@Snowybuny Re: lack of party scene. It might mean there aren’t raging parties on campus, not that students don’t drink. A school nestled in a quiet established affluent suburb, without Greek housing, without off campus student housing (like a big student populated apartment complex) is going to have a different vibe.
Re: being worried your impression of a school is off base without a visit. Well, we’ve been on our fair share of college visits. One thing that struck me was how similar the marketing campaigns were from school to school. And honestly, an entire visit/school could be colored by the personality of the tour guide, the speaker in the Admissions presentation, a sample lecture by a particularly entertaining professor, the cheerful or sullen expressions of the small % of students whose paths we crossed, the parking (really!), the food in the cafeteria (definitely!), and the weather.
Each school you’re looking at is offering you a different adventure, and with a different price tag.
I would take that full ride at Howard in a heartbeat. I went to an HBCU myself and have lots of friends who went to Howard. There is definitely a thriving party culture, but there will always be lots of students who don’t party (and who knows…you might enjoy a party or two). The business school is great and lots of top business come down to DC to recruit at Howard. And DC is a great city to explore while you’re an undergrad! And Howard is really big on social justice and giving back to the community.
If you wanted a smaller college I would go to Earlham - not only for the price but also because it seems to have all the things that really appeal to you.
Thank you all for your very thoughtful replies! You’ve certainly given me a lot to consider I will definitely come back and let you all know of my final decision! In the meantime if anyone else has any other comments please feel free to post - I really appreciate everyone’s input.
You asked about Earlham. My children go there. I wouldn’t base your analysis of life there based on a single student’s (the guide’s) response. As others say, you can find your own group, but I would say that similar to most schools now, alcohol is more of an issue for first year students. After that folks tend to find how to have fun in other ways. I would also say that it tends not to have the social pressure that other schools have. If you choose not to drink etc that choice is respected. As for the academic life, I have had discussions with many faculty who claim that it is the academic engagement of the students that drew them to Earlham and keeps them there. Congrats on your scholarship offers, and good luck deciding. You could ask to talk to faculty or other students by phone for any of the schools if that helps your decision.
Hi again! I just wanted to thank you all for your help and let you know of my final college decision. I won’t be attending any of the colleges mentioned in thread (yes it’s a surprise to me too). I got off the wait list at Rhodes College in Memphis, TN and received enough financial aid that’s it’s comparable to Earlham. I chose this school for several reasons:
It is affordable for my family.
It’s in a large city with a lot of history and culture.
It’s a smaller college
A CTCL
I was really impressed by the opportunities available in terms of internships and research.
They have a strong commitment to community service.
Beautiful campus!!
Activies that I wanted: boxing, karate, crew.
Really liked their classes and their foundations curriculum.
I will definitely come back and let you all know of my final decision! In the meantime if anyone else has any other comments please feel free to post - I really appreciate everyone’s input.