If that is the case you should cross it off the list and move on. Even if you loved the sport situation it is generally a mistake to “follow the sport.” You never know what may happen so loving where you are if you are no longer playing is very important.
I think Fordham is a great school for Business. Regardless, you don’t seem to feel equally about these schools. @happy1 is 100% correct - pick the one you love best. You will achieve the most where you thrive socially and emotionally.
Another question to add onto this thread. I have a twin brother and we’ve always been close, similar, and participate in the same activities. He’s interested in the schools I am, how important is it to go to a different school?
I’ve had a lot of people tell me attending a different school than your twin is extremely beneficial for creating a new group of friends and branching out.
Thoughts?
Among twins I have known or heard talking about this issue, it seems like an intensely personal situation where you really have to know yourselves.
Just throwing this out, but I knew some twins who made a point of going to different colleges, but close enough they could visit regularly. As I recall they more talked on the phone than actually visited (you can probably figure out this was a while ago–today they would stay in touch in other ways). But I think for them it was important to feel like it was always an option.
And then I know other twins who split up much farther and were perfectly happy. And some who went to the same college and still live close together (last I knew). I actually got some rides back and forth from college from some twins who had a home near mine and who were both football players for my college. They were some of the happiest, most fun people I have ever met. I didn’t keep up with them but I am confident that continued.
So I think you can listen to options and experiences, but then reflect on what makes sense to you, and then do that.
Whole different ball game (pun intended) if applying without coach support, the pre-read is meaningless in a non-recruited context. Really.
I agree Kenyon does not seem like a good fit for you.
I would pick the school that offers the best fit…academically, majors/double major/minor, access to club LAX, setting, etc…don’t think about rankings or your twin. I know some twins who stayed together, while more attended different colleges, partially to have a greater ability to grow outside the sibling relationship.
Will your twin be applying as a recruited athlete to any of these schools?
That is totally up to you two. We know twins who absolutely wanted to attend the same college. We also know twins who absolutely wanted a different college than their sibling.
I understand (and agree) that Kenyon might not be a good fit for you, but please don’t let US News rankings factor into your decision. You might be not aware of this, but they have changed their criteria dramatically this year, which has resulted in a lot of movement in the rankings. As of last year, in fact (which means up to mid-September 2023), Kenyon was ranked above Holy Cross, Lafayette, and Bucknell (and was often tied with Holy Cross in the previous years). It’s not like the quality of the colleges has changed overnight suddenly. Just something to consider (not to add Kenyon back on your list but to be aware of the relative randomness of the ranking system). Best of luck with your decision.
So…it sounds like Kenyon is not your top choice for a variety of reasons. That being the case…why is it still on your possible list of colleges to apply to.
I would consider Kenyon, Holy Cross, Bucknell, and Lafayette (four LACs mentioned in this thread) to be fairly close in overall academic quality. However, the largest spike of any of them is probably English/Lit at Kenyon. I think that due to that spike, Kenyon is the largest name among these schools, to people who know about higher ed. That said, all are more than adequate in providing a quality education, and you should decide based on your preferences.
As the sole U in the race, Fordham is a different animal, but it also would provide an excellent education.
If small class sizes are important, Kenyon may lead in that regard.
But really, this is all about fit and part of that for you is: how important is varsity vs. club participation?
The other typical fit variables are fairly easy to evaluate here: location, setting, majors/curricula, and culture/vibe are adequately different among these schools that if you were following only those criteria, it would be much easier for you to choose.
As it is, the whole sports thing has kind of complicated things. So – first, decide on the level of sports involvement you require. Then, strike the school(s) that will not provide that. Then, evaluate them based on academics, setting, vibe, etc.
OR, decrease the importance of sports in your process, and concentrate more on the other aforementioned fit variables.
Regarding your twin — follow your heart.
At my child’s large university, there is a set of twins who both were admitted to the Honors College.
They ended up in different dorms (Honors College uses two). So they ended up with different groups of dorm friends. One participates in marching band and the other doesn’t. So one has band friends and the other doesn’t. And they have different majors with different class friends.
At a large enough school, I don’t think it is an issue. It might be a little different at a smaller college, though. Still, I think if your interests and activities don’t overlap too much, it isn’t a big deal.
Can you play club lacrosse at Kenyon?
I agree with other posters who have said that Kenyon is academically equal or perhaps slightly superior to the other 3 colleges you are considering.
Kenyon’s campus is gorgeous. If I was accepted to these 4 colleges, I would pick Kenyon.
Fordham and Holy Cross are Catholic. You mentioned you didn’t think you would fit in with the “liberal” Kenyon community. Have you thought about Boston College or Villanova?
I don’t think Kenyon offers club lacrosse. I don’t think it would be very competitive if they did anyways.
I have visited both Villanova and Boston College. I felt both were too big as I’m looking for smaller/middle sized schools. Anywhere between 1500-4000.
Have you visited Holy Cross, Bucknell, Lafayette, and Fordham? Did any of these colleges feel like the right fit? Do they offer academic paths you want to pursue? Do they have club lacrosse?
I think Lafayette is the best option for you, given what you’ve stated here.
I’ve visited all of them yes. They all offer club lacrosse, and offer majors I’m interested in. I’m just torn lol.
Honestly this is a decision only you can make.
There’s no bad choice here. That said, if business is a possibility or a likely major then Bucknell or Fordham are your best options on this list. Bucknell was my first thought after reading through this thread.
If you would look at schools a little larger maybe Lehigh or Villanova?
As for the twin I wouldn’t factor that into the decision. Go where YOU belong. Most schools are big enough that you can be involved as much or as little as you want to be with your sibling. Good luck.
Holy Cross is a fantastic. Perfect size at 3,200 students (moderate campus vibe with a social justice bent), has club lacrosse, rigorous academics, Poli Sci and Econ are popular majors, beautiful campus in the safe area of a city with lots to do. Well respected and known by employers and grad schools.
I’m a huge fan of HC and I think it’s a great fit for you on many levels.
Edited to add that HC has twins on campus and is encouraging of (qualified) siblings applying and attending as It adds to the “nice”, warm and welcoming feeling of the campus.
Sounds like Kenyon would be a great fit if you were on the lax team. You said the coach submitted a pre read for you and you were offered; what happened? Is it truly off the table or could you text the coach and ask if the offer still stands? If Kenyon is where your heart is, but you aren’t sure if playing football is for you, or where you would fit in if not an athlete, then I would definitely follow up with the lacrosse coach before you start looking elsewhere. Good luck!
Holy Cross and Lafayette both sound like great choices for this student. Kenyon sounds like it should come off the list completely as the student isn’t driven to compete in his sport and is not wild about the smaller size and more isolated location. Both Holy Cross and Lafayette will offer strong academics, small classes, and commitment to career development.
I received an offer to play lacrosse in may, but decided to hold out, and my midfield slot was filled by someone else. The coach would view me as a “preferred” walk on, and I’d be able to play both if I wanted to.