<p>My son has narrowed his choices to Kenyon and Carleton. He will most likely be an English major but also has a strong interest in theoretical science, especially physics. He has been nationally recognized for his creative writing (YoungArts, Pres. Scholar in the Arts nominee) and wants to pursue this further. He attended the summer writing workshop at Kenyon and just loved it. He specifically wanted a small school that was either rural or in a small town. I think his heart is at Kenyon, but he has a few nagging concerns. The biggest is that he might find a higher level of intellectual engagement at Carleton. (He was very put-off by his overnight visit at Kenyon, in which some student tried to convince him that you really could party hard and drink at Kenyon... He wishes he had never done the overnight.) He knows the English is top-notch, but he also knows Carleton has a more prestigious reputation for overall quality and has terrific sciences. FYI: Son is a nerdy quiet guy, awkward and quirky, liberal, brilliant with words, socially inept; no interest in drinking/drugs. High interest in the arts. Turned down Bard, Middlebury, Vassar because he preferred the feel of the more Midwestern schools, turned down Grinnell because he didn't think the English department matched his two top choices. I know he will get a great education at both places. I want him to be at a place where he will also feel comfortable socially and intellectually. Thoughts? We still have a time for a quick visit to both places, but not sure that will tell him what he needs to know (remember, he is shy...) I have encouraged him to contact as many students as possible through various avenues.</p>
<p>Your son has got a tough choice, Kansasmom --but a great challenge! It sounds to me, from what I’ve read – having turned down those other schools – that your son knows what he likes and doesn’t. I would suggest another trip to these schools while classes are in session, to get better sense of fit? Good luck to your talented son and your family! =D</p>
<p>If he has not yet been to Carleton, then a visit is warranted because right now he has very different information. I don’t think a revisit to Kenyon would offer much new insight.</p>
<p>Be reassured that there is no bad choice between the two.</p>
<p>Carleton is a fine school, but Kenyon has a national rep in writing. There is also drinking everywhere–he will find his social niche, however wet he wants it to be.</p>
<p>I would recommend Kenyon highly. I majored in political science and was amazed by the quality of every class I was in, including the sciences and English. I was a good writer when I arrived at Kenyon, but there is no question that the ability to write well is a common theme in all classes. It made me even stronger. While I majored in Poli Sci, I ended up going to medical school and I now practice at Mayo Clinic. Your son should realize that drinking is rampant in every college. He can certainly find his niche at Kenyon as there are many students who do not partake. Carleton is a great school, but given your son’s interests, I would place Kenyon above it. Hope this helps.</p>
<p>That’s a very encouraging msg, enzomoon. My D has also been accepted at this great school and to be quite frank – the drinking aspect had me concerned for her as well. As it has been noted, recreatioanal drinking occurs on most college campuses. She presently does NOT drink, and I was concerned about an environment that might not support those who chose not to. </p>
<p>The more I read about this school in Gambier, along with the OUTREACH my D & us parents have recieved from the school to date, the more in awe I become of Kenyon. </p>
<p>At this point – and with a little over a week to go before May 1st – Daughter is weighing in between Kenyon & Swarthmore. As we have been told time & time again, there is no “bad” choice between these two schools.</p>
<p>oompa–my daughter has a similar choice–torn between Kenyon and Amherst. These were the only two schools she really loved out of the 9 she applied to. I don’t think she ever truly believed she’d get into Amherst and thus has pictured herself at Kenyon for the last six months. Well, once her “dream” school became an actual reality, she found herself genuinely conflicted. Like your daughter, she has no bad choice. While Amherst would be easier logistically, I could definitely see her at Kenyon.</p>
<p>That said, yesterday, a friend mentioned to me that an acquaintances daughter had transferred a few years ago because the school was “too druggie” for her. That is definitely not a vibe I had picked up on, nor have I ever read anything to that degree on CC. </p>
<p>Are there any students out there who can way in on the accuracy of that comment?</p>
<p>Bully for you and your D, minoafrau! Great success to her final decision. 
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<p>My D did not get this sense when she visited Kenyon, but there were other schools where she did. Have you watched those student created Kenyon u-tube vids? Loved the line in one of them, by a English Prof, that states the school is a “safe place to thing big thoughts.” </p>
<p>By I easily digress into sentimentality…</p>
<p>“too druggie?”</p>
<p>No way. There is a lot less drug use here than at the average college, and most of the drug use that does occur is marijuana use.</p>