I’d put Davidson in the sporty, energetic but politically apathetic category, more like Cornell and Duke. Great schools, but not, I think, what you’re looking for.
@momrath : Regarding Kenyon, the comparison was intended as relative to other Midwestern schools.
Mountains or not, Kenyon’s 500 acre nature preserve welcomes plenty of outdoorsy activities. Kenyon has very strong writing program – and merit aid.
William & Mary is a great fit for your profile. I know you list many private schools and W&M is public, but it meets many of your wish list items.
Public - although it’s the original “Public Ivy” . Unlike most on that list, it actually feels like an Ivy based on age (1693 I believe) and long list of traditions steeped in history (actually still use the building where Thomas Jefferson attended, studied, and lived). Unlike many on the Public Ivy list, it is a small / medium size school with an undergraduate population of approx 7k. Beautiful distinctive campus combining historical buildings with modern facilities.
Very strong programs in history, politics, international affairs, etc. Places really well in DC. That area considers it up there with Georgetown and Harvard. Great paying jobs and super placement to grad / law school.
I would describe their students as very intelligent, eclectic, supportive, welcoming and genuinely excited to be part of The Tribe. Very laid back, definitely left of center. Greek life exists but it’s not a big thing. On our tour, I recall the guide saying it’s nice to have the frat parties available and they’re generally open to everyone. Not the exclusive or “social hierarchy” scene of big greek schools. An anecdote, at his admitted students day, my S told me he thought the students he met at lunch and in a class were incredibly welcoming and nice. He chose to attend Wake Forest because he wanted more exciting D1 sports and that type of enthusiasm but seriously considered W&M because of the great reputation, history, academics, and beauty. You just feel proud walking around the place!
Didn’t see where you live. It is very selective for OOS students but your stats make you quite competitive. I would put you in the match category. MIght be worth a look.
Forgot to mention- very “outdoorsey”. Lake on campus, James River(white water rafting in Richmond only 45 minutes away) nearby, ocean and mountains close by for day trips. Just beautiful!
@valkyries, not certain if merit and need based aid can be stacked at Kenyon as our DD’s each received $15k in merit aid, and while it seemed like a great fit they both chose another school; maybe @momrath can provide insight.
Another great school that offers significant merit aid is Oberlin; our DD’s each received ~$25k, but chose another school.
For a student eligible for financial aid at a school which gives merit – you have to research the school’s specific practices. As @Chembiodad mentioned, at many schools, merit does not “stack” on top of financial aid. The NPC tells you your Expected Family Contribution – that number doesn’t change if you get merit aid. Another way of thinking about it, you cannot use merit aid to pay your EFC. Schools which give merit as well as financial aid may use the merit award to remove loans or work study from the financial aid package. The important thing to consider is that, often – and this can vary – merit does not change how much your family is expected to pay if you are eligible for financial aid.
@Chembiodad @Midwestmomofboys Thanks, mostly thinking about merit to erase loans or work-study (?) which is an option at some of the schools.
I think you have great stats, and will probably get into some if not all of your reaches, but I would second Bowdoin. Great outing club. My son was really interested in that. He thought it was just a bit too small for him, but I have super smart students who have gone there and they love it. I would also second Vassar. They have an active outing club (their instagram of kids climbing in the Gunks showcases all they get up to) with trips over all the breaks. It might be worth a look. And Middlebury - what’s not to love? Good luck!
@sixkids6 Thanks! Yeah, I really like Bowdoin! And the outing club there is great. A lot of people have suggested Vassar, so I have been researching it a bit!! (along with everything else it has to offer, the outing club looks promising!!) And thank you, I hope I can at least get into one or two of them. 