<p>@Wordworker: That was such a great idea! I’ve been reading a couple now, and you’re totally right. Thanks! </p>
<p>@bhchamp: I’ve read a little about wake forest, I originally thought it wasn’t for me but I’ll need to read a little more on it. I’m applying to UNC though! I just recently decided to apply after reading a little more about it. I’ll read a little more into BC as well, but I think GTown is a little to political/high strung for me. Thanks for the reply!</p>
<p>I think you’d love Davidson. They’re a small, supportive community, religion-friendly, and have lots of outdoor opportunities with Lake Norman right nearby. Intramurals are big there if you’re in it for the fun rather than the competition.</p>
<p>Rhodes is a safety for you, and I would expect them to offer good merit aid. Being in Memphis they’re not as outdoorsy as some schools, but other than that I think Rhodes is also a great match for your interests.</p>
<p>Both Davidson and Rhodes are noted for their students’ volunteer work in the community. We visited both schools this summer, and my daughter got a kick out of the quirky little traditions at Rhodes.</p>
<p>Thanks spdf! I’m glad you think I’d like Davidson, it’s currently at the top of my list (can’t do ED though) and I’m glad to know that it seems like a great fit! We visited last spring and I definitely got that “fit feeling” when we toured. It’s such an amazing place. I haven’t been able to visit rhodes yet, although I certainly want to soon. I’m really impressed by their campus and emphasis on volunteering. It seems like a great place to go. I’ve also heard that they’re VERY generous with merit money and it’s free to apply to so I will definitely be applying soon. </p>
<p>Does anyone else have any other opinions? I’ve heard a lot of great things about Colgate and St. Olaf for someone like me. Does anyone have any further information on these schools or any other schools? I’m really appreciating this feedback, it’s IMMENSELY helpful.</p>
<p>Have you thought about Cornell? It might be a good fit for you!</p>
<p>I’ve considered it. I know it’s a fantastic school, but I haven’t really found any selling points or any wow factors. It seems to be pretty academically similar to northwestern, do you think I should look into it more? I don’t really know that much about it, other than the fact that it’s a pretty big school with a lot of emphasis on science and engineering.</p>
<p>bumpbumpbump</p>
<p>I’m no expert and just know Cornell has a beautiful natural setting, a more agricultural and hands-on educational philosophy, and less pretentious atmosphere (I think). I would say Cornell is less preppy/social/sports focused than Northwestern and the Cornell grads I know are very down-to-earth, approchable and sincere. A Cornell education is not easily obtained, and I’d say Cornell is like the work-horse of the Ivies. I haven’t heard about Cornell being overly politically liberal or radical so that atmosphere might suit you more.</p>
<p>atxnickg, I don’t know that I’d say that Cornell has any more emphasis on science or engineering than any other medium-to-large private. The university comprises several professional schools – e.g., engineering, hospitality, architecture – as well as a topnotch liberal arts college so you could say that Cornell reflects a range of educational paths varying widely depending on the school you attend.</p>
<p>The campus is definitely small town rural-remote in a phenomenally beautiful natural setting. For my son (Williams undergrad, Cornell graduate school) the environment is a big draw.</p>
<p>I’d characterize the student body as down to earth, friendly, energetic and highly social with a major focus on Greek membership. Also, a strong Asian following.</p>
<p>The Ivy League aspect means a lot to some.</p>
<p>How much do finances play an issue? Do you need/want merit aid (you’re a great candidate, but some schools offer very little) or do you qualify for need-based aid - enough to make a college affordable if you have to pay your EFC?</p>
<p>@momrath: thanks for all the info, I appreciate it. I’m not totally sure if I’ll be applying there, but I’m definitely reading more about it now. I know someone who went there and disliked it a lot though, so I’ll have to talk to them too. Thanks again!</p>
<p>@Creekland: Finances aren’t too big of an issue, I’ve plugged in our 1040 tax forms on numerous net price calculators and after financial aid each school was pretty consistently around 30k/year, which is pretty close to the price of my state-school, so I have a lot of flexibility with where I can choose from. We’ve probably got enough in savings, college funds, and loans to handle it. It’s still a little intimidating, but they’ve assured me that I should go wherever I want to go because they weren’t given the opportunity to go to college growing up. They were basically forced to work instead. As a side note, I’m a national merit semifinalist so there’s always that as a back-up in case something does happen to our financial situation.</p>
<p>I’d love to hear from anyone else. Thanks guys!</p>
<p>I don’t know that you would find the Colgate population all that different from the Bowdoin population. Also, Colgate is D1, which is remarkable for a school of its size. Colgate, with its 2800 students, would travel to Cornell, 13,000 undergrads, and beat us at football. </p>
<p>I agree with momrath’s and pagrok’s comments about Cornell. There is something for almost everyone there, if you can get past the geographic isolation and dreary winter weather. Having said that, many top schools are in equally isolated locations.</p>
<p>I attended 25 years ago and really loved it. The Greek system was significant (I think almost 20% of women and 40% of men, back in my day, but those figures have probably changed). There were so many fraternities that anyone who was interested in joining one could find the right fit. There were far fewer sororities then, so I would say that there wasn’t as much variety. There were fraternities straight out of Animal House and those that you would want to rent out to hold a wedding reception. The personalities also varied widely. A current student would need to offer advice on the current influence of the Greek system.</p>
<p>There are seven undergraduate colleges at Cornell, and you apply to one. Some of the colleges are small, which helps to bring the large university down to size. Students are allowed to take courses at any of the undergraduate colleges, as long as the pre-reqs have been satisfied. This allows one to dabble in a variety of courses of studies, while still fulfilling the degree requirements.</p>
<p>I will end here as you haven’t actually inquired about Cornell. Good luck with your search!</p>
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<p>My guy sounds a bit like you (though not from TX) and he loves the U of Rochester. With your stats, it’d likely be a safety w/merit aid. Your personality (loving learning just to edify yourself and everything else) fits perfectly.</p>
<p>You’d have to be open to experiencing winter…</p>