looked at Rollins and Flagler. But Stetson was impressive and seemed more grounded than Rollins and a more cohesive campus than Flagler.
What do you mean, "more grounded than Rollins"? Considering Florida schools for my DS27.
Winter Park surrounding Rollins is extremely upscale. DC had a hard time seeing what a college student could do outside of the campus itself. While the area is very nice and very walkable, it is also very expensive.
Ok, so by "more grounded," you meant "dumpier." Thanks for the clarification.
Anonymous
06/16/2026 21:52
Subject: Less popular Hidden Gems
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I liked Stetson when we toured. We also looked at Rollins and Flagler. But Stetson was impressive and seemed more grounded than Rollins and a more cohesive campus than Flagler.
What do you mean, "more grounded than Rollins"? Considering Florida schools for my DS27.
Winter Park surrounding Rollins is extremely upscale. DC had a hard time seeing what a college student could do outside of the campus itself. While the area is very nice and very walkable, it is also very expensive.
Rollins being nestled in upscale Winter Park is what makes it nice.
Anonymous
06/16/2026 20:54
Subject: Less popular Hidden Gems
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Haverford. Amazing LAC. Gets less buzz here than Amherst etc. So I guess a hidden gem.
I think it's like the people who insist on paying top dollar for second tier private schools in DC like Norwood or Washington Episcopal School. If the peers at the neighborhood public school are smarter than the peers at WES or The British School then what is the point? Just for extra coddling or fitting in with those moms? Such a waste of money.
You don't have to understand other people's choices. You could be less rude though.
Anonymous
06/16/2026 20:25
Subject: Less popular Hidden Gems
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I liked Stetson when we toured. We also looked at Rollins and Flagler. But Stetson was impressive and seemed more grounded than Rollins and a more cohesive campus than Flagler.
What do you mean, "more grounded than Rollins"? Considering Florida schools for my DS27.
Winter Park surrounding Rollins is extremely upscale. DC had a hard time seeing what a college student could do outside of the campus itself. While the area is very nice and very walkable, it is also very expensive.
Anonymous
06/16/2026 16:08
Subject: Less popular Hidden Gems
Texas Tech
Anonymous
06/16/2026 15:06
Subject: Less popular Hidden Gems
Anonymous wrote:I liked Stetson when we toured. We also looked at Rollins and Flagler. But Stetson was impressive and seemed more grounded than Rollins and a more cohesive campus than Flagler.
What do you mean, "more grounded than Rollins"? Considering Florida schools for my DS27.
Anonymous
06/16/2026 14:44
Subject: Less popular Hidden Gems
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:St Olaf
+1
The one kid I know at St Olaf hates it
What don't they like about it? What is different than they expected?
Anonymous
06/16/2026 13:14
Subject: Less popular Hidden Gems
Dickinson gave D26 an incredible financial aid offer, so we visited and were really impressed with their graduate outcomes, beautiful campus and friendly students. Kalamazoo College is another one that ended up being at the top of her list until the final decision was made, even with much more prestigious acceptances in the mix. Super nice campus, strong science programs, diverse students and great financial aid.
Anonymous
06/16/2026 12:53
Subject: Less popular Hidden Gems
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:St Olaf
+1
The one kid I know at St Olaf hates it
Sure. For any college, some who matriculate will love that college and some who matriculate will hate that college. This is why "fit" between the student and the college is so important.
Anonymous
06/16/2026 10:53
Subject: Less popular Hidden Gems
Gettysburg
Anonymous
06/16/2026 10:36
Subject: Less popular Hidden Gems
I liked Stetson when we toured. We also looked at Rollins and Flagler. But Stetson was impressive and seemed more grounded than Rollins and a more cohesive campus than Flagler.
Anonymous
06/16/2026 08:38
Subject: Less popular Hidden Gems
Anonymous wrote:DD liked Muhlenberg so much that she dropped Brandeis and BC. Nice when your kid likes a safety better than targets. Very welcoming campus. Seems like great faculty, personal attention and actively tries to help students upon graduation w/ alumni networks and school affiliations. Some nice historic buildings on campus. Gorgeous dining hall. New green science building being built. Also, voted best food in PA!
Yes! My rising junior (so things could change) LOVES what I believe will be a safety and I am just so, so happy about it. That is not to say he will not be disappointed if he does not get into some better schools, but I know he could be happy there!
Anonymous
06/16/2026 08:37
Subject: Less popular Hidden Gems
Anonymous wrote:There are a bunch of really solid little liberal arts colleges in PA that most people don't know about: Dickinson, Franklin & Marshall, Juniata, Susquehanna, Allegheny, Gettysburg
There are also some little liberal arts colleges in PA that are NOT solid, like Albright and Seton Hill. So this post is not a general plug for PA liberal arts colleges but for the specific ones I named, that are real places of learning and deliver good outcomes to motivated students.
We really liked Dickinson, St. Lawrence and Mary Washington.
U Rochester is very strong.
Have heard good things about Clark and Wheaton (MA) but have limited info.
Anonymous
06/16/2026 08:36
Subject: Less popular Hidden Gems
We were really impressed by College of Wooster. Pretty campus, engaged students, good food, nice athletic facilities.
Anonymous
06/16/2026 08:34
Subject: Less popular Hidden Gems
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:St Olaf
+1
The one kid I know at St Olaf hates it