<p>I was wondering what the CC impression of these two schools is. I kind of need help deciding between the two and am curious as to what the outsider view of these two fairly unknown midwestern LAC schools is, especially as it concerns math and science. Any reply would be welcome, aside from saying that you haven't heard of either of them and that I should "go with my heart". If I knew where my heart was, I wouldn't be asking! (BTW the financial situation at the two schools are equal enough).</p>
<p>I hope to attend Kalamazoo this fall. It is very strong in the sciences, truly a superlative college. It ranks with many of the ivies and other top institutions in the percentage of graduates attaining doctoral degrees...</p>
<p>bump 25 character ruleghj</p>
<p>My son chose between Kalamazoo and Knox (and a few others) last year. He decided on Kalamazoo and loves it but we visited Knox too and it's a fine school. I don't think you could go wrong at either. Kalamazoo's physical facilities and setting are a little nicer, we thought. Its Dow Science center building is very new and appealing. The city of Kalamazoo is bigger and has more amenities than Galesburg. But I assume you have visited both schools and already have formed your opinions in that regard.</p>
<p>One significant difference between the schools, I believe, is the course setup. Kalamazoo uses a "quarters" approach, with three quarters beginning in late September and going until mid June. Only three classes a quarter, but they are fast paced and intense. My recollection is that Knox uses a traditional semesters approach, and starts and ends a little earlier. Also, if you are interested in international experience, Kalamazoo has a tremendous program with most students going abroad for either three or six months during their junior year. Knox has similar opportunities available for those interested, but it's not an emphasis like it is at K.</p>
<p>Good luck with your choice.</p>
<p>These are both GREAT schools so you probably can't make a "wrong" decision. See if you can tap into your intuition about which one feels like the best fit. For example, spend a day imagining you are at one and another at the other and see what thoughts come up. Or imagine one of the offers was withdrawn: which one would you most feel the loss of.....And maybe, if you have a definite preference already for major, study the department/faculty web pages and see which sparks your imagination most....Good luck in any case...</p>
<p>If you're interested in studying abroad, Kalamazoo is a strong contender. From what I've read, something like 90% of the students end up studying abroad.</p>
<p>^^It's a rare student at K College that doesn't participate in study abroad. There's a huge emphasis on international learning with many programs involving cultural/language immersion.</p>
<p>GoBlue, not sure which one you were referring to since both begin with K ;) </p>
<p>So I found these stats on the web
[quote]
With experiential learning as a key focus of the Knox education, close to 50 percent of Knox students grab a taste of the "real world" with study abroad.
Off-Campus</a> Study - Knox College
[/quote]
[quote]
While not required to graduate, 80% of Kalamazoo College graduates have participated in the study abroad program.
Center</a> for International Programs. Kalamazoo College
[/quote]
</p>
<p>As an anecodal account, I know someone who graduated from Kalamazoo and always raves about her time there. But of course that's not really enough for the OP to go on. As for the K plan mentioned in post 4, its more that just a quarter system from what I've read. See Kalamazoo</a> College K-Plan and Liberal</a> Arts at Kalamazoo College</p>
<p>I would suggest the OP visit both if possible. If not, many LACs can put you in contact with a recent grad in your area you can meet for coffee, or perhaps arrange for you to chat by phone with a current student.</p>
<p>Thanks for your replys. I am kind of just looking for others opinions on it and am curious as to each's reputations outside of the midwest (I actually live in Kalamazoo).</p>
<p>I have also visited Knox on the overnight admitted day and will be visiting Kalamazoo tomorrow. I also visited Kalamazoo for the competitive scholarship day.</p>
<p>We are from Massachusetts and my D's guidance counselor told us that she had never heard of Kalamazoo College. Never heard of a 175 year old college??? My D thought it sounded interesting, particularly the emphasis on international learning. My D applied to Kalamazoo after a wonderful visit and was admitted. Although she will not attend this fall, we are both singing the praises of Kalamazoo College. People in the East tend not to know much about small LAC's in the Midwest, which is really too bad...</p>
<p>Another bump-o-rama. Hells yeah!</p>
<p>
[quote]
I am kind of just looking for others opinions on it and am curious as to each's reputations outside of the midwest (I actually live in Kalamazoo).
[/quote]
This is just me, but if was in a smallish town I'd be looking to get out for college just to experience something different.</p>
<p>I know absolutely NOTHING about Kalamazoo. With that said, however, I know that Knox offers a solid education. I'm not much help but I can say that if you do decide on Knox, your guranteed a solid education.</p>
<p>Well, where can I go? I applied to many (7) out of state but most (6) of them rejected me. Albion, Knox, and Kzoo are all in smallish towns. And I haven't lived here my whole life, only the last eight or so years (half of my life or so [44.4444%]). The only other school I got into was U of M and I have been around Ann Arbor a bunch as my Dad lives near there. I also lived in East Lansing for four years while my Mom was getting a teaching degree so living in a good sized college town will also be nothing new.</p>
<p>My chance to experience anything radically new or different was denied to me... :(</p>
<p>^^"Smallish towns" definitely describes Albion (nothing there) and Galesburg, but Kalamazoo is the 5th largest city in the state. The other thing that was appealing to my S was being next door to a large D1 state U. Most of the LAC's he looked at were the same...small school/small town/rural/isolated. Having lots of college students in the area and plenty of city amenities makes Kalamazoo fairly unique when comparing the midwestern LAC's.</p>
<p>You say you were admitted to U-M? I assume you're not considering that as an option?</p>
<p>Not really, though it may be cheaper to do it... Oh and it's the revenge of the living bump!!!</p>