<p>Denison has obviously made an effort to attract students beyond its normal academic range through generous merit scholarships. I'd like to hear from students (or their parents) who attended for that reason (particularly National Merit) about how that's worked out for you. Are you having a good academic experience? Do you feel reasonably challenged (at least not bored)? Are you satisfied with the caliber of of the student body? In other words, are you happy you chose Denison?</p>
<p>DD is there on a NM scholarship. She doesn’t like some of the school administration (class selection order changed while she was there) but loves her friends and professors. She feels challenged academically.</p>
<p>Ours has a tuition scholarship …can’t recall the name. Finding it challenging. Like too many, lots of slobbering liberal profs, but only one that’s been totally outrageous. She’s on queue to get into some of the best grad schools. Has had to work hardern she’d perceived. It’s no slouch place. In the end, 2 things …a student can get as much there as he/she wants …and if they do so and perform well, DU’s rep in the higher ed world’ll not detain or deter students in any way. </p>
<p>There are 2 major goals of any college or university …To BE good and to be PERCEIVED as good. My guesstimates on DU on scale of 1-10 are 8-9 on the former and 6-8 on the latter. It’s far bettern most novices see it. Non-novices know it’s a 1st class place that some would see as “stuck” in the middle of SE Ohio. I consider that one of the greatest of assets for students.</p>
<p>Conversely, I believe there are a great many LACs and U’s, especially to the East, that are precisely the opposite …great raps and mediocre substance and performance. By the very nature of geography, Midwestern schools must deliver great value for the buck. DU does, especially with their deep discounts for top flight students. And they get plenty of them.</p>
<p>I can tell you DS has not had one class yet he considers easy. I think that speaks well for the school (although maybe not so good for the GPA!) 
(I can also tell you DS loves it there–mostly the friends he’s made.)</p>