A Small, Isolated School?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Carleton College
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<p>I'm from the east coast and have been to the Midwest only a few times in my life. I am used to living in a big city with plenty of things to do right in my backyard. While this idea of going to Carleton and living in a more rural location seems really exciting and new to me, I am hesitant because I feel that after a few months I will become bored with the lack of off-campus activities. Have any current students experienced this? I have heard that there is plenty to do on campus, but I worry that it will all seem old after a while.</p>

<p>My other concern (and this is with small schools in general) is that I will be confined by the size of the school. For example, at a big school, there is a vast array of classes to choose from, and basically if you think of a subject that you want to take, you can pretty much find it. I worry that because it is not like this at most small schools, I'll keep wishing that I had the opportunities of a larger school. Do current Carleton students feel that the school does not offer a lot of the classes or subjects they are interested in? Or are the classes interesting enough and different enough to hold your interest?</p>

<p>Any help is appreciated!! I am having such a hard time deciding between schools!!</p>

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<p>sunshiner, Carleton is right next to Northfield, a small but charming town with restaurants and shops, so you're not out in the cornfields (although there are some not too far off). </p>

<p>My son really wanted a college in an urban location, but he decided that the Twin Cities offered enough culture and big city attractions, and they're only about 45 minutes (I'd say less) away. He mentioned recently that that part of his college "criteria" was overemphasized, because he finds plenty to do on campus and less time than he thought he'd have to take advantage of an urban setting. </p>

<p>He also wanted a medium-sized school, but he loves Carleton. I haven't heard him say anything about a lack of variety in classes. In fact, he's enjoying sampling a bunch of different subjects. And Carleton's trimester system gives you the opportunity to to do just that, with three classes a term. His girlfriend's at UChicago (which she loves), and she's had primarily the same classes all year, because they're in a series.</p>

<p>HTH a little. Good luck with your decision!</p>