<p>Ive heard/read that the Carleton student body is generally quirky and such which I think is awesome. However, Im from the northeast and could be described as preppy and athletic. Im just wondering if there are some other kids at Carleton who are jockier and preppier, Im concerned about fitting in. Thanks!</p>
<p>Many people I know from New England and around there. Some of them blend in, and some stay the way they are, but no one seems to have trouble living in Carleton. We’ve a diverse community here, although some would classify it as quirky.</p>
<p>About 20% of the school comes from the Northeast - you won’t be alone. New York and California are consistently 2 of the top 4 states of origin for the freshman class (along with Minnesota and Illinois, I believe - lots of Windy City’ans).</p>
<p>I wouldn’t equate preppiness with everyone from the Northeast! My son (I hope, hope, hope he chooses Carleton) is from a rabidly preppy-seeming part of the US (western CT) for which I’m sure he will be typecast, but he is decidedly not preppy himself. I don’t think I’ve seen him in a polo shirt since he was on a choir trip and had to wear one! He’s not a jock but has friends who are (and, on the other hand, he doesn’t wear all black with tight pants, but has friends who do), he doesn’t drive a BMW but has friends who do, and he’s liberal in his politics but has friends who are not, loves jazz, classical, world and indie music but his best friend is crazy about heavy metal. He is easy-going, friendly, and, well, quirky…</p>
<p>There are preppy Northeastern lacrosse-y types at Carleton, and they by and large fit in at Carleton. They just aren’t the study body’s dominant social image they way they are at Middlebury, Dartmouth, Bowdoin, etc.</p>
<p>It might help if you clarify what you mean by “preppy”. On one hand, some people would say that Carleton’s “bro” subculture is very preppy–on the other, there is very little Lacoste and Lilly Pulitzer to be found.</p>
<p>And neumes, I wouldn’t worry about your son being typecast as anything. I’ve found that while talking about my hometown is a good icebreaker, people rarely remember it later. So many Carleton students defy stereotypes that you eventually stop being surprised. :)</p>
<p>I second this question. Is there any lax bro culture at carleton?</p>
<p>Forgive me if this is really ignorant/oblivious-sounding, but what exactly is this “bro culture” you’re talking about? haha</p>