<p>So if anyone could give some thoughts about the campus culture and Carlton--here are a few more things about my kid. He loved the U of Chicago vibe and program, is unsure about Chicago and Hyde Park. (I grew up in Hyde Park, visit regularly and it is something to be concerned with). He liked Haverford a lot as well, but is concerned about the size, the consortium notwithstanding. Basically he's looking for a school with brainy kids, who don't take themselves too seriously, that can prepare him for graduate school. Lots of academic interests, but really strong in math and science. 2350 SAT, good grades, good writer. Thanks for any insight!</p>
<p>Everything you have described about your DS makes him sound to me like a good fit for Carleton. It is definitely a locus for brainy kids, and features strong math and science programs. My DS truly did not know what he wanted to major in upon arrival at Carleton, but was able (and encouraged) to take a broad variety of courses and by the end of his sophomore year had landed on a major that fascinates him (and offers good job prospects as well). Northfield is definitely not Chicago, but unless your son requires the stimulation of an urban environment, that’s ok–it is a friendly town, and the Carleton campus features a beautiful, very large arboretum that is a wonderful place for running, walking, and contemplation. For a city fix, Minneapolis-St. Paul are about 40 minutes away–again, not Chicago, but with positive tradeoffs in my opinion.</p>
<p>As to your previous posts about sports, I would think that your son could take advantage of the many intramural offerings. Who knows, he could become Carleton’s next ultimate frisbee champion. </p>
<p>My daughter wound up at Carleton, after getting into Haverford and a few other places. She started off wanting someplace urban, but she found the best fit of culture in Northfield.</p>
<p>Haverford was an OK fit, but not weird enough for her. The size also had a bit of an impact-- some of her necessary classes and sports would have been at Bryn Mawr, and she didn’t want to have to leave home to do it.</p>