<p>Ok, so here's the deal: For the longest time, I've known that I want to attend St. Olaf college in Minnesota. My mom as well as a million other family members went there, I love the music program, I can totally see myself at the campus. The problem is lately I've started to realize just how liberal a school it is, plus the fact that there is nothing to do in the town it's located in, and I really like the craziness of the big city.</p>
<p>I've started considering the University of MN, but the thing that I'm afraid of missing is the spiritual aspect of St. Olaf. If I ended up at the U, are there Bible studies I could join, what sorts of groups could i get involved in? Also, if anyone is connected with St. Olaf, could they comment on the "liberalness" of the campus? I've heard talk of how if you're not blatantely liberal (which I'm not, I'm more middle ground) it's hard to express your ideas without getting attacked. </p>
<p>First, I wouldn't react very strongly to what "some people" have told you, unless it is a cross-section of St. Olaf students. And IMHO the political leanings of the student body should not be a critical issue in college choice, unless you are way to one side at a school where 75% of the students are way to the other side. Relative to other selective liberal arts colleges, I would rate St. Olaf toward the center. There are of course some colleges that have conservative church affiliations and more conservative student bodies, but only a handful of them have academic ratings as high as St. Olaf's. </p>
<p>Regarding the University of Minnesota, I've spent a fair amount of time there and certainly wouldn't say that it has a conservative atmosphere. As for the big city question I advise any student to focus on learning at college, and postpone "the craziness of the big city" until graduation.</p>
<p>Thanks, Reidm. And just for clarification, I'm not necessarily against going to a school that has liberal or conservative tendancies, I just want to go to a place that I won't get attacked for speaking my views, which sometimes do tend to run more conservative.</p>
<p>the OP ought to make an overnite visit to St. Olaf. These can usually be arranged thru the admissions dept, and they put you up with a volunteer host for a nite in the dorms. You'll get a chance to see first-hand what the kids talk about and also to ask them questions about your concerns.</p>
<p>As far as the setting goes, I have a different opinion than reidm. I think it is important to find a college that is a good fit. The academic environment should be the first focus, but you should also consider the type of students the school attracts, the location, where students live, and so on. Some people want a rural area surrounded by nature, others would find themselves going crazy in that setting and want an urban area with all the amentities. College is a special time not only for learning but for exploring and trying new things; it may be the last time before retirement when you have big chunks of time free during the week. There are many people who look back on their time at college in a large city like Boston or NYC as a wonderful time not just for learning but for taking in the whole city with special student rates for shows, museums, etc. So I would counsel against focusing just on academics; look at the whole package you get at the college and make sure its right for you.</p>
<p>I consider St.Olaf's on the conservative side. I don't think you would have trouble finding "like-minded peers". D's friends at St. Olaf's go over to Carlton when they want a dose of liberalism or heavier partying.</p>