<p>I just drove with my DD to IOWA (a bonding road trip, as we live in PA). We both liked Grinnell very much for a number of reasons. They gave her some merit in addition to grant aid and it falls about in the middle in terms of cost out of her choices. Haverford would be about 3K a year more. I majored at Haverford, met my much loved husband there, and would love to have her close to home (2 hours instead of 2 days!) We've always thought she would love Haverford and she is bonding happily on the admitted students Facebook page, but on our visit in the fall I thought it had a more serious/tense vibe than I remember. I worry it might be too serious for my already rather serious and uber-conscientious daughter. I thought the vibe at Grinnell was more laid-back and cheerful, though of course it is a thousand miles from anywhere. She is not a partier and kindness/social justice are important to her. Any parents able to give me a bead on what things are like now at these schools? </p>
<p>I hope you’re posting the same question in both the Haverford and Grinnell forums - that’s where you’ll like get the most knowledgeable answers. I would trust your gut, though. If Grinnell feels like a better fit, it probably is.</p>
<p>And about that “two days” thing . . . they do have something called airplanes, you know. ;)</p>
<p>BMC alum who did most of her work at Hford back in the day. . . . We live in the midwest now, and visited Grinnell with our older son. I loved Grinnell, felt very much at home there, with self-gov feeling a lot like Honor Code (though I don’t think Grinnell has self-scheduled exams . . . . ) I agree Grinnell has a relaxed feel, where all different types are respected and comfortable. I haven’t been to Hford in a while, though want to visit with my younger one. I have heard that Hford is more mainstream, more pre-professional, than it was in my day. But I think many schools are that way these days, its not just Hford. Good luck to your daughter in choosing, wonderful choices.</p>
<p>My good friend’s daughter is at Haverford and from what I hear it is pretty serious and intense - her daughter worked super hard in high school and my friend had been hoping she would have a more balanced experience in college. It’s great academically and she’s getting a lot out of it but does not love it there, which makes my friend kind of sad.</p>
<p>We were just a Haverford two weeks ago for a visit. </p>
<p>As a parent, I was impressed with the Honor Code and the self-scheduling of exams, liked the campus even though Noah & The Arc floated by during our tour as it was raining sooo hard. </p>
<p>Frankly D would do quite well and fit in at H, but this is her rodeo; mom & I are just paying the bills.</p>
<p>PS: 2 hr ride for us as well. </p>
<p>I would not send any child to Haverford- they have an archaic disciplinary system which provides no rights to the accused and favors the accuser. </p>