Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just wanted to share some reflections on our recent visit to Davidson College. I toured with my daughter (junior at a very rigorous New England prep school), who’s a high-achiever academically and interested in double-majoring in math and history. Davidson has been on her list for a while due to its strong academic reputation and supportive community. Unfortunately, the visit left both of us feeling underwhelmed. The campus felt underwhelming and outdated, and the surrounding town lacked the vibrancy and intellectual energy she’s looking for. While Davidson may suit students seeking a quiet, sports-knit community, it just didn’t click for us. We were also concerned by the prominence of Patterson Court and Greek life, which seemed at odds with the academic culture she’s hoping for. Online several students mentioned difficulty getting into upper-level courses, especially in math. Ultimately, the outcomes didn’t seem to justify the cost compared to strong in-state options we have in Maryland. Any families have a similar experience? We've only heard the "pros" on this site and think we need to open this discourse!

You lost me at "strong in-state options we have in Maryland." Your daughter is concerned with the intellectualism and community at Davidson yet would prefer UMD, which is gigantic and is a lot less intellectual? That makes zero sense.

It seems like your daughter with her fancy prep school background has an inflated sense of self-importance. Have you visited Maryland? I think she will be horrified by it. No offense to Maryland. I think your daughter would do well at Northeastern or Holy Cross or one of the other schools obsessively discussed here where the students and parents seem to have a false sense of greatness.

I'm so curious as to what school she currently goes to.

You actually do make some other decent points. But your post went downhill very rapidly. Good luck.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just wanted to share some reflections on our recent visit to Davidson College. I toured with my daughter (junior at a very rigorous New England prep school), who’s a high-achiever academically and interested in double-majoring in math and history. Davidson has been on her list for a while due to its strong academic reputation and supportive community. Unfortunately, the visit left both of us feeling underwhelmed. The campus felt underwhelming and outdated, and the surrounding town lacked the vibrancy and intellectual energy she’s looking for. While Davidson may suit students seeking a quiet, sports-knit community, it just didn’t click for us. We were also concerned by the prominence of Patterson Court and Greek life, which seemed at odds with the academic culture she’s hoping for. Online several students mentioned difficulty getting into upper-level courses, especially in math. Ultimately, the outcomes didn’t seem to justify the cost compared to strong in-state options we have in Maryland. Any families have a similar experience? We've only heard the "pros" on this site and think we need to open this discourse!

You lost me at "strong in-state options we have in Maryland." Your daughter is concerned with the intellectualism and community at Davidson yet would prefer UMD, which is gigantic and is a lot less intellectual? That makes zero sense.

It seems like your daughter with her fancy prep school background has an inflated sense of self-importance. Have you visited Maryland? I think she will be horrified by it. No offense to Maryland. I think your daughter would do well at Northeastern or Holy Cross or one of the other schools obsessively discussed here where the students and parents seem to have a false sense of greatness.

I'm so curious as to what school she currently goes to.

You actually do make some other decent points. But your post went downhill very rapidly. Good luck.

Anonymous wrote:The surrounding town lacked “intellectual energy”? What?

Anonymous wrote:Have to LOL at the posters turning this thread into a troll thread against great universities like Cornell, Vanderbilt, & Northwestern.

OP: Thank you for posting your impressions. I like Davidson, but another poster's description of the area of NASCAR McMansions is accurate and has been for decades. NASCAR is huge in that region.

Tough to criticize universities as they are large enough to offer a lot of variety and options so that almost everyone can find their tribe and match their interests . LACs are small schools accompanied by a dominant personality and are typically located in remote, isolated areas. If one doesn't click with the overall vibe of a small school, then it's not a match for that individual student.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:SO much can be the tour guide. We toured Davidson and had the best tour guide there of the 25 schools we toured (props to Matteo--still remember his name from 2+ years ago). My child applied for this reason even though she had no real interest in a small school.

Ended up going to a large university in the end but loved Davidson from the tour.

Yup. Matteo was awesome.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:SO much can be the tour guide. We toured Davidson and had the best tour guide there of the 25 schools we toured (props to Matteo--still remember his name from 2+ years ago). My child applied for this reason even though she had no real interest in a small school.

Ended up going to a large university in the end but loved Davidson from the tour.

Yup. Matteo was awesome.

Anonymous wrote:Your daughter will struggle in life so hope you have a lot of money.

Anonymous wrote:SO much can be the tour guide. We toured Davidson and had the best tour guide there of the 25 schools we toured (props to Matteo--still remember his name from 2+ years ago). My child applied for this reason even though she had no real interest in a small school.

Ended up going to a large university in the end but loved Davidson from the tour.

Anonymous wrote:SO much can be the tour guide. We toured Davidson and had the best tour guide there of the 25 schools we toured (props to Matteo--still remember his name from 2+ years ago). My child applied for this reason even though she had no real interest in a small school.

Ended up going to a large university in the end but loved Davidson from the tour.

Anonymous wrote:Congratulations, OP, this is exactly what touring colleges is all about -- to help you and your kid narrow down what you like and don't like. You have figured something out, though I'm not sure it was necessary to share with the group.