<p>compare the two</p>
<p>Both are strong conservative Protestant Christian environments for adherants who are highly dedicated to their faith. Wheaton has the stronger reputation of the two in both theological and liberal arts studies.</p>
<p>My suggestion is to pick Wheaton over Calvin.</p>
<p>now what if im not a big city type like not even suburbs. i can handle smaller cities like in tx(abilene,lubbock,amarillo) but big meto areas hinder my ability to focus on anything.</p>
<p>Grand Rapids is a medium sized city...200,000. Calvin is just outside the center city and although it is located in a suburban area, is very close to the downtown hustle-and-bustle of the city.</p>
<p>Wheaton is much smaller. Population is ~55,000. It's environment is similar to Calvin's (resembles the suburbs), but there are no immediately accessible urban areas to distract you.</p>
<p>Hope that helps.</p>
<p>I've been to Calvin's campus and it is more rural than suburban</p>
<p>It is a part of Grand Rapids though. A sizeable city. Relatively close to a downtown area.</p>
<p>I live 45 minutes away from Grand Rapids. It's not really that big of a city</p>
<p>200,000 isn't anything to sneeze at...and this kid is allergic to urban environments.</p>
<p>repeat:i can handle smaller cities like in tx(abilene,lubbock,amarillo) but big meto areas hinder my ability to focus on anything. lubbock has over 200,000 and amarillos close</p>
<p>Then you can handle either Wheaton or Calvin.</p>
<p>I'd say Wheaton- it has a better reputation. I know very little about Calvin. I visited Wheaton though and I loved the campus- dorms are great. Also it seems like a very supportive and friendly environment.</p>
<p>bump...now what about calvin. heard alot about wheaton already, and sounds great but i need a balanced view of the two</p>
<p>well, Calvin is a bit bigger- so if you like that idea, its something to consider. It isn't considered as highly by USNWR (2nd in Midwest vs. 55th among LACs), for whatever that is worth. It is also a lot easier to get in (98% acceptance rate), but the SAT range is still very high, which indicates that the pool is largely self-selecting. USNWR also lists it among schools with a heavy focus on service learning and Princeton Review has only positive things to say about it. I think both schools would give you a great education, but I would still say you should pick Wheaton over Calvin.</p>