<p>My d is interested in both but we're from NJ and can't make the trip at the moment. Can you share thoughts as to the vibe at each, their differences from each other, and/or ddfferences from equivalent schools elsewhere?</p>
<p>I’ll take a shot at this, although I want to preface this by saying that demographic and social “feel” of these school’s student bodies is really quite similar so don’t put too much emphasis on my observations.</p>
<p>Of the two, Carleton is a little more intellectual (has historically had relatively very high numbers of students who eventually get Ph.D’s), and “quirky”, Mac a little more political and international. Sports are at each although not much emphasis is put on varsity sports at either. Also no greek societies at either. Politics skew left on both, but Mac students tend to a more visible activism, probably in part because they are in the capital city and politics is just in the air. Both schools have a good-sized core of students from the upper midwest, but both can properly be said to be national in their draw. I fear misleading you if I mention particular academic strengths as each school is strong in many areas, but Carleton is especially noted for its science programs and Mac for its international and social science programs.</p>
<p>Really the biggest differences are in the physical campus. The closest east coast physical comparison to Carleton I know by visit is Amherst. Like Amherst, Carleton is an historic campus close to the center of what used to be a small town but which has grown-up a bit. Northfield (population 20,000, vis-a-vis Amherst, MA = 38,000) now qualifies as a large town on the verge of small citydom, IMO. Also like Amherst it has a very large and similarly-sized arboretum adjoining campus. The general ambiance is peaceful and contemplative. The chief physical difference from Amherst is that the dominant topography is farm fields, not forested hills. Trips to the Twin Cities (about 45 minutes to downtowns, 20 minutes to south suburban malls) are possible but Carleton students tell me they don’t really play much of a role in their school experience.</p>
<p>Mac, on the other hand, is a compact campus embedded in a residential neighborhood in St. Paul and, although not noisy or “bustling”, picks up more energy from the city that surrounds it. You can see my recent description of the campus here for more details. <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/14104829-post70.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/14104829-post70.html</a>. I can’t think of an east coast equivalent that I have seen.</p>
<p>Hope this helps.</p>
<p>My son interviewed at both, and we spent 2 days at both. I also have friends who attended both schools. I think Descartesz has an excellent characterization-I’m gonna throw in a few more stereotypical observations:
Carleton is somewhat harder to get into, and may be more rigourous. Fewer Carleton students go abroad, and I would characterize them as somewhat less activist. The campus life is more self-contained.
Mac is a happenin’ place in the middle of the twin cities, which is a fabulous place for students who don’t mind cold weather. It is very outwardly liberal and activist, and very outward looking.
At both schools faculty are awesome and helpful. Classes should be interesting, and you should learn a lot.
How would I choose? Country mouse vs. City mouse. I don’t think you can really mess up. If one is substantially cheaper for you, go there.</p>
<p>I can’t comment specifically about Carleton, D wouldn’t consider it. Coming from the east coast, she had many schools to choose from with lovely campuses in suburban or rural locations. But there were only two LACs in thriving (large) urban areas - Mac and Barnard. She chose Mac and loves the atmosphere and takes full advantage of being in the Twin Cities. Getting there and back by plane has been painless as well.</p>
<p>I’ve noticed on these threads it’s not unusual for Carleton people to compare their school to Mac and find that Carleton is superior - while the Mac people don’t seem to do that. D tells me that several of her friends chose Mac over Carleton, so they must attract similar students. I know US News says otherwise, but I’m not so sure it matters which highly regarded LAC a student attends. It’s much more important what a student does once they get there.</p>
<p>Nice post :)</p>