Some colleges really sell their traditions (do they all have a giant rock students paint? A gate you can’t walk through if you want to graduate?) and I agree kids’ reactions are very mixed. I know my D18 (now a college grad) was very freaked out by the UVA tour and their numerous “weird” traditions and “creepy obsession with and uncritical admiration of” the Founders. I am sure for some kids that would have been a big part of the charm!