<p>My son has been accepted at Linfield and University of Montana. He's received scholarship money from both and sees great reasons to attend both. He really can't decide right now so is trying to gather as much information as possible. He doesn't want a big party school, he loves the outdoors, Brazilian Jujitsu, and snowboarding. He doesn't know what he wants to study, has a mild learning disability and will find college a bit of a challenge. We have visited both schools and are happy with their support services. </p>
<p>Does anyone have children at either school? Advice? Inside information?</p>
<p>I am a huge Linfield fan and, given what you say about your son, I would think he would find it a fun, nurturing place. Montana is a great school, but it is much larger to navigate, but the critical thing is how you feel about their support services. Both in beautiful country. All that being said, I would recommend having him try to identify a “gut” feeling about which felt better to him. You will have to take your opinion entirely out of it (as it sounds like you have). He does have some time before he has to make a final commitment. What I often recommend to students is that they “try on” making a decision. In other words, make a decision without sending in the paperwork. Put on the tee-shirt, see how people react and how you respond to it. I’ve had students actually tell me this worked like a charm. The “gut feeling” is a powerful thing!</p>
<p>Many many years ago, my husband was a student at Linfield. He was from a teeny tiny school in Hawaii and he and his parents deliberately chose a small college so that he would not be overwhelmed. He found the school cosy and intimate and enjoyed his years there. He said it was a bit cliquy, but some fraternities had open admission and welcomed anyone interested. No hazing, no pressure. He said Linfield was overall very laidback place.</p>
<p>Thanks for the input. He tried the tee shirt suggestion on Saturday, but on Sunday he felt Montanaish! He’s leaning toward Linfield, but still loves the idea of laid back, outdoorsy Montana. Hopefully something will tip him one way. Though, I don’t think there’s a “wrong” choice. </p>
<p>To echo what HiToWaMom said, the son of a friend went to Linfield as a swimmer and also found it to be cliquish around sports and parties. Football and baseball are king, according to this person, and at a smaller school in a tucked away location that can color the experience. Of course this is third person anecdotal and from a few years ago so take it with a grain of salt, but you can add it as a data point.</p>