Like the easy going feel of Carleton. The people, the professors, all easy going, modest, yet really brilliant.
Like Duke because it is only a few hours from home and the multiple majors and numerous resources available for research in a larger campus like Duke.
For me, I wanted a place where I would be happy. I think generally, I’d be happy almost anywhere but Carleton was where I felt happiest. Even if they had nothing else, I would still do well because I love it here and I enjoy what I do. The a UofM has great research opportunities that Carleton doesn’t have, but I just didn’t like it there as much. And if that got worse and I ended up being unhappy, then none of all the world-class facilities and opportunities could save me. Because I’d be unhappy; I wouldn’t have that zest, that passion that I do at Carleton. Lol does that even make sense? And you know, maybe that’s just me. Maybe I’m the only one like that, but if you’re like me then go where you’re happiest, where you enjoy it because that is where you’ll do the best regardless of professors or facilities.
P.S. Everyone needs to live in MN for a little bit. And once you come, you’ll find it hard to leave (at least according to the State Dept.)
Joe, the last week in April my ds was choosing between Carleton and a large, in-state flagship, and he revisited both.
One of the criteria for a school was sense of community … but what did that look like? At the state flagship, he would get to enter as almost a sophomore thanks to the generous AP credit policy, big-time sports, lots of schools spirit, Greek life (not that he would necessarily join), name recognition in state with a big alumni network. At Carleton, he liked the smaller classes, engaged professors (in other words no huge classes led by TAs), how welcoming everyone was (he just mentioned his overnight a couple of weeks ago and a game the kids taught him in the lounge of the floor where he stayed). I think he also just liked the adventure of something so different (we live more than 1,000 miles from Carleton).
If you can swing it, I’d revisit and see what feels right now that you know both are really an option. Good luck! And let us know what you decide.
Just curious, but does anyone know if Carleton’s released a Class of 2019 admissions profile? I’m interested in seeing the acceptance rate this year as I found it difficult to find the % on the Carleton website.
UPDATE: Just emailed admissions and they said around 20% of applicants were admitted. Probably most or at least one of the most selective years to date. Congrats to all who were admitted!
Anyone have any info or anecdotes regarding Carleton and what schools its students end up at for grad school or professional school? Any forums I am not aware of are also helpful!
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At the bottom of the page
Wow a lot of U Minnesota. Also a fair share of U Chicago and a few ivies. Do most grads prefer the convenience of staying in state and that’s why so many go to U Minnesota?
@sammythang1234 From my son’s experience, my guess is that a number of people may choose UofM because of more aid. A full ride vs. having to pay (something at least) at an Ivy.
@sammythang1234 I’m guessing it’s mainly because of money. Minnesota is one of the cheaper public schools in the nation. But, I’ve also known more than a couple Carleton graduates who came, fell in love with Minnesota, and still haven’t left. But it’s mainly money like @limner said
Also, Carleton attracts a lot of Minnesotans so maybe they’re just staying close to home.
For law school and med school staying in Minnesota is a great choice. Cheaper and easier to be admitted, and the U of M programs are strong.
I’m trying to decide between Carleton and Truman State University. Truman is a fraction of the cost of Carleton, but I absolutely love Carleton. I have been able to visit Carleton two times and both times I have fallen in love with the school and all of the people there. Is Carleton worth the amount of money it costs to attend? What do you all think?
My ds got lots of FA so, for us, yes! What would the difference in price be between Carleton and Truman State? Loans needed?
The difference is about $30,000, so loans would definitely be needed.
@eesmth There’s so much that needs to go into the equation of whether it’s worth going into debt. Do you have an idea of what you want to do? If you want to be an actor, that’s different than if you want to be a lawyer–at least in probable earning power.
Also, if you want to go to grad school, there’s that expense down the road. However, a Carleton education will–if you take full advantage of it–most likely get you into any program to which you apply. My son got into every grad program with aid ranging from full ride to zero.
Another part of the equation should be the Carleton alumni network, which can be instrumental in everything from internships to jobs with major companies.
Have you spoken to someone at Carleton about your dilemma? I think it’s worth asking if there’s more money available. Also, what do your parents say?
I know this is a huge decision. Good luck.
@limner Congratulations on your Carleton son getting into his grad schools. Was the aid he received considered merit scholarships?
We are still antsy about the full pay at Carleton since we seem to be just over the magic number for financial aid . Wondering if it is worth it when we have full scholarships in hand at a number of state schools.
@Joe2015 That is, if not quite the million dollar question, at least a quarter-of-a-million dollar question. 
If you read some of Frank Bruni’s recent editorials in the NY Times, he’d say, no, it’s not worth it, based on his book, “Where You Go Is Not Who You’ll Be.” Our family didn’t pay full price at Carleton, so it’s not a decision I’ve faced, although both my kids could probably have gone to our state flagship at little or no cost. We’ve never regretted our decision, and Carleton was the education and experience that my H and I had hoped for and more. Enough so that our second kid will start at an LAC in the fall. She was waitlisted at Carleton, so not there. 
Good luck with your decision.
ee, $30K a year or over four years?
Joe, do you have the money to pay full freight at Carleton out of savings/529 or would it require loans? What are the state schools? I am cheap and would have a hard time paying $250K for college even if I could afford it, but I realize that for some people that’s not a huge sum of money. Lucky them!