Hi Guys. I have been accepted to Grinnell, UR and Tulane (with a $10k per year scholarship too!!). I am undecided but leaning towards a Biology or Econ+ Pol science major. I would really appreciate any insights about the social life ( party culture, greek life, social & political leanings etc.) at these places, the strength of the Bio departments and any information that would help me make my decision.
It would be great if I could hear from a UR student or alumni or anyone familiar with the college about the social life and bio program there. I have heard that UR has a ‘business school’ vibe, and did read on Niche that the student body at UR is slightly conservative (of course this is a student review site, and therefore needs to be taken with pinch of salt). I would really appreciate any insights.
Similarly, I would also love to hear about the social life at Tulane.
Turns out making the final decision is seeming to be the toughest part of the admission process Thanks a lot for your help!
tulane is typically labeled as the number one party school in america, so the social life is thus very hopping. it is located in new orleans after all. i’m not familiar with its program strengths since i looked into it only a little bit. tulane leans more left of center.
i don’t really know anything about uofrichmond at all except i did hear what you have heard (that the student body is slightly conservative, homogenous [ethnically and socioeconimically], and preppy), which is why i chose not to apply/consider it further than i did.
grinnell’s social life/overall vibe is (probably) a bit different when it comes to tulane and uofrichmond. parties at grinnell (from i’ve read and have been told) are very common on the weekends, and there is a drinking culture; however, there’s no pressure to partake in anything in which you don’t want to partake. the people who party respect those who choose not to party and vice versa. grinnell does not have and has never had greek life, which is something the school advertises. grinnell is strong in really every department besides theatre/dance (or so i’ve been told), but its super strength is the science department, so its biology program is very, very good. its economics and political science departments are very good as well. grinnell leans very liberal and is easily the most liberal out of your three options.
in terms of grinnell vs. uofrichmond (since they’re both liberal arts colleges), i would say grinnell > uofrichmond all the way. however, in terms of grinnell vs. tulane, it will boil down to fit. you’re comparing a top, rural liberal arts college to an incredibly strong, urban university.
in terms of program strength, i would say grinnell > uofrichmond/tulane.
From what I can tell, Grinnell is a very friendly and supportive place with lots of social interaction, but a HUGE work ethic. I don’t know anything about UR. I have heard from friends who go there that Tulane is fairly lively and that people there like to dress up for class. Grinnell kids seemed well-dressed, but it was informal and relaxed. Of the three, my guess is that Grinnell would offer the best academics. Good luck with your choices!
Thanks a lot for your help!