<p>I am thinking about applying EDII to either Carleton or Grinnell, but I can't make up my mind. I visited Carleton last February and Grinnell last summer, and I loved them both. I don't have time to visit both again before the EDII deadline because Carleton has the trimester schedule and students will not be on campus after Thanksgiving.</p>
<p>I am looking for a LAC that's strong in math and science (mostly physics), quirky, nerdy, and outdoorsy. Most people I've talked to think I should go to Carleton, but I can't let myself let go of Grinnell. When I visited, I really wanted to hate it so that I'd have one fewer school on my list, but instead, I fell in love.</p>
<p>Reasons for Carleton:
-slightly bigger
-town seems a little less isolated
-a little more intellectual? (I don't know if I think that, but that's what other people have told me)</p>
<p>Reasons for Grinnell:
-I loved it even though I was trying not to
-beautiful campus
-I love Iowa and cornfields</p>
<p>They are both such GREAT schools--you can't go wrong. Go with your heart. My son also fell in love with Grinnell. The schools are both highly intellectual and very fun. My son thought Grinnellians were even more off-beat and that's how he chose. Again--you can't go wrong. Grinnell offers more merit aid.</p>
<p>There are lots of different kinds of "weird"--my son's word. He felt most comfortable with the vibe at Grinnell--others would make a different choice. And they'd probably all be right.</p>
<p>You can't go wrong with either school. It seems that you have a gut feeling about Grinnell. Sometimes that feeling is there for a reason. Think seriously about which school is the right fit for you. That is more important than name and reputation. Although Carleton may be considered a little more intellectual, the academics at Grinnell are first rate. Both schools are filled with many very intelligent people. The difference in the quality of the schools is negligible. </p>
<p>When my S and I took the tour at Grinnell, the group happened upon a physics professor. He took time to talk to the group about what Grinnell had to offer. You could both see and feel the excitement that he felt about teaching at Grinnell. What more could a student want? My S is taking both Calc. 2 and Chemistry at Grinnell, and he has had no complaints about the quality of either the professors or the classes.</p>
<p>Grinnell is isolated and that adds to the atmosphere at the college, while at the same time that isolation makes it not for everyone. Also, the school knows it's isolated, and therefore they have substantial activities and events for their students, along with clubs, etc. Most complaints are that students don't have time to take advantage of all they want to do. </p>
<p>Good luck and I'm sure you will make the right choice for yourself. You can PM me if you have any questions.</p>
<p>Carleton parent here. Both schools are outstanding. But why are you applying ED if you don't have a clear-cut favorite? (Although I think you know which is your favorite)</p>
<p>Small colleges in small towns can feel quite cramped over a 4-year period. Carlton's got St. Olaf College in the same town...which one would assume would double the social opportunities. But love is illogical, and if you love Grinnell, well...end of story.</p>
<p>Both are great schools with lots of overlap in personality and strengths. Possibly the most significant difference is indeed size. Carleton's student body is about 25% larger and the town of Northfield about twice the size of Grinnell. While some Carls are happy to never leave their towns boundaries, most others appreciate the city escapes offered by Minneapolis and St. Paul 45 minutes to the north. I'd caution that while issues of size and city access may not seem important at first glance, after 4 years in one location they may gain in significance. </p>
<p>Ultimately, I'd still strongly suggest you go where you feel you'll fit in best. Again, both are fantastic LACs. If still uncertain, think twice before committing to ED. Good luck.</p>
<p>another significant difference besides the size of student body is the size of endowment. while carleton's student body is 25% larger, its endowment is about $1 BILLION less than that of grinnell.</p>
<p>Thanks for all the responses so far. I love that people hear know enough about both schools to recognize that they're both amazing. People in my area don't really know how great they are.</p>
<p>My only real worry about Grinnell is that it might seem really small after two or three years there, but then again, it might be the perfect size. Also, I have only seen it over the summer, so I don't know what it is like with students on campus.</p>
<p>I am leaning towards just applying regular decision, but I know that I will be really disappointed if I don't get into either one of the two. I also want to know where I'll be going next year sooner than six months from now, and if I know that I'd be happy at either, I might as well try now instead of letting the colleges decide for me. Does anyone know if how much of a difference ED makes in admissions for each school?</p>
<p>It IS hard to wait for RD acceptances, but it was great for my son to be able to re-visit and do overnights and attend more classes at all of his finalist schools.</p>
<p>My son, from NYC. hasn't had a problem with small town life in Grinnell. Really it's such a completely different life it's pretty fascinating. He's doing a semester abroad in Jan., so that should be a nice change of scene. I would suggest another visit to Grinnell when students are there, before you commit to ED (if you feel you must do ED). Just to get a feel if the students are your kind of crowd. Both schools are great. Go with your instincts (& what, of course, you can afford). If finances are an issue, I think Grinnell offers more merit aid.</p>
<p>If you love Grinnell don't worry about getting bored. If you find you need a change, go abroad junior year.</p>
<p>I was shocked to discover from S that he and his friends only go into Williamstown once a week! It's on their campus, really, but they avoid the commercial part because they are so happy with their campus life. Go figure.</p>
<p>D in NYC goes to a commercial establishment, even if it's just Starbucks, every day.</p>
<p>If you know yourself, you should be able to make the right choice.</p>
<p>Edit: Bishopcrusoe: Cross-posted. Didn't mean to repeat.</p>