<p>Candyman/all,</p>
<p>My son is deciding between Lafayette, Villanova, Trinity University, Santa Clara (and hasn’t yet let go of Colorado Boulder and Purdue, although he’s leaning toward the smaller school environment). All four small schools offer admitted student visit opportunities on the same weekend! Engineering (likely computer). So many fine choices-he’s confused, as am I. </p>
<p>We managed a visit/tour of Lafayette over Spring Break (loved the beautiful campus, but it was unfortunately deserted–your Spring Break too, so no real “read” on the student body/atmosphere, assuming that’s really possible on any short visit). Lafayette has great marketing materials, and we’re convinced it’s a great school. </p>
<p>Plusses include small class size, individual attention, reasonably well known (esp. in engineering circles), great looking campus, good equipment (esp. for such a small school), undergraduate focus, No TAs/top qualifications of professors, liberal arts atmosphere (and “fall back” opportunity), residential (live on campus), and what appears to be good career/alumni networking. Not sure if the Greek life is a plus or minus.</p>
<p>Concerns include isolation (looks like life will be confined to campus, making small size a bigger issue), weather (we’re from Texas, and Lafayette/Villanova/Purdue were late additions to a “warmer or at least sunnier” focus, based on their strong engineering programs), broader regional prejudices (sorry, but Easterners generally seem a bit cooler, less friendly and maybe more preppie/pretentious–likely an unfair generalization, but you do notice some “cultural” differences). Lists and rankings aside, Lafayette doesn’t have as strong a national recognition as, say, Purdue, or even Villanova (or for that matter, Colorado, even though it may offer a somewhat superior undergraduate experience v. the large schools). A smaller school means a smaller alumni network. Small school undergrad/national research school for grad work makes a perfect formula, but I’m not certain that grad school is a given (seems less common among engineers, even these days).</p>
<p>Villanova is a close competitor–somewhat larger without being big, strong engineering, nice, residential campus (not as pretty, though!), etc., with a more appealing/less isolated location and good national recognition (Final Four no doubt helps that). The commitment to service and spiritual aspect of Villanova’s Catholic roots is attractive, although we’d be happy to learn that Lafayette offers some of the same commitment to “whole person” development (does it?). </p>
<p>Why Lafayette? (over Villanova and any/all others named)–We’d love anyone/everyone’s insights!! I know the answer is going to be: “whatever “'fits/feels” right”, but we can’t be the only ones out there who haven’t felt the magic tingle (or to put it positively–we think all of these great schools would offer a great experience!). Anyone have a fresh angle/insight, or suggestion on triggering that tingle that don’t involve a sleepover at each school? We scoured the internet for “student reviews” to supplement this site and the published materials, but were as likely to encounter superficial negative reports as positive ones, with little clue as to which experience would be his. </p>
<p>Again, Lafayette and the other schools have made the final cut–what’s the best way to find true happiness and fulfillment (grasshopper)? Thanks!</p>