<p>S has been accepted to Grinnell, Colgate and DePauw. He could not visit because living overseas and his spring break came before all admissions letters were in. He prefered Colgate because of location but FinAid was not enough and they said it was final. Now he is between Grinnell who offered good but not great Aid and DePauw who offered him great scholarship (full tuition). Grinnell seems so much more regarded academically but DePauw offers a major in economics with minor in management and he has been accepted in DePAuw's college of arts honors program and could also join their management fellows program. He plans to major in economics for a future career in business which should lead to a MBA or some other master's in economics or finances but he doesn't think in pursuing a PhD. Any thoughts out there on which one to choose, Grinnell or DePauw?</p>
<p>Congratulations to your son on having some great alternatives! You are right that Grinnell is definitely the more highly regarded school. It also has a more diverse student body, including many more international students. Its endowment is significantly larger than Depauw’s, which can translate into more opportunities (although everyone seems to be cutting back these days in light of investment losses, and Grinnell is no exception.) </p>
<p>The academics at Grinnell are absolutely top notch. The personal attention students get from their professors, the quality of instruction, the instructional resources such as writing lab & math lab, the “extras” the college brings to Grinnell–Nobel-prize winning lecturers, authors, world-class musicians–all combine to make Grinnell an incredibly stimulating place to be and your son absolutely could not go wrong picking Grinnell over DePauw OR Colgate. </p>
<p>We did not seriously look at DePauw, primarily because a college where Greek life so totally dominates the social scene would not have been a good fit. Son did, however, seriously consider Denison, which I think would have a similar feel and which gets alot of the same applicants as DePauw. </p>
<p>Very similar circumstances to yours–prospective econ major who could have gone to Denison for much less than we are paying at Grinnell. He did his admitted student visit at Denison first, with the idea that if he liked it he would not even visit Grinnell again and would enroll at Denison. But he found after visiting both that he was much more in tune with the students at Grinnell-- more intellectual and less preppy than those at Denison. I think that contrast would hold true on a DePauw-Grinnell comparison as well. But would your son come to the same conclusion as to where he’d fit in? </p>
<p>Depauw’s main advantage is cost, and that can’t be ignored. You and your son have to decide how important that factor is. If attending Grinnell with less aid would mean financial hardship or big loans, don’t discount the importance of that in the long run. </p>
<p>Good luck with the decision!</p>
<p>Thanks “Dairy State K8”. Grinnell aid is manageable and did not include loan, just work, but D will go to college 2 years from now so… I was expecting a maximum EFC of 20,000 but Grinnell calculated it to be 25,000. On the other hand, DePauw scholarship translates into a FC of only 12,000 with zero loan, no work. I am afraid he will choose DePauw to spare us the extra-expense instead of because he thinks it is a better fit for him and his career plans. Regarding DePauw Greek scene I can say that he is very outgoing and loves sports but not into Greek life at all. Students he’s contacting at DePauw say Greek life there is quite inclusive and no pressure for drinking and else. They say the 30% not Greek are well integrated in the social scene. Eventually he will have to choose between being a broke Grinnellian for the next 4 years or a slightly better off DePauw student. It is not an easy choice, because he is not sure what would make it easier for him to get accepted in a top business school, if Grinnell academics or DePauw internships offered in their management fellows program.</p>
<p>Even though your S thinks he knows what he wants to major in now… most students change their minds once they actually get to college. That’s why a good liberal arts background is important. I’ve heard of MD’s with undergrad degree in Art History.</p>
<p>Very true…I was not that kind of student but I have seen it happens many times…thanks!</p>
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<p>I cannot imagine that this is really the case. With such an overwhelming Greek presence, being a GDI cannot be a good place to be. Wasn’t the big sorority brouhaha that made national news several years back regarding asking less attractive members to not attend rush functions or to go inactive at Depauw?</p>
<p>If your S really doesn’t want to go Greek why set himself up to be on the outside looking in what has to be the single most Greek school in the country?</p>
<p>Happiness and fit can really determine academic success, please don’t undervalue this aspect of college life. What happens AFTER classes end can make or break an undergrad experience, both academically and socially.</p>
<p>just my $0.02</p>
<p>thanks for your $0.02… he knows that and he is seriously considering it… he’s talked to many students from both places and will finally tell me where to deposit by tomorrow…</p>
<p>I am with you in spirit, OP. Grinnell has been absolutely the best place for my son who wanted no part of Greek life, but I do understand money issues and I just hope all the best for your son.</p>
<p>after much struggle he finally decided to accept Grinnell’s offer</p>
<p>I think you will all be very happy with Grinnell.</p>