<p>So I visited Whitman College this summer, and I want to ask some questions about what I saw and who I met. I’m hoping that you guys can alleviate some of my fears that were created largely because of my visit.</p>
<li><p>When I interviewed it went great. But she started off my asking me about my grades, my SAT scores, my GPA, etc. I didn’t drive all the way to Walla Walla to reiterate that which is on my transcript.</p></li>
<li><p>During the information session the guy just came out and told me and my dad that Whitman “buys” students from higher ranked colleges. They try to get students who are in at places like Dartmouth, whereas colleges like L&C buy from Whitman.</p></li>
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<p>In reguards to points 1 & 2, these occurences kind of rubbed me the wrong way. Does Whitman really see students as this set of numbers that they’re trying to buy from other schools? It seems like all the people working there were just interested in selling the school and getting recognition–notsomuch being devoted to its function as an institution for higher learning.</p>
<p>I’m also wondering about how “easy” my interviewer said it is to double major. Does that mean that Whitman isn’t very rigorous academically? If you can seriously find time to double major and have all the time to do a million things (like she suggested) I’m wondering if I would get bored. I like to learn. Will Whitman make me stretch myself or does it let students really “coast”?</p>
<p>I’d like to apply, but these things bothered me and I’m wondering if anyone can offer some anecdotes or a different perspective that will assuage my worries.</p>
<p>EDIT:
Oh, and are Whitman students too happy? That would annoy me. :D</p>
<p>Wow, to be honest with you, I didn't get that feeling AT ALL. I visited last summer too, had an excellent interview, alright tour, etc. My interviewer didn't even ask about my GPA or test scores (and I know you specefically know how, well...not excellent they are lol) Rather, we discussed what my academic interests were, what books I had been reading, etc.</p>
<p>That's strange though. Your Whitman experience sounds totally different from the one I had. Whatever the case, I wouldn't worry too much. Whitman is definetely a high ranking LAC and will meet you with a rigorous education. If anything, perhaps Whitman does not recieve all the recognition it deserves, hence the rather intense experience of your visit.</p>
<p>I teach in a highly competitive graduate program, and I have been so impressed by the Whitman grads I teach. They do seem to be unusually happy and well-rounded, but they also come out of there knowing how to think analytically and write well. I'd be happy to have my own kids go there. </p>
<p>It sounds like you just got a very frank interviewer. It's widely understood that LACs compete against each other for students with great stats, and there's a pecking order regarding who "steals" from whom. Better stats, like it or not, give the colleges added credibility, which in turn attracts better students. Can you blame them for doing this?</p>
<p>I know a girl who's a recent graduate of Whitman. She is a real smart girl, and went in with great stats. I saw her recently and she said her four years there were really great. She thought it was a great school, and she's a kid with high academic standards. She described it, now in retrospect, as "definitely a good choice."</p>
<p>My S is a frosh there now and he had several good offers on the table when choosing Whitman. His experience is that the profs are very available, helpful, and expect prepared, thoughtful and inciteful discussion. His core class (the only required class at the school) has 17 students. His largest class (Intro Chem) has less than 40 and his other two have 13 and 14 students respectively. He's a hard-worker who went in from an IB program and is adequately challenged, having fun, and playing a varsity sport. If the place appealed to you when you visited, other than the questions in the interview, I'd say go ahead and apply and get to know the place better. If you get in, you can always say no if you don't think it's right for you.
Also, I think one of the reasons it is easier to double major is the lack of required classes. Check out their website thoroughly and see what you think of that theory. And good luck choosing!</p>
<p>See, all the things you guys are saying are TOTALLY contrasting with what I felt when I visited. Even my tour guide came off as being an airhead (almost everything he said somehow related to fraternities/partying. I don't plan to be a partier. And I think fraternities are dumb).</p>
<p>EDIT: Oh, and is MUCH of the social life centered around fraternities/sororities? Because I'm definately not into that kind of scene...</p>
<p>And I think my final question: I'm looking for a college centered around intellectual growth and a student body that loves to learn (evidenced by my plans to apply to Reed, Chicago, St. John's, and New College of Florida). Would Whitman REALLY give me that kind of environment?</p>
<p>Unusually happy. Hmm. I'm not sure how I feel about a student body that's too happy. Meh, whatever.</p>
<p>If at all possible go visit when classes are in session. Meet students, attend a class or two, have a chat with a prof or two - and see what you think.
It may be a fit - or it may not - my personal experience is that the "culture" of the students that you are talking about is more similar between Chicago and Reed than either of those and Whitman (I am familiar with Chicago, Reed and W - I haven't been to your other two mentioned schools). Just see what you think and apply to the ones you like best. There's more than one good option. Have fun investigating!</p>
<p>I spent alot of time considering Reed and Whitman last year. I'm from the midwest but still had the ability to visit and spend time at both. For the very reason I decided NOT to apply to Reed, tells me you might really like it. I wanted an intellectually stimulating environment as well but no one at Reed was selling me on more than just the academics. In the end I didn't apply for that reason. I loved Whitman alot, applied, but pulled it when i got in ED somewhere else. My only drawback to Whitman was the location but everything else about it I loved and was truly considring it. At ehe end of the day, you will be happy at just about any of the schools you mention. They are all great. I did think the facilities, all of them, were outstanding at Whitman.</p>