<p>I have posted this in the College Search forum but remember a while back in another thread that many of you knew a little about this school. This would be a financial and academic safety for both of my girls and it really seems to meet the"love your safety" criteria On paper it seems wonderful and really almost custom made for either of my DDs, both of whom are all fired up about it. However I have found it hard to find independent information because it is not really a well known school.</p>
<p>I know that it went from a top regional LAC in 07 to a third tier school in 08 but I don't really know what that means. I know that they have an excellent reputation in the sciences but I don't know where that reputation comes from. I know it was -23 on Sunday in Helena but I don't know how oos students have dealt with such bitter cold. Merit Aid looks great and tuition is a bargain but I still want to know more about what either of my girls would get for the money.Anyway I am just looking for someone to give me some more independent information than I would get from the website or admissions office. Thanks as always for your help!</p>
<p>The only information I have is slightly biased - but since no one has responded, I'll throw it out there. I have a friend who teaches there and really loves it. He has taught at several other regional private schools - some higher ranked and is unabashed in his praise for Carroll. He says kids who come there are well grounded socially - not looking for a party school, but have looked into their educational goals. Many are attracted by the merit aid, which IS good - he says partly to combat the "where is that?" and "HOW cold??" questions. Other strong areas are study abroad, science, and he felt a 'down to earth' type student. I couldn't get my son to apply there because of the weather, but the skiing is pretty good, too. Good luck on your info. gathering - I hope someone has more pertinent info to share with you!</p>
<p>Thank you so much for responding. In what deprtment does your friend teach? The only negative I have heard is the cold. But I think the fact that the sun is shining most days of the year makes it cold and beautiful not cold and dreary. However...I'm not the one who would be going there. DDs are not at all put off by the temps but really the coldest we have been was -3 and that was just for a few hours one day, not for roughly two months. </p>
<p>It seems like a really great school with a strong sports program and an intimate setting. Thanks for giving me additional information.</p>
<p>OK - other plus factors: good ski area 30 minutes from campus with good deals for students, BIG football scene (only NAIA school with 4 national championships) BUT no varsity soccer or tennis (these happen to be the sports in my family). As I'm sure you're aware it's a catholic school, but is not overly conservative in their academic teaching. I think there's a hook for being a male and from outside the west. -- you can see they are actively trying to build up a little "diversity" of all types. Hope you can go for a visit in the winter :)</p>
<p>I live in Billings and quite a few of my sons friends are going to Carrol College. It is a good choice and Helena is a nice town. Helena is not real big but it is the state capital so there are things going on there.</p>
<p>Carrol tends to attracts very solid students. Not always the cream of the crop academically but well above average students who enjoy the private atmosphere. I think a previous post mentioned well rounded and based on my sons friends who went there I would agree with that. The type of peer group you hope you kids find in HS and college frankly.</p>
<p>My sons are in engineering and while Carrol offers that they wanted the larger school environment with more engineering offerings than a small school can provide.</p>
<p>Helena is one of the colder spots in Montana but it won't be below zero for three months. It is 35 above here in Billings with brilliant sunshine today. Winter is really not that bad here as the humidity is low and it is not that biting damp/humid midwestern cold. Also as you mentioned the sun shines most days so it is not gray and dreary that often like say a Cleveland.</p>
<p>Soccer is a sport in our family too and another plus for my DDs is that Carroll does have a varsity women's program. They would love to continue playing at least at the IM level. Snow sport access is a big plus too.</p>
<p>Thank you drizzit for more insight into the weather and the student profile. I'd like to think that my girls fit with the descriptions you and ojr provided. Their current stats indicate they would get a nice merit award which would make Carroll as affordable as an in-state public. So it is attractive in that sense as well. Thanks!</p>
<p>By the way, the "top tier" and "Regional LAC" part may be due at least in part to the Carnegie classification system (which US News uses to group like schools) being changed this year. I'd worry less about the rankings, and more about fit.</p>
<p>Thanks Carolyn I appreciate the clarification. I posted a similar thread about Carroll on the College Search forum and there is a response there that tells me it's not wise to go with a school w/o name recognition. I like your advice better :-)</p>