Any thoughts? I am really confused. Both seem to be similar in terms of academics, rankings…
Prospective Major - Computer Science or Math
With respect to academics, Carleton tends to be somewhat broader curricularly, which might be of importance when choosing electives (e.g., Carleton offers a full geosciences program). Regarding your intended majors specifically, both are top-notch.
Have you visited both? My kid’s HS was a feeder to both. I think if Carleton is a bit stronger academically. I prefer the Carleton location, too (Northfield with another nearby LAC, the arboretum, less than an hour from the Twin Cities).
Nope - not yet. I am going to attend the Admitted Students Day in April.
Then, in terms of internships and job opportunities, will Carleton be a better choice?
Sciences are top-notch generally at Grinnell – facilities are amazing, in part because of the huge endowment (co-founder of Intel was an alum and Grinnell acquired Intel stock in the early days). Comp Sci offerings look robust to me, but I’m no expert. This is their current, spring '19 Comp Sci courses being taught-- https://wa3.grinnell.edu/WAPRFA/WebAdvisor?TOKENIDX=5515082014&SS=2&APP=ST And here are Carleton’s Comp Sci offerings for the entire year:
https://apps.carleton.edu/curricular/cs/assets/cscoursesguide1819.pdf
One consideration might be semester at Grinnell vs. trimester at Carleton. Another consideration would be general education requirements. Grinnell has a flexible curriculum with few requirements – just a first year writing seminar – though there are limits on how many credits a student can take from a single department or area so there are, functionally, requirements that students take courses outside their major. Carleton has more traditional “gen ed” requirements, with classes required in each of arts, humanities, sciences and social sciences, plus global awareness and writing requirements.
Two things that I can think of that haven’t been (were just) mentioned.
- Schedule: Carleton is on trimesters, 3 classes each trimester, 3 trimesters per year. Grinnell is on semesters. The 10 week trimester schedule does move quickly. Haven’t heard of any problems with students adjusting to trimesters. Carleton students also have a long break between just before Thanksgiving and just after New Year’s. Some students have externships (internships) during this break & some go on off-campus programs.
- Facilities: I’ve heard that Grinnell has excellent science facilities. Carleton has built a new integrated Science Facility. Construction will be completed in a few months and the Science Departments will be moving in this summer, so it will be ready for new students (like you) in September.
Two excellent choices, no wrong answer. In terms of internships and employment opportunities, I know last year Goggle, Microsoft and Amazon each hired multiple graduates of Grinnell.
https://www.grinnell.edu/after-grinnell/cls/about/post-graduation
Two excellent choices, no wrong answer. In terms of internships and employment opportunities, I know last year Goggle, Microsoft and Amazon each hired multiple graduates of Grinnell.
https://www.grinnell.edu/after-grinnell/cls/about/post-graduation
Great choices. More similar than dissimilar. US News ranks them #1 and #2 for best undergraduate teaching.
My son is a second year computer science/physics double major at Grinnell. Taking a lot of math as well. He’s very happy with his choice and has many good things to say. Loves the new makerspace.
Search “Grinnell vs. Carleton” on CC to see several comparisons. I’d also recommend the CC “Why Grinnell” threads, especially the long running first version:
http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/grinnell-college/438138-why-grinnell-p1.html
I’m glad you will have the opportunity to visit both. After visiting, trust your intuition and pick the school that calls to you.