Lafayette, Gettysburg, F&M, or Dickinson??

<p>I need one or two of these schools on my list but they seem so similar I can't decide. What do you think?</p>

<p>I want to major in either international business/econ or biology/biochem/biomedical engineering (I know, two totally different options).
I lean toward the conservative end of the spectrum, want a good on-campus social life, but I'd prefer less of a focus on sororities/frats. I'm not interested in doing sports myself but I think it would be more fun if the school had good sports or was into sports.</p>

<p>Which school(s) do you think I should choose?</p>

<p>dickinson and F&M</p>

<p>Gettysburg has a pretty big focus on sororities/frats.</p>

<p>But F&M is an isolated rural area. And it together with Dickinson has too many international students - which might not be preferable for some applicants.</p>

<p>If you want a lot of aid, Gettysburg and Lafayette would suit you even more. Best of luck in decidingg</p>

<p>theGame, could you please explain what you mean by "too many international students"?</p>

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<p>My D, a freshman at Dickinson (loving it BTW) applied to all 3 (and got in to all 3.) Her view: Gettysburg feels very southern, and has more Greek life than the other two. F&M's campus seemed like a more isolated campus (you need a car if you want to leave.) Ultimately, she liked D best, but it also had the best merit aid.</p>

<p>Well Lafayette is probably the best if you want to get into any kind of engineering or technology stuff. After that, F&M has a reputation as being really hard but really good. Gettysburg isn't as highly respected as the other 3. Dickinson is more of a "soft" school (English, languages, etc, not math/science), but they got a new science center which is really cool and high tech.</p>

<p>intparent: Sorry if I sounded -ve. I meant more intl students = lesser college funds for local students = lesser chances of getting aid.</p>

<p>Ah, got it, theGame. D's merit aid rocked at Dickinson, I am not sure about need based as we did not apply last year.</p>

<p>I visited all of these schools with the exception of Lafayette (but i know people who go there)
My impressions...</p>

<p>Gburg--I felt like lots of students had double majors/minors/concentrations and a lot of kids were doing international relations type stuff within those. Could be good for you if you are undecided and interested in all those things. I dont think Gburg is academically below the other 3 schools...they are all very similar with marginal differences. They do have a big frat scene..but if you are a girl I dont think you have to join a sorority to have a life? The campus is really nice, people seem athletic, & they are building a new athletic center which is always a plus..you know the gym will be nice. Also, since youre into sports, Gburg has really really good lax--always in the top 3 of DIII</p>

<p>Dickinson--I really liked Dickinson's campus..it may be the prettiest. I know thats not important but just so ya know! It's more integrated with the town of Carlisle whereas Gburg has a defined campus. Carlisle is a cute little town with a few decent restaurants. The new science building at Dickinson is really nice & the campus is definitely trying to be "greener" which is cool. I agree with posts above..Dickinson definitely is good with merit aid from everything I've heard. I'm not the most official source but I get the impression Dickinson is less sporty than Gburg, a little more artsy. Just the impression I've got</p>

<p>F&M--I dont have as much info on this school bc it was my least favorite. All i can say is pretty campus? Nice dorms? You have to walk on this like overpass over a street to go to the gym..weirded me out. But I know lots of people love it so do some research</p>

<p>Lafayette--I know a freshman at Lafayette who had a really hard time adjusting. Greek life is really big & freshman boys can not rush, so they are sort of left out whereas girls are always welcome at frat parties. Good sports though?</p>