<p>Enjoyed ICI's comments. My D is visiting Wooster in spring in antiicpation of applying for fall 07. She is looking for a relatively liberal atmosphere--I have always thought of COW as being on the conservative side--what is the current sense?? Her scores so far are 2060 SAT and 30 ACT, top 10% of class with several APs; will she be in the running for merit aid with these stats? Does the school seem very rural and isolated or is the Akron/Canton area close enough to hit on weekends?</p>
<p>I'm glad your daughter will be visiting Wooster. That's really the best way to get a sense of the campus.</p>
<p>Wooster isn't "conservative" in my mind. If you go to the Wooster website, there's a weekly poll. This week's is on marijuana legalization -- check it out. Kids on campus will represent the spectrum of American politics and culture. The faculty is pretty liberal -- as per most campuses -- but you'll find a bit of everything, I think. </p>
<p>Really, the most important thing is that all views are encouraged and respected, right? When my son did his overnight, I was surprised (and had to smile) that the day he arrived was "Support of Gay Rights Day" (or something to that effect), sponsored by a student group and involving tables set up at the student union, etc. </p>
<p>As to the location -- the city of Wooster, a county seat, is about 25,000 people. Sprawl and rising land prices are putting pressure on the traditional agriculture in the area. Jobs are in industry and social services. The college is an important part of the local economy. One of the largest Amish settlements in the world is about 20 miles away, in Millersburg.</p>
<p>College students do volunteer work and student teaching in the community. I think all of the social life is on campus. My son says there's "nothing to do" in town. He's been to Columbus and Cleveland, not Akron/Canton. There's an outdoor club that does some traveling in-state, I think. Kenyon and Denison are located in REALLY small towns, if you're seeking a comparison. Oberlin and Wittenberg would be located in similar-sized small cities.</p>
<p>Your daughter's 30 on the ACT is sweet. She's competitive for merit aid. You don't have to reapply annually for merit aid at Wooster and it won't be reduced as long as you "show progress." As you get further into the process, you'll appreciate that having your merit aid promised for four years is a very, very important factor. </p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>bookmom:
Be sure to visit Denison while you're there. It is great! They give out excellent merit aid, the campus is gorgeous, the town of Granville is wonderful, and the kids go into Columbus and this amazing mall area called Easton Center frequently. Wooster is a great school too, but she might get a better offer from Denison.</p>