<p>My daughter is trying to decide between Denison (where she received a merit scholarship) or University of Chicago or Washington University. Does anyone have a sense of how academically challenging Denison is?</p>
<p>Congratulations to your daughter! Stellar choices.</p>
<p>I think my son (he's a freshman) was surprised at how academically rigorous Denison is. He went to a really top-notch high school and I think he thought he'd breeze through. He's done well, but he has had to work. (However, he's also had time for ECs - jazz band, orchestra, ultimate frisbee, etc.)</p>
<p>I suppose some courses are more challenging than others. I'm sure your daughter will be in the honors classes? What's her major, does she know?</p>
<p>At this point, my daughter is planning to major in Psych with a Neuroscience concentration. She also dances and plays violin. Weenie, has your son ever commmented on the classroom experience? Generally, does he feel that there is good class participation and interaction with other students and the professors? Is he in the Honors program?</p>
<p>nanekel, I sent you a private message.</p>
<p>Weenie: I want to know too!</p>
<p>My D has been sitting in on classes at each college she visits, and is very interested in the level of participation. If the students don't seem engaged, or the work seems unchallenging, that's a big negative for her. She is used to small classes where most students are active participants.</p>
<p>She sat in on an upper level English class at Denison, thought the class was interesting, and liked the level of participation. She is hoping to go to another couple of classes on Monday when she visits.</p>
<p>P.S. I kind of wish I was going with her. The weather there is better than it is here in unsunny Cali, where it has been raining for 5 weeks.</p>