<p>For those of you who visited, how did you like campus? I don't know if I can fit in a visit in the near future, but I would love to hear some input about your perception of the campus and students. Right now, I am starting to consider Knox more and more due to the merit aid they offered me, but it would still be nice to hear a little about the school atmosphere. Thanks.</p>
<p>As per my D- people are just plain nice and friendly, no cliques noted. I think friendliness of entire campus is something you get to notice right away. Admission folks nice and friendly, even president would stop by and tell you " Hi, I am Roger" so you could have interesting chat without realizing you talking to college president. Most people stay in for the weekends so weekends always have something to do. Lots of studying too, they do not call it" hard Knox" for nothing. Being in several clubs is a norm. Easy to start your own club if school does not have your interest.
Campus buildings have lots of historical values, Lincoln -Douglas debate being one of them. Library is like one would think Oxford would have- simply magnificent. You would see well worn but taken care wooden oak tables, chairs- no markings, obviously used by many people but nobody left bad signs after them. BTW there are no code bars or detectors either. LIbrary also has room of rare books- first editions of Galileo, first edition of encyclopedia and such- open to everyone. Honor code- you can take all your exams unproctored and people take a lot of pride in it. Motto- Freedom to flourish seems to be respected and followed. You will be given a lot of freedom right from the beginning and trusted to behave as an adult. Sports are secondary to academics. New sports center, recently open. Dorms are in suites style- room for 2 people about 12x17 and several of those rooms coming out into common living room with TV, sofas and such. Some dorms are going to be renovated this summer but even now they not in bad shape, just show some wear and tear. No air conditioning in most of them but again, given their trimester system and Il weather you really do not need it.</p>
<p>The campus is very flat (not surprising, given that it's in western Illinois) but has a very open, spacious feeling which I liked. The buildings were of different styles and eras but overall I thought they were very attractive. My son and I visited in August before classes were in session so we didn't get the student vibe, but I echo lindalana that the people we met (faculty, staff, student guides) were very, very friendly.</p>
<p>I thought the dorms were just so-so, but at this point in life I don't know how anyone can live in those things. :)</p>
<p>Unfortunately, while my son was accepted he didn't get any merit aid award, so he'll be going elsewhere. But we both thought it was a very attractive school academically and physically. Good luck with your decision.</p>
<p>I am sorry to hear that. Does their financial aid not cover the full needs of students? And will they decrease financial aid so that the merit + financial equals the amount you need in aid?</p>
<p>Is Knox well known in Illinois and the surrounding region? I'm interested in Knox, but a few things concern me:</p>
<p>1) reputation. Is it well known? I know that this should not be a concern, and that I should try to find the place w/ the best fit. Nevertheless, I am curious to know the answer/ any perceptions you guys might have.</p>
<p>2) one quote i read in the PR 2005 Best 351 colleges: "The weekends are weak, unless your friends consist of Keystone and Bud Light" ...I don't think I'm gonna be a big drinker, and the fact that the campus is in the middle of nowhere and highlighted for "hard liquor is popular" concerns me. Also, as a guy, I don't want to be looked down upon if I don't drink...and I don't want to get bored either.</p>
<p>Any comments would be much appreciated.</p>
<p>Billybobbyk, I think reputation is such relative term that is very hard to answer. While living all out life in IL we never heard about this college before school councelor suggested it, but we never heard about any of the schools mentioned by HS councelor, and it was about 5-6 of them, all of very good quality. When you live in any state, schools that get mentioned are either state flagships or those that have big sports teams or those you actullay live nearby. Once we started doing our research on LAC we found out that Knox is very well known as among colleges, graduate schools and people in the know. Harvard president mentioned Knox college in his speeches- does it make any difference? Knox is in most of guide books for prospective students. If you looking for graduate school reports- you can be sure- they will know Knox and its academics. If you live out of IL and will return back after graduating I would doubt many of your employers will know Knox.
About weekends- some weekends have 'nothing special going on" as per my D which means that there are no organized concerts or activities done by the school. As I always told my D- school is what you make out of it and if there is not enough fun stuff happening this weekend- make your own. Needless to say she rarely comes home for the weekend, even that it is not hard to do.
About alcohol- I am sure every parent wants to say that their child is not into party/ drinking scene, it just shows how much we know about our own kids... My D stated that there are much less drinking at Knox that at other places she has been/ and she had lots of overnight visits/. I am sure Knox has its share of drinking. I found sometime in the beggining of school year on college chats one of the seniors talking to freshmans, mentioning episode of somebody's heavy drinking . What impressed me that it was handled by the students and for the students, peer to peer - "come on , dude, keep your head level" approach. Once in the college you will have to make your own choices how to live your life. Knox is very good at giving you so much freedom- your head will get dizzy. What you will do with that freedom is up to you.</p>
<p>I am wondering if time played into their merit aid decision. My son went for a visit, did a music audition, submitted his application, etc all before Thanksgiving. He had his acceptance and a nice merit scholarship by mid December.</p>