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My only demurral with SplashMom would be regarding the "click" with the host student. It's great if there's a simpatico fit between host and visitor but the absence may be due to individual chemistry--who can figure--rather than any indication about the school as a whole. In fact, I would do my best to filter <em>out</em> the reactions to the host and see what's left.
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I totally agree that the host should not be the decision-maker and fortunately, my D was able to get past the fact that she and her Rhodes host obviously didn't have much in common. Her assessment of the visit included interaction with host, host's roommates (one who was especially kind and attentive), students she encountered on campus, professors and staff. She came away with a feeling of just not belonging which is perfectly fine ... better to know now than later. She feels she found such a gem in Hendrix that removing Rhodes from her list hasn't affected her at all. She felt so positive about it that when she received an e-mail from Rhodes today asking what she thought of the school, she checked the option "I am no longer interested in Rhodes". When asked why, she told them she thought it was a great school ... just not for her. I would certainly not discourage people from checking out Rhodes. It's a great school in a beautiful setting.</p>
<p>You know, hitting it off with the "host" is a two-way street. I hear tales of students being put-off by a "prospect" and trying to convince them not to enroll. </p>
<p>I have a hilarious story that I'd love to tell, but can't for fear the prospect may visit college confidential. I'll have to save it for sometime down the road.</p>
<p>Fwiw, SplashMom, I wasn't questioning your D with respect to Rhodes & her host. My comment was more of a generalized observation.</p>
<p>I just had the pleasure of hosting Mini for an overnight in our abode and, would you believe it, we spent some time talking about colleges. That almost audible "click" that some hear when stepping on to some campuses is valid, imo. Of course, being one who puts the anal in "anal retentive," I do like to cross-check the intuitive with the analytical.</p>
<p>Splash/valu, Thanks for the info. My S is interested in Hendrix, which seems to fit him in a lot of ways. One question, though--what is your impression, valu-- how "liberal" is it? Do you think a conservative student could feel comforable there?</p>
<p>atomom, please forgive me as you were specifically asking valuable1212 a question, but that is something we discussed while visiting Hendrix. Or DD is pretty active in her Young Democrats club and would classify herself as fairly liberal. We spoke to the admissions counselor about that and wondered what the political "pulse" is on campus as we wanted to ensure it wasn't near as liberal as Oberlin. We want someplace for DD that has a fair balance and I believe your S would find that at Hendrix. The student who gave us the campus tour and spoke with us extensively said the students tend to lean to the left just a bit, but she finds both conservatives and liberals happy there. The admissions counselor, a graduate of Hendrix, said he came in as a liberal and graduated as a conservative. Both he and the students with whom we spoke made it sound as if everyone on campus gets along well and they don't really let the politcal views get out of hand. There is an active Young Republicans club there as we saw a multitude of signs for it while there.</p>
<p>My son is currently a freshman at Hendrix, so I would like to comment on his (and our) experience with the college. His ideal school was - liberal, few or no fraternities, no football team, small classes, and opportunity for lots of class discussion. Hendrix fits all of those to a tee, with a welcoming and inclusive attitude as well. We visited at spring break of his junior year and had the exact same feeling as the OP. The people couldn't have been nicer, the campus any prettier, or the academic program any more engaging. The admissions staff paid as much attention to us as to our son, but separately, so that we all felt catered to. Students sat and chatted with us voluntarily in the cafeteria. A biology professor waylaid us in a hallway and pulled us into a lab for a tour. Out of all our college tours, Hendrix left us with the best feeling on all levels. His (rolling and extremely prompt) admission letter came with a sprinkling of star-shaped confetti. I don't know why, but that was just so nice.
My son applied to 9 schools, some very selective, was accepted to all with merit awards from all, up to 3/4 tuition. Hendrix was still number 2 on his list. After a scholarship competition and an overnight, his decision was made for him. They can be very generous.
His experience after 5 weeks has confirmed our impressions. Orientation left us as parents well-informed and feeling good about leaving him there. Orientation left him with tons of friends, excited, and feeling more than ready for classes. He is happier than we have ever seen him and he is not particularly easy to please.
Bottom line - check it out. If you visit you might just find you prefer Hendrix over some more "name brand" institutions. It is a rock solid LAC, without the attitude.</p>
<p>Welcome to the board, preironic. I am happy to hear your son (and you) highly recommend Hendrix. I am so glad we made this visit. DD is absolutely ecstatic about the possibility of going to school there. Hope to see more of you here at CC!</p>
<p>I would have to say that majority of Hendrix is liberal/democrat. This does not mean republicans/conservatives don't have a voice or exist. Hendrix may lean more left, but that does not mean a conservative would feel out of place. Everyone here is very understanding of everyone elses beliefs and there is definitely an active young republicans club on campus. You also have to understand that there is a very open gay/bisexual community (not a huge percentage but still enough to make a difference) that contributes to the liberal feel. I have met quite a few conservatives here though so I wouldn't worry too much. Just know that Hendrix is definitely not conservative like Conway, the bible-belt town its located in.</p>
<p>I have met three freshman guys from Austin already....one of them lived in Philadelphia previously and then moved to Austin...just curious if that is your son. If it is, we watch the Philadelphia Eagles games together every week! Does your son live in Hardin?</p>
<p>We visited Hendrix this summer and were quite impressed. It is definately one of the schools my S would be happy to attend...the only drawbacks were the town of Conway and the fact that we met only one nice person outside the campus! Everywhere we went people were not too friendly...we decided it must be our California accents! But that being said, Hendrix is on his list and if he doesn't get into his dream school, Hendrix will be a great alternative.</p>
<p>splashmom- I also appreciate your report on Hendrix and Rhodes... Rhodes is on my dd's list and I have been trying to convince her to investigate Hendrix. I will show this thread to her! BTW, my dd was at the Governors School for International Relations this past summer. If yours was too, I am sure they may know each other!</p>