We have a CTCL (http://www.ctcl.org/colleges/list) event coming up in our area, and would like to focus our attention on schools that might be best matches for our kid.
We’ve already visited (and liked) Clark, Wooster and Ursinus. (We also visited OWU but it didn’t feel like a strong fit.) For various reasons (friends with personal knowledge and/or rep), we plan to check out – but not necessarily visit – Beloit, Denison, St. Olaf and Reed.
It feels like a solid list to me, but are there any others on the CTCL list that should rise to the surface for us given the following:
Primary interest in the sciences (not pre-med though), with a side of philosophy.
Kid responds well to a quirky/diverse vibe / turned off by preppy/fratty/jocky.
Within manageable travel range of northeast a plus, but not a requirement.
FWIW, we’re by no means limiting ourselves to schools on the CTCL list – this is just a question about planning/preparing for this particular event.
Neglected to mention: Robust opportunities to participate in music ensembles (definitely band, maybe orchestra) a plus, but conservatory-level not required. Athletics not a factor, except on a casual level.
Be sure to talk to Rhodes at the CTCL event…located across from the Memphis Zoo, they have amazing research opportunities for science (especially bio) students.
I would suggest looking at Lawrence U in Appleton Wisconsin. They are especially known for Physics, but other sciences are strong also. They have a music conservatory with a wide range of groups and are very open to having non music majors participate in ensembles.
It may be important what kinds of sciences. A school may be strong in biology and chemistry, but weak in physics, math, and computer science, or vice-versa.
You can take a look at course catalogs, schedules, and faculty rosters for the desired departments in each school to get an idea.
Currently more Physics/Math/CS than bio. Will definitely look at course catalogs when time to make a major decision. Just looking for quick “don’t miss / do check this one out” stuff now.
For small schools for geology, there are probably few or no schools which can compete with the “mines” schools in SD, NM, and CO (the first two of which are also relatively inexpensive).
Not all are CTCL but all are LACs: Rhodes, Sewanee, Eckerd, and Hendrix for biology. Would not recommend BSC because of a lack of research opportunities on campus.
Wooster just announced that they are building a new science building. And the kilt-wearing Scot band is terrific.
Earlham is also good in the sciences. A lot of students go on for MD and PhD degrees after graduation.
Denison had over 6,000 applications this year, I believe, so visiting campus and interviewing will improve chances of admission. All 3 schools provide great merit aid.
New College certainly fills the quirky requirement, and it has plenty of opportunities for research and independent projects. It has an excellent graduate and medical school admissions record. There are definitely student musical ensembles, representing all genres.
Eckerd fits quirky, has several music ensembles available to join for non music majors, music lesson, a community theater that makes its’ home on campus. New, 32 million$ science building, (certified green), renovated to new computer labs, career services available for life, great internships and travel abroad for semester, winter term, spring into summer term and service oriented spring break trips. Good merit and financial aid too.
Our D also interested in CTCL schools, and turned off by preppy/fratty vibe (though she is a jock). We’ve visited three CTCL schools accessible to the Northeast. She found Goucher and Guilford too extreme in the other direction (“crunchy”, in her parlance), but McDaniel more in her comfort zone. She’s interested in science also, but we’re unsure how to compare the strengths of undergrad programs. She doesn’t want to go to med school, so the common metric of med school acceptance rates is not of interest to us. Are you going to the Tyson’s Corner CTCL event, by chance?
Some thoughts on this: 1) when you tour the science building does the college have research labs? Research labs are different from classroom labs; 2) Are the research labs filled with supplies or empty?; 3) Do you see people in the research labs?; 4) Do you see research posters on the walls? How many? Are the posters from most professors’ labs or only one or two professors?; 5) Compare the course catalogs between schools for variety but also check the course schedule to see how often courses are held; 6) Talk to the faculty and ask if students (and how many) participate in research outside of the classroom; 7) Do students present their research at conferences?; 8) What percentage of students go to graduate school?; 9) How much money does the college give to faculty and students to perform research?; 10) How large are the science classes?; 11) What percentage of students perform research?; 12) What type of equipment does the college have for research?
Also look closely at the CONTENT of the research posters. At one school we visited, our kid was stunned to see research posters that struck us both as middle-school level.
@rrob, D and I went to the Tysons’ Corner CTCL event last year. It was very nicely done. The best part really was the director’s presentation because she made it very clear to the students and parents that the students are not only capable but also desirable applicants. (That’s not always clear in competitive environment of some Fairfax high schools).
At the end of her speech, the director advised people to sit back and chill for 10-15 minutes before going to the “fair” portion of the event. She was right. Some attendees just picked up brochures and left. D was able to talk to reps at Hampshire, Puget Sound and Willamette for several minutes. She ended up applying to Willamette and nixed Hampshire based on her chats.
Whitman has strong biology, astronomy, geology and chemistry, they are in the process of creating a comprehensive CS department but that will take a few years to fully develop… Music is good but competitive for spots in groups that regularly perform. Not as hipsterish or intense as Reed, but academically strong without being overly competitive. Kind of laid back, interesting and friendly student body. Going by dadof1’s criteria, Whitman has great science programs.
I understand from reading on CC that Saint Olaf has the music, math and CS.