<p>Western WA U has a good reputation and gorgeous campus/seting,(was on D’s list also) but I do have to interject that the state budget cuts have definitely affected the school. Several programs and majors cut. The past few years economical challenges have really done a number on our state schools.</p>
<p>Have to put a plug in for Willamette, exciting and beautiful place! (although Salem not so much) One of D’s top choices along with Seattle University, Linfield College and University of Puget Sound…</p>
<p>southwestsea–PLU was the very first campus we set foot on beginning the college “look-see” journey Even though I can’t remember exactly what it was now we loved their school “motto” or statement…</p>
<p>University of Puget Sound won her out in the end for various reasons-- really showed her the love financially, gorgeous campus, student vibe, just a good “fit” for her and far enough away from home (even though instate it’s a good 2 hour plus drive depending on traffic)</p>
<p>You’ve got some great suggestions in this thread for getting out of Calif!</p>
<p>This has been a criticism of the “Great Books” and related programs for decades. The criticism has been answered repeatedly, but it keeps coming back. So there must be a fairly strong demand for an alternative. </p>
<p>However, I don’t think you’ll find any American college that has a well-structured program to introduce students, from year 1, to Buddhist, Muslim, Confucian, Mayan … and non-male … perspectives on a set of core concepts (Love, Justice, Good & Evil, Mechanics, etc.) covered in a primary source canon of literary, historical, philosophical and scientific works. You can be an Asian or Latin American or African Studies major at many colleges. You can cobble together something broader at some schools. The challenge is, at the end of 4 years, to come out a liberally educated person, not a diletante or a narrow specialist.</p>
<p>One thing I can just about guarantee is that, in any classroom discussion at Reed (Columbia, Chicago, St. John’s, etc), you are likely to get quite a bit of non-male, contemporary, and in some cases non-Western feedback (or push-back) on the Dead White Male perspective.</p>
<p>Reed may accept 40% because the population who applies is self selecting. I would not recommend it for a quieter type who is bright but upper-mid grade wise. Student body is QUIRKY, VERY ACADEMIC / CREATIVE, known for drug use and other alternative behaviors. D is applying to Willamette. We visited and really liked it. Also toured Lewis and Clark the same day and did not like. The “vibe” is very different. Per a poster above, University of Puget Sound may also be a good option. Linfield is very business oriented, as well as education an nursing. I have heard from a parent of an unhappy Linfield student that the atmosphere is very centered around the athletes and party scene and there isn’t much else to do in McMinville. However, for some it’s a great fit.</p>
Even though I can’t remember exactly what it was now we loved their school “motto” or statement…</p>