<p>I have narrowed my decision between Kenyon and Macalester. I am leaning toward Macalester but I am still unsure. I went to the Mac spring sampler and enjoyed myself. For the most part, students seemed intelligent, calm, and friendly. Everyone was doing their "own thing." Freshmen do not go into the cities that much, perhaps because they are getting used to campus. Kenyon seems similar to Mac [small class sizes, great faculty, study abroad program]. The main difference is location, since Mac is near a major metropolitan area and Kenyon is in the middle of nowhere. Does any parent have any sons or daughters at these schools? Does anyone know students who go? Do they like it? What are the pros and cons? Thanks, I appreciate the help!</p>
<p>[I asked the same question on the Kenyon thread]</p>
<p>Also, if you feel more comfortable sending me a private message, that is fine!</p>
<p>Hi,
My daughter will be a freshman at Mac in the fall. We live 30 min from Mac so if you have specific questions, let me know.
Can’t tell you which school would be best for you but Mac is in the heart of St Paul and like you my daughter applied to and considered schools in locations similar to Kenyon.
There’s always a lot going on in the Twin Cities. Major sports teams, concerts, plays, etc.</p>
<p>thanks for the response. the twin cities seem very exciting, however, I wonder if the students really utilize the cities. How often do you think they go in? I was talking to freshmen at Mac and they said they do not go in that much.</p>
<p>My daughter, a sophomore, loves Mac and the Cities. However, in her case, a number of things keep her close to campus, including demanding academics, a work-study job, a couple of ECs to which she is committed, and frugality when it is her money she is spending. She has a research position this summer and lots of people she knows are sticking around for classes, research, internships, etc. . . She and her friends are looking forward to what the Cities have to offer this summer.</p>
<p>farfellena, sounds like your daughter loves mac? It is interesting because when I was there I asked students if they liked Mac. They did not say “I love it! You have to come here!!” They said that they liked it a lot, they gave very calm responses. Is that just the general mood there?</p>
<p>I think Mac is more on a upward trajectory than Kenyon. The school has a more international/cosmopolitan feel, the city location offers more professional and social opportunities…</p>
<p>But Kenyon is gorgeous, and if it has strength in the programs you want, it is certainly a fine school.</p>
<p>I will send you a private message.</p>