<p>My son is considering Kenyon, but has one key concern: its admissions literature emphasizes WRITING. While his writing skills are acceptable, including a 5 on the AP English exam, it is a subject that he struggles with and not one that he actually enjoys or seeks out. We realize that an ability to write clearly and concisely is important in all aspects of life and career, but if one is not interested in it from a creative standpoint, but more from a communication standpoint, can one excel at and enjoy Kenyon? What happens to those students who study science, math, or the social sciences?</p>
<p>I've never taken an English class and never will. It's only required if you're an English major or pre-med. Honestly, despite the colleges reputation for producing writers, I think the majors with smaller departments have more to offer, especially the sciences. You really get to know your professors well, and that can be a big advantage when it comes to recommendations. The sciences have gotten a lot stronger in recent years thanks to the new science quad which includes the three nicest academic buildings on campus. In terms of other majors, the arts should get a big boost with the instillation of the two new art buildings and the economics, drama and political science depts. are also very popular. I'll also attest to the presence of some good history professors. I apologize for any grammatical errors; I too view the purpose of writing as effective communication, not a science to be studied.</p>
<p>Kenyon will not transform you into a superb writer, but you will be challenged at times and should graduate with somewhat improved skills. I was a science major and a few of my professors pushed us to improve our writing, others did not. It is no surprise that those who extolled the virtues of writing well also received the largest amounts of government grants for research.</p>
<p>I would not worry about having to write creatively at Kenyon, it is something that I also did not seek out. However, I would avoid taking the attitude of foolsgold...it would be a shame to find out you did not fully utilize your opportunities at Kenyon and are left not with a 24 karat degree, but rather....[fill in the blank] ;)</p>
<p>P.S. I had a year of English at Kenyon and it didn't kill me, rather it broadened my horizons beyond AP English.</p>
<p>I'm another science person at Kenyon, and it's great. Even though my peers might laugh at me for taking Calculus C for fun, I had a great time. The professors in the sciences are great for the most part. I'm really excited because I think I'm going to be able to participate in research with my neuroscience professor next year, that's something that a place with a big science department probably wouldn't be able to offer.<br>
I'm also taking an English class now even though I'm not a great writer, and it's a really good challenge.</p>