perception v. reality?

<p>i was accepted to kenyon, and I honestly can't decide what to think about it. I don't mind the isolation so much, but small classes, great discussions, and great teachers are personally my biggest requirements in choosing a college, and I can't figure out if Kenyon really has them or not. All the literature I've read on Kenyon has been so encouraging, I know a professor in MA who knows kenyon's polysci department and raves about it, and some kenyon students on CC just gush about its intellectualism and quality academic programs. However, I visited an english class and an intro french class last year, and I was not very impressed - the english lecture wasn't very interesting, and both the english and the french students seemed sort of apathetic and reluctant to participate. Some of the more negative comments on this board have confirmed my impression. Did I just sit in on the wrong classes? Or would I have had to be there for longer to really get a "feel" for the academic atmosphere of the place? I really don't know. </p>

<p>Is anyone having the same difficulty with this place? Does anyone have any advice (different impressions of classes, maybe?) </p>

<p>thanks</p>

<p>That supports my daughter's impression too. She's visiting again next week we'll see if she still has the same opinion.</p>

<p>I honestly think Kenyon has high quality academics... I think you may have had some dud classes, which exist at every school. Many people take languages to fulfill the requirement, so that may explain the lethargic, apathetic nature. What English class did you visit? Was it an intro class? This year they've revamped intro English to make it more interesting and focused. First year courses can be pretty dull... I promise that upper level classes are way more fun and exciting.</p>

<p>Anybody else?</p>

<p>thanks kc_lady - it's certainly possible that i just picked bad classes. The English one was a survey of Shakespeare, i think? Maybe it was an intro-level class. I got a 5 on the AP Lang and Comp last year, so I think I'd be able to place out of one of those, personally...and the revamping efforts sound promising, too. Anyway, it's good to have your reassurance.</p>

<p>SRMom3 - I would really appreciate hearing any impressions your daughter has upon visiting Kenyon a second time. I would really like to visit again (I honestly don't think that 24 hours in a place gives you a real understanding of how you'll like living there for four years), but I'm too far away, unfortunately.</p>

<p>Well, my son has by in large loved his classes this year and has been impressed by their academic rigor. Of course, he had his favorites among his classes and did not bond with every professor and subject. To give some perspective, he came to Kenyon having graduated from an elite East Coast private school.</p>

<p>I'm not sure what "negative comments on this board" you are talking about, but I can confirm my own son's enthusiasm for his academic experience at Kenyon thus far.</p>