<p>Ah, that's very insightful, Cardinal Fang. My son wasn't able to put his finger on the reason that Carleton wouldn't be a good fit for him, but I think that the high energy level might explain it. He's a pretty laid back kid. Thank you!</p>
<p>"Lake effect" means lots of snow, right? Around here we have ocean effect fog, but no snow at all. My son is only applying to schools in the Midwest, so we'll have to get him warm winter clothes before we send him off.</p>
<p>Lake effect is LOTS of snow accumulating quickly. We live closer to Lake Michigan than K College is and we get hit really, really hard. Your son will need some warm clothes.</p>
<p>My S' dorm room is too hot though, so the flannel sheets will probably never be used this year!</p>
<p>Yes, warm clothes will be a must. Dressing in layers is the best. Check around for deals on winter clothing at the online retailers right after Christmas for some great deals on winter gear. If your kid is not really into designer gear, Kohl's stuff (Columbia, Zero Xposure) will be 60 -80% off. You'll have to store the coat/gloves/hat/scarf for about 9 months, though!</p>
<p>god, warm clothes are a MUST. i've lived in michigan for my whole 17 years of being and i still haven't gotten it right. :p layering is also a must! lots of sweaters, at least one good, warm coat, a good pair of boots, mittens, hats, scarves..all of that is a must for the winter. especially if you live near a lake, and kalamazoo is closer to lake michigan than where i am right now (by flint). </p>
<p>on another topic entirely, now that i've gotten into umich i'm soo conflicted abuot where to go to school! i loved both kalamazoo and umich when i visited for different reasons, and i don't know how i'll choose! however, if kzoo gives me good finaid..</p>
<p>S1732, My son is a sophomore at Kalamazoo, also from Milwaukee. Your description of your son wanting "smart, engaged folks around to talk about 'stuff' and play an occasional game of ultimate" also describes my son to a T and that's juts what he found at K. He hooked up with the club Ultimate team as a freshman last year (the "Ultimate Buzz", a takeoff on the school's official "Hornets" mascot) and it has been a great way to make friends and stay active, and he just loves the intellectual vibe of the college. But as someone noted above the kids -- although very hard working -- are still pretty laid back. (By the way, in addition to Ultimate the students have also set up an unofficial disc golf course on campus. I believe the President's window is considered out of bounds, however.)</p>
<p>We didn't know anything about K until we started the college search and of course there's always trepidation sending a kid away from home, but it has turned out to be a great match. I hope your son finds the same great match, whether at K or elsewhere.</p>
<p>By the way, another benefit to Kalamazoo for Milwaukee kids is that it's really quite easy for them to get there and back on Amtrak through Chicago. The Amtrak station in Kalamazoo is only about a fifteen minute walk from campus. Our son has even been able to get home and back for the Thanksgiving weekend that way. I drop him off in September and pick him up in June. The rest of the time he rides the rails, so to speak.</p>
<p>Thanks for the info MilwDad! (We've 'spoken' before, but I had to change me login id).</p>
<p>My son got his acceptance to Kalamazoo today, as well as the offer of a Trustee's scholarship. The acceptance letter was the best so far - just so personal. (Now we know a little bit of what his letter of recommendation said) Son hasn't visited K yet, so he'll need to take a trip to Kalamazoo in the spring. He is excited to find out more.</p>
<p>S1732: where do you live, out of curiosity? I'm very anxious in IL :)</p>
<p>magneticpoet, we're in Milwaukee.</p>
<p>I wish the Pony Express would hurry up and bring Fang Jr's letter.</p>
<p>Hang in there, guys!</p>
<p>D's acceptance package arrived yesterday with Lux Esto Scholarship ($64,000...wow). Not listed on the website so we didn't know this award existed...lol.</p>
<p>In with a scholarship! I am now jumping for joy, as per the "next steps" sheet in the admissions letter :)</p>
<p>Congratulations!</p>
<p>Fly, carrier pigeons! Flap those wings! I really hope Fang Jr's letter tomorrow. </p>
<p>Congratulations to the successful applicants!</p>
<p>Haha, thanks, Fang. I hope you (& your son) hear from K soon!</p>
<p>Cardinal Fang - I hope that Fang Jr's letter comes today, too. Good luck!</p>
<p>Accepted! With big money, too. Fang Jr is thrilled. Mr. Fang and I are delighted and proud.</p>
<p>:) Yeah! The worth was worth it then. It just took extra long because of the weight of all of that cash. Congratulations! </p>
<p>Wasn't that the best acceptance letter ever?</p>
<p>This is the first school Fang Jr has heard from, so we're not in a position (yet?) to compare letters. He still has three applications he hasn't even filed yet, plus another outstanding. But I love the personal nature of the letter.</p>