<p>The Denison subforum appears decidedly inactive, so hopefully I'll have more luck here.</p>
<p>From what I hear, Denison has been trying to change its Greek scene and preppy reputation. How successful has it been? 35% Greek still sounds like a significant amount to me. I'm primarily concerned with drinking--how prevalent is it in the Greeks and overall?</p>
<p>Essentially: would an artsy/quirky, blueblood liberal, Asian girl fit in? I know I'd be a niche, but is said niche already present and thriving?</p>
<p>blueblood means rich, right? Or does it mean really liberal?</p>
<p>I considered visiting this school a while back (I'm OCD about college selection...there are three phases, and a school has to pass each stage 1. Research school deeply if it sounds like a good fit 2. Visit school that stands up to close research/scrutinization 3. Apply to schools that are still appealing after visit). It's a solid moderately selective LAC that's a little more conservative/rich kid than fellow Ohio LACs Oberlin and Kenyon. For someone who's artsy/quirky, I think there might be better fits.</p>
<p>More liberal schools (roughly in order of selectivity) include Vassar, Oberlin, Skidmore, Kenyon, Reed, Bard, Sarah Lawrence, Simon's Rock of Bard, Marlboro, Hampshire, Bennington, Lewis and Clark</p>
<p>I have a feeling that the lower half of this list might be aiming a bit too low for you, but check them out (if you haven't already)</p>
<p>I am also OCD about college research, albeit differently. I've looked into all of the schools you listed--am in fact set on applying to Vassar, Oberlin, and L&C--but merit aid is one factor I'm looking at in academic/admissions safeties. And Denison's merit program is one of the most generous.</p>
<p>By the way, Simon's Rock of Bard is a two-year early-admissions college for high schoolers.</p>
<p>Thank you very much for the quick and detailed response!</p>
<p>I should also add that I dislike most sports (exceptions being weird sports like curling or artistic sports like gymnastics/skating) but I don't want too "alternative" an atmosphere--Oberlin is great, but Hampshire a bit TOO quirky. Is Denison a sports-focused school?</p>
<p>Denison is a trying to change its image, but they are still a party school. I had a lot of fun there the weekend I visited, but it is I can't imagine how I would get any work done there.</p>
<p>DD1 is a Sophomore there. She loves it. She is not a partier, is very liberal, has similar friends. The greek atmosphere has been much toned down - all the frat houses are now dorms. Sports there are pretty much supported by friends and more just what someone does, not a leading event for the week. During parents weekend last year I asked DD1 to attend the football game with DW and I. The stands were not crowded at all.</p>
<p>Other possible midwestern choices would be Earlham and Beloit. Earlham has little drinking and no greek presence. Beloit has a fair amount of drinking and a little greek presence, but probably a bit more artsy. Neither place is particularly preppy. You would probably fit in at either place.</p>