Some of the Catholic schools do have Greek life - Dayton, St. Joseph (Philly), Seton Hall.
Colgate, Bucknell, Villanova and Gettysburg.
Hi, we’ve recently toured Richmond and Elon, and are familiar with Denison because it’s close to home. I kind of agree with the “preppy” vs “down to earth”, honestly I have not really come across the word “preppy” really that much until we started college research, and I think of it as kind of a mix of wasp/upper middle income/average (like you say…mainstream…not hipterish, hippy, geeky, artsy etc). Anyway…Denison and Miami of Ohio will not be as visually stunning as Elon and Richmond, both inside and out. I would call both preppy as defined above. Dension reminds me of William and Mary to some extent, but still not that brick colonial beauty all throughout (there is some) as in the more southern schools. As for quiet…I also think it totally depends on the day. our day at Richmond was incredibly quiet as in we drove around and saw 3 students…yes 3… Later on our tour we saw more thank goodness but not many, so we asked about it and our guide said "oh yeah no one is outside since it’s such terrible weather (it was 40s and drizzling, in March LOL…not terrible at all to us further north).
I agree that timing and weather are everything in terms of energy. Fwiw, Colgate, Bucknell, and Gettysburg were all DEAD when we were there. And yes, school was in session! Maybe it was a week with upcoming exams? Too cold?
Also, the size and setup of the campus matters. A school with a smaller footprint often feels more bustling, especially if the academic buildings are set up so that students are moving from one to another through a common area.
My advice is that unless you are picking an ED school, you will probably have a better opportunity to assess this part of the equation as an accepted student.
University of Delaware, Loyola University Maryland, Lafayette, Bucknell, Richmond, Colgate, W & L
Colleges that find themselves “landlocked” – i.e., spatially constrained by the presence of adjacent non-college property – will, to a visitor, naturally appear denser with activity compared to their more spatially luxuriant peers. As an actual student, though, I’d think the variety and choice – in dining and living options, study areas and perhaps athletic facilities, or simply in walking paths – available at a physically larger school would be appealing.
Some of the Catholic colleges mentioned do not have Greek life i.e. St. Joe’s & Loyola. Although, I am familiar with both (as well as Villanova) and their student body does seem to meet your criteria. Georgetown has unofficial Greek life.
St joe’s Does have Greek life. My son’s friend Aloha Phi sorority last semester
Guess times change - St. Joe’s did have a couple of unofficial Fraternities back in day, but no Sororities.
Hobart & William Smith hits on most of the points mentioned, including an active fraternity system. And though William Smith didn’t have sororities historically, one has just been chartered in the last year and there’s room for more if students are so motivated.
St. Joseph’s has had sororities since 1983.
Some Catholic schools allow them, some don’t. BC doesn’t, Georgetown does.
William and Mary is great but not what your looking for imho based in your feedback.
The list you have is great.
Some others to consider that are
a bit preppy.
Not entitled.
Casual and welcoming social scene.
Greek life that’s not over the top being a plus.
If the Maine schools I would suggest Colby. Massachusetts Tufts.
CT. Fairfield.
NY. Hamilton and Hobart. More Hobart. Pennsylvania haverford
Virginia you have some good ideas.
Maryland I don’t know.
Ohio. DePauw.
One out of left field for you. And if you visited might change your opinion. University of Miami.
Following up on @gardenstategal 's comment and going back to Davidson, it’s a large campus for the number of students so I can see why it felt quiet to your D. My D didn’t love her first visit there, maybe b/c it was super hot (Aug.) and likely b/c she didn’t click with the tour guide. But she kept it on her list b/c it fit a lot of her criteria. After being admitted she did an overnight – with an open mind but she had pretty much mentally decided on a college in CA. Then, surprising herself and us, she completely fell for Davidson and did a 180 degree turn. It just clicked for her and she had no doubts.She’s starting there this month!
I don’t know, maybe my D’s experience is unusual? But, Davidson aside, my main point is that if you do research and it seems like a college is a good fit (checks a lot of boxes) I suggest she keep it on the list for a while even if the first visit isn’t the best. Things can change and my D is proof that sometimes dark horse colleges end up being the one!
If you would look at California I would suggest Santa Clara.
Hamilton, Franklin & Marshall, St. Lawrence?
And another California college - U of San Diego
I think schools can be preppy and down to earth. To me preppy means neat and clean, no too grunge or too liberal politically or life style wise. Down to earth, IMO, is nice, wholesome, not too many drugs or mean girls type.
I was just thinking U of San Diego, too. That’s where my down-to-earth, preppy, sporty daughter is starting at the end of this month. Really clicked for her. And being able to be outdoors year round seems awesome to this midwestern athlete!
Samford University, but it is a Christian school, if that matters.
Thanks everyone!!!
I thought of Miami of Ohio too - have a family member there now who fits your description.