<p>We visited Rhodes with our son in August when the campus was beautiful, but very quiet. He loved the school, but we met only a couple of students and didn't get a feel for the type of student who fits in. Son is an un-selfconscious intellectual with a dry sense of humor who usually has his head in a book or an electronic game. His main social outlets are the church youth group, some guys that play Dungeons and Dragons on the weekends, and his Debate team. There are no other schools with frats on his list. </p>
<p>I'm sure another campus visit with school in session would be the right thing to do. Before we decide whether to incur that expense, can anyone help me understand what the student body is like at Rhodes?</p>
<p>I work at Rhodes and was a fraternity member when I was an undergrad here, so my view is biased in both those ways.</p>
<p>My impression is that your son would likely find that he would fit in well. There are a lot of students who place a great deal of emphasis on their studies and are found in the library more than anywhere else. There’s a healthy video game culture in the dorms (including a club that is advised by two of our IT staff). I don’t know if there’s a D&D crowd here. I don’t think there’s a debate team, but there is mock trial which might be of interest and has a strong social component. There are also a couple of strong student ministry/worship groups that are great social outlets.</p>
<p>The fraternities and sororities are the hosts of a lot, but not all, of the parties on and off campus. The vast majority are open to all comers regardless of greek affilitation or lack thereof. The exceptions are “swaps” that are closed parties between a single fraternity and single sorority. If you’re not into partying, the residence life office has a program called “Big Diehl” that offers a lot of other types of socialization - free tickets and a ride to the minor league baseball game or the NBA game, a movie night, a concert on campus, a trip to Nashville, that sort of thing. There’s also a lot going on academically like speakers and whatnot.</p>
<p>I think you’d be spending your money wisely if you came back to visit while the students are here.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Jay</p>
<p>My D and I visited in June and fell in love with the down to earth feeling we got from the students. Granted they are the hosts (especially in the summer time) but the feel was so home like that D definitely has put Rhodes as her number 1 choice. The place didn’t feel either preppy or quirky to us. D has a dry sense of humor as well (okay she grew up on The Far Side Complete Volumes) and loves improv. Other than that she entertains herself by reading Jane Austin novels, crocheting and her music. I don’t think females are quite the gamers that males are - at least our 3 daughters aren’t. So if that is quirky Rhodes attracted her. Okay - maybe the president’s bow tie is a little quirky.</p>
<p>Rhodes is on the preppy side, as most of the decent southern schools are, though it’s not as bad as Sewanee. iadorking said it best; grounded is perhaps the best way to describe Rhodes. You won’t find extremes of either end; while the campus may not be super preppy, you don’t have the artsy/quirky feel of Warren Wilson or Swat either. I’m not sure if you’re looking at other southern schools, but I would consider the vibe at Rhodes closer to that of Furman or Wake Forest than Davidson or Guilford, if that helps. </p>
<p>I don’t think it’s worth the cost of another trip, at least anytime soon. The total cost of applying is ~$70 ($45 for the app, $10 for SAT scores, $16 for CSS Profile). It seems more financially prudent to go ahead and apply since he liked the school and then visit again in the spring, perhaps for an admitted students’ day, if he’s admitted.</p>
<p>Thanks to both of you. We hadn’t really looked at any other southern schools; the rest are in the midwest with a few safeties here in Texas. But, your posts definitely help to confirm Rhodes’ place in the top two on his list. I agree with waiting until spring for a ‘decision’ visit. I think that’s what we’ll do.</p>