<p>carleton v. wesleyan. completely stuck between the two. I am a prospective english major who definately wants to go to grad school... I was wondering if any of the parents had any information on the academics, social aspects, the english department, the professors etc., on any of these schools. Thank you in advance!!</p>
<p>Excellent choices. Very different in the "vibes" category. Can you see yourself at both places? From what I know of Wesleyan, I think it would be easy to decide which of the two fit you best. I cannot address your questions about Wesleyan, but I have a D finishing her frosh year at Carleton. The English department at Carleton is superb. She has 2 friends who particularly choose Carleton to pursue this major and most likely grad school. My D is a math/science person, for which Carleton is also extremely well regarded. Ah, gee, I guess Carleton is just about perfect for everything! Disclaimer: If there is such a thing as a Carleton fanatic, I'm it. Although another parent, Carlmom, has claimed the same title.</p>
<p>The academics are intense. Tough (but fair) grading, no grade inflation, a 93% in a language is the lowest A-. Trimester system consists of 3 ten-week terms, in which a semester's (15 weeks) worth of material is covered in 10 weeks. Thus students are limited to 3 courses per term. 9 per year, which is how you get the equivalent # of courses as in a semester system. Finals are held on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday at the end of a term. So breaks are longer, particularly the first one which starts the Tuesday of Thanksgiving week. Kids do not return until right after Jan. 1. Makes for great 6 week job possibilities at holiday time.</p>
<p>Kids are definitely left of center (aren't they at most places?), but extremely tolerant of individual differences. Makes for great discourse. I would characterize the student body as VERY MOTIVATED about learning for learning's sake. Students delve into EC's as hard as their studies. A reasonably sporty student body, lots are involved in volunteer work, clubs, theater, music, academic competitions, etc. My D has been on many runs throughout the arb and the surrounding community. She's ice-skated, played broomball, and cross-country skied in the arb. Kids work very hard and seek opportunities to work off some steam in their own ways.</p>
<p>Hope you will get a response about Wesleyan. Good luck with your deliberations.</p>