<p>Hello, everyone.
I would like to hear the opinions of parents of children who are students at Grinnell, Bard or Occidental, regarding the degree of academic rigor at these colleges.
My daughter is interested in these schools. She is a v/ good and conscientious student, very much wants to be intellectually challenged in college, and is prepared for this. At the same time, she doesn't want to feel the anxiety of having to constantly and frantically work; or that all the students do is study, w/ no time to relax.
I wonder if this is so at Grinnell.
I'd also like to hear if any of the colleges promise more than is in fact delivered.
I'd really appreciate feedback, most especially from parents whose children attend one of these colleges. How perfect it would be to find a parent who had a child in each school!
Thanks so much.</p>
<p>S is at Grinnell (and he and we love it). He’s a science major (yes, it’s demanding) and an athlete (which means he spends 20+ hours a week on his sport, not including travel to games). Yet he has time for friends, a gf, and music lessons. I’m not sure when he sleeps - but I figure if he can handle all of this and make good grades, then most people can probably manage a tough major and a pretty decent social life if they are organized. No question that Grinnell is known for it’s work ethic though, so your D would probably be happiest if she is a pretty serious student. Has she visited?</p>
<p>DD just graduated last year from Occidental. She is hard working conscientious and similar to your daughter ,wanted challenge w/o being overwhelmed. Graduated Phi beta Kappa in economics and is now working in her field in LA. She made a lot friends, worked part time and danced in the Spring dance show. I think she found a great mix at Oxy friendships and academic rigor not to mention all that LA has to offer.</p>
<p>my son chose between Bard and Grinnell! He picked Grinnell for the fit with the student body and sense of community. Work is challenging, yes, but everyone seems to find time for activities and social life.</p>
<p>My sense is that Bard would be similarly rigorous. For example, I think they accept only 5s on AP exams for credit. They may be the only school that does that.</p>
<p>A strength of both of these schools is small classes with good discussion. Alot of Bard’s classrooms are seminar style (everyone around a big table; not rows of chairs with the teacher up front)</p>