Ohio trip planning...

Parents Forum
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<p>Erin’s Dad, re: soul of the school. My son wants a school that has a clear vision on what and how it educates its students. A school who knows who it is - has a clear personality and identity. To him, Oberlin and Haverford have a very clear identity. S got the feeling that some schools didn’t seem to know who they were, what they stood for. According to S, Allegheny and Wooster would fall into this category. Could this be my son’s reactions to schools that didn’t match his personality? Absolutely. Just thought I’d clarify!</p>

<p>Glad to hear your D loved Denison. It seems that everyone loves it. And, like I said, I fell in love with the people of Granville. I look forward to going back someday.</p>

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<p>College of Wooster - Everyone was very friendly. Tour was divided into groups; parents in one and students in another. Our tour guide was fine. Knowledgeable, yet somewhat detached. The campus was much more beautiful than I had expected. The new athletic building looks like it will be amazing. No students were around, so it was difficult to see what the student body was like. </p>

<p>S had a lousy tour guide. Friendly, yet monotone and not knowledgeable about much. His favorite answer was, “Good” or “I don’t know”. Turned S off.</p>

<p>Typical of Wooster, they interviewed S first, then brought me in. Nothing new. </p>

<p>Overall, it was a nice visit. But we walked away with no feeling. I thought the Independent Study project would be better explained, but it wasn’t really a selling point. Not mentioned too much.</p>

<p>I thought Wooster was a great town. Very walkable. Nice shops. Had our favorite meal of the trip at Broken Rocks. The server was fabulous.</p>

<p>Wooster is not a good fit for S, but I wouldn’t hesitate to send another child there. Welcoming and loving.</p>

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<p>lisabees - can you talk about your Oberlin visit? It is on my son’s short list and he is going there for a “fly in” visit in Oct. I have enjoyed your visit descriptions and would like to hear any details you can share about Oberlin (especially since I won’t get to visit before he applies if he decides to). Thanks!</p>

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<p>Let’s see if I have the emotional energy to do this again. I wrote a lengthy review of Oberlin that got deleted.</p>

<p>Oberlin: We arrived in the evening and stayed at the Oberlin Inn, which smelled like smoke and had rude employees. Later that evening, S ran out for food and said the hallway smelled like pot. The Inn is located on the edge of campus, so it is highly convenient. S did not like the campus - after visiting three beautiful campuses, Oberlin did not compare! To me, it felt like Temple University’s campus, in a small town. I liked it; it was diverse and real.</p>

<p>The next morning, I dropped S off for the tour. We were supposed to catch up with him in a few minutes, but we never found them. So, 8 year old D and I wandered the campus. There was a lot of construction going on, like all campuses during the summer. Very few students were around. We were getting bored, so when we came across a couple of students (boy and girl), we asked if they had seen a tour. They laughed and said that the guides wouldn’t take them near the old buildings. Only the new ones. So the conversation started. And lasted for 1 1/2 hours! They gladly shared their love of Oberlin. They asked me questions and answered mine. They explained how easy it was to fit in, no matter who you are (for the record, these two did not have purple hair or crazy clothes). They explained how student-driven the campus was. They raved about the music scene, even though neither of them are musicians. The thing that struck me the most was the maturity and intelligence and kindness these two had. They looked me in the eye when they talked and acted like nothing mattered more than spending time with me. Of course this can happen on any campus. I share these thoughts because I felt so lucky. Like I hit the jackpot. I know some posters swear by doing their own “tours” and talking to kids on their own. I can see the benefits if you happen upon two students such as these.</p>

<p>The four of us met up with S’s tour (which S loved). The two students asked if we would like to see a co-op and old/new dorms. Of course we did! As soon as we entered the co-op, we were surrounded by a half dozen students who acted as if we were long time friends. We talked, we laughed, we ate fresh peaches. It felt like home. And, to my son, they felt like friends. Each of them were smart and interesting and kind.</p>

<p>Off to the beautiful new dorm, built as an environmentally themed house. Very impressive. The old dorms were, well, old. Typical.</p>

<p>It was finally time to say goodbye. We ate at a fabulous Lebanese restaurant; on the way, we saw two students from the co-op, who seemed excited to see us again. They smiled and chatted and wished us luck.</p>

<p>We then went to the information session - one of the best we have been to. After, S talked with his local rep for an impromptu, informal interview. Everyone in the Admissions Office was warm and receptive.</p>

<p>So - Oberlin has moved up to second place (Haverford is number one). S wants to spend time in some classes. And I’m sure he wants to see more of the social scene.</p>

<p>Oberlin joins Granville in being a special part of our trip.</p>

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<p>Ah - thank you so much for making the effort to write this up! It sounds just like what I am hoping he will find there. He should have a good chance to meet people and get a real feel. Thanks again!</p>

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<p>You’re welcome! I will soon follow up with Allegheny and Juniata. :)</p>

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<p>@lisabees- thanks so much for these fabulous reviews. My daughter is a junior but I am holding on to this thread for review over the course of the year. Can’t wait to hear more as you post. Thanks again!</p>

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<p>I am surprised that Case is not on your list. Very well known for awesome Merit awards.</p>

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<p>Hi Lisabees–I live southeast of Cleveland,we go to brunch in Granville, my next door neighbors child went to Wooster, the boy down the street is at Kenyon, and my daughters best friend just graduated from Oberlin–so I am familiar with all of the colleges that you are visiting. I think that you are getting a very accurate read on each of the schools. I must say, after working with kids from Oberlin several times these past three years, I find myself saying–“If this is indicative of the type of people who will be running our country in the future—Thank God!!” They are bright, smart, caring, sensitive and committed. They have a passion beyond what will make them the most amount of money when they graduate. My other neighbor, who is a Mormon, and has sent all four of her children to BYU, was dissing the school, saying that it was the most liberal school in the country and she could not understand anyone sending their child there. I replied that, yes, it was liberal–the very first school to allow women to be in the classroom alongside men, the very first school to allow African Americans to be in the classroom alongside white students. It has a strong Quaker background–so the Underground Railroad was very evident there. All of my friends have been very happy with the education that there children have received at all four schools, so you can’t go wrong, but those kids at Oberlin just seem to have that overwhelming interest in making the world a better place, so it depends upon the temperment of your son–some kids have that desire, others are more interested in their own pursuits–there’s nothing wrong with that, it’s just makes for different atmospheres.</p>

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<p>I must say as an Ohioan, it has been interesting to follow this thread and also reminds me (because many other really great schools haven’t been mentioned in the thread) how fortunate we are in Ohio to have so many great schools at our fingertips so to speak. </p>

<p>Not in all ways, but in the college area, I think Ohio is “right up there” in terms of variety and quantity of great schools.</p>

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<p>^^ I agree! We drove to your state to look at quite a few: Marietta, Hiram, Denison, Wooster, Ohio Wes, Wittenberg, Otterbein, and then we also went to Earlham (IN), and Allegheny ¶.</p>

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<p>MiamiDAP, S is only looking at LACs. I have heard nice things about Case, as well as many other Ohio schools. Abasket, your state was beautiful and welcoming. I look forward to going back. A friend asked, “Why Ohio?” before we left. My response was “Why not?” After returning, I have given her many reasons as to “Why Ohio”!</p>

<p>rcefn, thanks for your insight. S is definitely a kid who wants “to change the world”. He wants to learn for learning’s sake. He needs to be politically and socially active. He has a lot of his dad in him, and has always imagined himself as an entrepreneur (a social entrepreneur, specifically). Oberlin fits the bill.</p>

<p>But, there’s something about Kenyon that makes him pause. Maybe that’s the difference between the two schools’ personalities. Oberlin put a skip in his step. Kenyon made him quiet and thoughtful. Denison is still in the running as a good match school. Similar to Dickinson (also on the list), I think, in being more conservative, preppy and fratty. Not what he’s looking for, but I hear nothing but wonderful things about Denison. Everyone was friendly and happy. And there are plenty of options on campus for everyone. </p>

<p>It’s been difficult to find a more “intellectual” safety school that fits S. Goucher is only a couple hours drive. We’ll check that out. I wish Skidmore offered more merit; we’d make that drive. We may end up in Boston in November, so we can check out Clark. Otherwise, he may apply without visiting first.</p>

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<p>Allegheny - Meadville is quite a depressing area. After visiting the other schools, this was a real let down. Campus was pretty - lots of brick buildings and brick walkways. Admissions office was positive and well-organized. It was busy with visitors, yet each got a individual tour. Which leads me to our tour guide. Flighty, yet beautiful. Blonde hair, blue eyes. Nice clothes. Talked about how she got into USC, but wasn’t allowed to go. Oh well. Allegheny is nice, she said. We asked the typical questions and she answered, at least 5 times, “You’re asking such difficult questions.” I wanted to scream and run; the town, the campus, the tour guide was stifling. We learned nothing about Allegheny, except that one can create an echo if he screams while standing on a certain brick circle. We returned to the admissions and I asked S if he still wanted to interview. He was in a daze. “Mom, she is so beautiful, I couldn’t stop looking in her eyes. She was sooo distracting!” I had to shake him and ask if he liked the school. Not a thing, except for her. I told him that she would look tiresome after a week. He responded, still in a daze, that she wouldn’t look tiresome after 4 years. I had to hold his hand and help him out the door!!!</p>

<p>So, Allegheny. I hear nice things about this school. And we based our rational (and irrational) opinions on a tour guide. But, the student body and its vibe aren’t what S is looking for. Probably a great school for the right kid.</p>

<p>Juniata - This was a last minute addition to break up our long drive home; we called from Allegheny. The town of Huntingdon was similar to Meadville - depressing. But, somehow, it seemed better than Allegheny. Admissions was very accommodating and very friendly when we arrived. We were emotionally and physically spent from the tours and our week. We had already found a few great options. I just wanted to take a nap. 8 year old sat down and shed her first tears quietly. Lady gave her some candy and she perked right up, so we left on our tour.</p>

<p>Tour guide was bright and friendly and from Granville!! Of course! We warmed right up to her. I asked her to compare the students to the schools we had seen; she thought about it during the tour and later said, the kids who don’t fit the stereotypes of the other schools, come here. Classes had already started, but campus seemed very quiet. Many building seemed like my old high school, but some were beautiful. Juniata offers two programs that many LACs do not. Peace and Conflict Studies and Museum studies. They do not have a music major, but provide music lessons and music opportunities for everyone. S is interested in playing club volleyball and when we asked the tour guide is she knew Kevin, the volleyball coach, a student overheard and went to Kevin’s office to get him for us! I was very impressed. Reminded me of the friendliness of Oberlin. We returned to the admissions office for an informal interview which included D and me. The interview was with our local rep; she was thrilled with S’s scores and said he would get at least $18,000. Basically, she talked about Juniata’s POE, Programs of Emphasis. Instead of majors, students create their own combination of studies that interest them. S isn’t even thinking about that yet - just wants to learn about everything for now. Unfortunately, she kept asking what kind of POE he would create. It just seemed a little too much a little too soon. </p>

<p>So, Juniata. I loved it. I loved the warm, home-like atmosphere. The down to earth people. The nurturing environment. The student-driven programs. S enjoyed the tour much more than Allegheny, but it really isn’t the place for him. But, if we can’t find many safeties, Juniata should be reconsidered. Other than the surrounding town, I found it lovely and wouldn’t hesitate to send one of my children there.</p>

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<p>So far my D is loving Juniata!!! I would add it as a safety! They take the common app and since you visited the app fee will be waived.</p>

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<p>^^Oh, I am so happy to hear that your DD is loving Juniata so far!!! :D</p>

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<p>Headed to Denison tomorrow and Kenyon on Friday with S2012 - hoping he loves them both. He needs a safety that he loves. Stay tuned for report…</p>

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<p>Enjoy kttmom. I look forward to reading your reviews. What kind of school does your S want?</p>

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<p>Yeah! He loved Denison. Now he has a safety he loves and would be happy to attend!! The campus is beautiful (2 new science buildings) and our tour guide was really great. Private tour with me, my S and his friend. Then they each had an interview. I was asked to join the interview for the last 15 minutes and the guy was our regional rep and he and my son really hit it off. He said my S would be a strong candidate for the full tuition scholarship (seperate application required) and he answered alot of our questions on how to present some of his ECs on the common app (said he definitely needed to use the supplement option).</p>

<p>They were having an activity fair in front of the union when we were leaving and I said - ‘look around boys - do these kids look like kids you would fit in with?’ There were literally hundreds of kids and the only ones that stood out were my son and his friend in their dress pants and polo shirts.</p>

<p>I am so happy!!</p>

<p>Tomorrow we are off to Kenyon…</p>

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<p>I’m curious to hear your feedback on Kenyon. My 2 DDs visited both and loved one, hated the other (on opposite sides of the school choice).</p>

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<p>I’m curious, too. Denison and Kenyon are quite different!! So many wonderful schools with different personalities and strengths…</p>