I am in the final stages of making my college decision and I am really struggling to decide between two schools. My favorites of the ones I have been accepted to are Conn College and Dickinson. I got merit from both, so money is not an issue. I want a strong community at my school where everyone is supportive of each other and has school spirit, professors that get to know their students, and good study abroad programs. I visited both accepted student weekends and I liked the one at Dickinson better. The students there seemed to really love the school and the community and were super nice and I was impressed by the professors as well. But at Connecticut, I was also impressed by the academics, I just did not have the opportunity to meet many students. I also think I like the overall vibe at Dickinson better, but the one thing that holds me back from deciding on Dickinson is the ranking at Conn is higher and I feel like I would have more academic opportunities there. Is that true though? Help!
Not a great reason. You are not talking about two remarkably dissimilar schools. According to USNWR, they are neck and neck at #51 vs #55.
I don’t know what your overall vibe is, but I’ll,share my kid’s ugh t’s on Dickinson, if it’s helpful. She nearly chose Dickinson and didn’t apply at all to Conn. I think she liked the overall friendly vibe there and the emphasis on sustainability and study abroad. She also much preferred the campus. She felt Dickinson seemed more lively. She used to be quite introverted, is academically motivated, a bit artistic, definitely not preppy.
I’d go with where you feel more drawn to. Both will have good academics and similar types of students.
So you like everything better a lot Dickinson except what US News writes ?
Hmmm not a good reason to like Connecticut - especially when dealing with two schools most nationally don’t know.
It’s clear that Dickinson is the right choice based on your message.
Best of luck. You only read wonderful things about it.
The two colleges are peer institutions.
When I looked at LACs with my D we found that each one had a particular “vibe.” Some schools she connected with and others not so much. You really like Dickinson (and the cost is similar) so to me that seems to be your answer.
FWIW USNWR ranks Dickinson #51 in LACs and Conn College is #55 which is an immaterial difference (rankings do change year to year). While rankings are a truly terrible way to choose a college, this shows how close the two colleges are.
These are two great schools, congrats!
A proactive student who engages with professors, challenges themselves intellectually, goes to office hours, and seeks opportunities, will likely have a similar academic experience at either school.
Social life is similar—it depends more on the student than the school. If you seek out your people, join activities, go to events, and reach out to fellow students, you will have a positive social life at either school.
Dickinson is more isolated and Conn is easier to access via public transportation, but if you like Dickinson’s location, and your gut says Dickinson, I think you have your answer!
Two great schools but sounds like the Red Devil is whispering in your ear! D was my daughter’s #2. #1 gave her more money and has a very special minor close to her heart. But we’ve spent a lot of time in Carlisle over the past year!
My kid started the process with Conn near the top of his list - even considered ED. When he had finished revisits in the spring, Dickinson was a top contender… He really liked how friendly it felt. (I liked carlisle’s main street, right there!)
It sounds like you prefer Dickinson. Choose it!
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