<p>thanks for the reply. My daughter is interested in Wheaton, but we want to explore other possibilities. We’re in Oregon. If you get a chance to visit Westmont any time soon, would you mind posting your impressions? Thank you</p>
<p>Oral Roberts University in Tulsa. Heard it was really good…Thoughts?</p>
<p>An interesting place, founded by OR in early '60s. For about 10 years or so, had a BIG TIME hoops program which helped put it on the map. No more. </p>
<p>I’m sure they have some good, committed profs. Sadly, death and scandal …OR’s and son RR’s abuse of funds and femininity …have tarnished the place. The campus is aging, dated art deco, I’m told. Others may confirm or correct my perceptions.</p>
<p>Definitely not on the national map at this moment in time as a stellar, great college. If Tulsa’s the destination, look at U. Tulsa, a really top-tier Presbyterian college w/ one of the nicer campuses on the planet. And one odd oddity …a mosque on campus. Why? Lots of Middle Easterners doing Ph.D.s in petro engineering. And their athletic programs are big time, on the rise, and lend regional and national visibility to a campus of about 2,800 undergrads.</p>
<p>Shrinkrap, re: your Santa Clara observations: I concur fully. Have never heard of SC being describe a “Christian” college. Jesuit, yes.</p>
<p>btw, re: my observations of the University of Tulsa …I don’t consider it to be a “Christian college” in the vein of a Taylor, Westmont, Wheaton, Messiah etc."</p>
<p>It is church related, generally conservative, has a robust campus ministry program and nice chapel in the middle of the campus …no more, no less tho. But a most interesting place, lovely and amazingly current campus w/ structures built in sandstone, lots of on campus apt. style living, and an impressive range of quality academic programs in areas not always found in small college campuses …kinesiology, engineering (big time in petro and several other areas up to Ph.D. level), law school, etc.</p>
<p>how about st.olaf?</p>
<p>yes, definitely viewed as a top tier LAC 1 …now, to its Christian culture, either presence or lack there of, I cannot speak. A well recognized academic school, for sure, that is more conservative …which says virtually nil …than its cross-town rival, Carleton. </p>
<p>One good thing, being in Minnesota, kids generally have to keep their clothes on, at least when they’re outside. Key word …generally. ;)</p>
<p>Isle of Man 54</p>
<p>Not sure if you will see this… but about Westmont. We have made a couple of visits. Two daughters interviewed but neither one ended up applying.</p>
<p>What chauchat said sums it up. Academic rigor and Christian focus. Beautiful place. Nice people. </p>
<p>We are looking at Westmont again for our son. </p>
<p>Let me know if you have any questions. We have gone through the tour a couple of times!</p>
<p>notre dame, georgetown</p>
<p>2 well-respected, nationally recognized colleges. Both Catholic w/ lots of religiosity, very little common culture and policies pointing to the Cross. Neither would I describe as a “Christian” college, beyond heritage, tradition, programming and some staffing. Both increasingly politically PC and left-leaning, especially the DC school. Even NDU invited pro-abortion president to applaud and address its graduating class despite huge outcry from alumni and major supporters to retract invitation. No way! So the powers say, thus a significant illustration that so-called academic freedom trumps theologcial conviction.</p>
<p>My friend, who was Valedictorian of her class, went to Wheaton College in Illinois. The salutatorian went to an ivy.</p>
<p>She tells me that she is challenged academically at Wheaton and that the facilities are top-notch.</p>
<p>I’ve heard very nice things about Westmont</p>
<p>It might be a little pricey though</p>
<p>Critter,
Thanks for the info. Westmont is pricey and financial aid seems tight. My daughter is also considering Whitworth as a regional choice.</p>
<p>We we checking out Whitworth too,</p>
<p>I’m looking into Whitworth, Wheaton, and Calvin. Whitworth because it’s closer (I live in Seattle) and I have a chance for the full-tuition scholarship. Calvin because it’s CRC, and I’ve had several very good friends go there and love it. I’ve heard that it has a very good national reputation. Wheaton because I like the size (2400) and it has a good reputation and Christian community, or so I’ve heard. My only concern is their relative lack of merit scholarships, and a bit of hearsay that it’s a bit legalistic.</p>
<p>I’ve visited Calvin and Whitworth, and loved both of them. Calvin isn’t terribly selective, but I’ve heard that students have to work very hard to go there, and they have great connections for students.</p>
<p>check out Seattle Pacific …I know several outstanding Christian profs there w/ big-time research credentials as well as outstanding teachers …</p>