<p>D has C and K at the top of her list right now. Would appreciate comments on why one might go for Carleton.
She visited both before she applied, so is aware of the differences in terms of setting (i.e. small town vs. really small town).<br>
She's probably going to major in anything but the sciences or math.
Active class discussion is really important to her.<br>
Both schools are flight distances away from home.
Wants to have theater and vocal music ensemble opportunities. She knows C may not be quite as strong in these areas, but that there is a theater/music presence and that the Arts are a priority for increased attention (purchase of town school for the future Arts complex).
Any and all insights would really help!</p>
<p>Just from what I have read, which I sure you have as well, is that carleton is very "hands on" in their philosophy and that class discussion is a focal point of their classes.
Does D want to pursue theater and vocal music ensemble as a potential major or just have the opportunity?
I have a friend who absolutely loves Carleton simply because of the classes and how tightly knit the school is in general.</p>
<p>Thanks for commenting, zfox001. D won't major in music and probably not in theater unless along with another major.</p>
<p>Anymore Carleton/Kenyon comparatives? Anyone?</p>
<p>nznz, it seems that few of us who frequent the Carl board have experience with Kenyon.;)</p>
<p>There are several threads here where people have outlined their views of the Carleton student and academic experience. I think you'll just have to take a look at what people are saying on the Kenyon board for their perceptions of their school. </p>
<p>My son really wanted a place where he was challenged by his peers, not in a competitive way but in a collaborative and positive way. He's certainly found that at Carleton. He also is someone who won't be majoring in science or math. Sorry I don't have experience with Kenyon!</p>
<p>Good luck to you and your D.</p>
<p>Thanks, limner, for responding.<br>
Your posts and those of others on the Carleton site really have helped provide a picture of Carleton. Posters on Kenyon's threads have also done the same. Guess we just haven't seen too many differences pop up but,rather, the same very positive similarities!<br>
Was hoping someone, possibly a midwesterner, might be familiar with their relative distinctives.<br>
Any other posters have thoughts?</p>
<p>I have some thoughts, though I'm not sure how helpful they'll be. ... I have a freshman at Carleton--a possible theater major, but also possibly not. She loves it there and is getting unique opportunities she might not have had at a bigger, more competitive theater environment. Also, even though she originally thought she wanted a big city school, the peace and joy she has found on this lovely rural campus is priceless. </p>
<p>Our older daughter (now a sophomore at College of Wooster) fell in love with Kenyon, as did I. Like Carleton, it offered serenity and beauty, intellectual stimulation, and a first-rate education. She ended up attending Wooster, which she also liked, and where the merit money was nearly triple what Kenyon offered. </p>
<p>If you're daughter is choosing between Carleton and Kenyon, I just don't see how she can go wrong. ... My Carl girl irrationally refused to consider Kenyon because it was located in the middle of an Ohio cornfield. Same with Grinnell--middle of an Iowa cornfield. How ironic that she ends up in a Minnesota cornfield?</p>
<p>I sat in on one of my daughter's classes this year during Family Weekend - the students were definitely engaged, with much lively discussion (on various subsects of Buddhism). There are a lot of student-run theater opportunities, including a group (Uninvited Company) that puts on two or three plays each summer. Last year, as a freshman, D landed a role in "Hair". She was in the choir last year, but is doing an a cappella group this year (a cappella totally rules at Carleton).</p>
<p>I'm a Midwesterner who applied to both Kenyon and Carleton, and ultimately chose Carleton. I personally didn't find it to be a difficult decision. I felt like Carleton was a little more laid back and more intellectual than Kenyon. Kenyon has a larger contingent of East Coast kids than Carleton, which seems to draw equally well from the East and West Coasts. Carleton is more ethnically diverse and has more international students than Kenyon. I also felt like Carleton and Carleton students make an effort to hide wealth, for example 75% of the student body has an on campus job, only 10% have cars, and the general dress code is uber casual, very few name brands and no designer clothes. Kenyon students seemed a little preppier. Carleton also seems to be more athletic, with a large intramural sports scene. </p>
<p>But really both are great schools with beautiful campuses, and I'm sure she'll be happy at either.</p>
<p>Paul Newman's active involvement with Kenyon and donation to the drama department Kenyon has a more evolved theater program.</p>
<p>If that is not a major focus, the above comments seem quite accurate.</p>