<p>I've got a few questions...
1) I know it has a conservatory, which brings to mind classical and jazz...is there much of a rock/folk-ish scene on campus? live music/bands playing? I love music, but am somewhat intimidated by theory for myself, and listen to more "pop" type music (not mainstream and new, but as opposed to classical). This probably sounds like a strange question, but I love my music so it's important to me.</p>
<p>2) Would you consider the student body mainstream or less "conforming"? Are people really interested in what their learning, having discussions outside of class, etc. ?</p>
<p>3) How's appleton? do people go into town? Is it at all quirky? Does the student body have an influence on the town culture? Lots of chains/malls or independent stores?</p>
<p>Thanks...just started re-thinking about applying to Lawrence. Don't know why I stopped, because it seems like a nice place.</p>
<p>My daughter is a freshman at Lawrence and seems very happy so far (2 weeks into the first term). She is a liberal arts major, but very into music as a listener, and casual musician. </p>
<p>Jazz and classical do seem to be the dominant themes in the conservatory, but I think there is diversity on the listening side. They host all kinds of bands and concerts during the year, and the students are active in that process if thats' what you had in mind.</p>
<p>The student body looks like a mix of quirkier and more traditional students- but I would not say the "preppy" look dominates, nor does the "funky" look- a fact that appealed most to my daughter- she says the kids just looked "normal"- not too much one thing or another. She also has found that the kids seem genuinely nice (they are overwhelmingly midwestern after all)- although this years freshman class hails from all over the US and many countries as well.</p>
<p>Appleton exceeded expectations- we are from a major urban Northeastern city- it's a main street, college town feel with lots of small stores, restaurants and bars within easy walking distance- in fact the campus is only a block of 2 from the down-town. The stores are independent. In fact Lawrence's bookstore is a couple of blocks from campus, and is an independent bookstore. There are plenty of cute coffee shops, pizza, Thai food etc. - a cozy place to be located.</p>
<p>I hope that helps. The admissions office is very helpful and friendly and may be able to answer your specific questions about music, or put you in touch with someone who will.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>thanks for your response, pinksand.
sounds like Appleton is pretty cool...I also found some photos online, it looks like it might even warrent the title "small city"!</p>
<p>Charlotte, my son is in his third year at Lawrence and I have visited Appleton. College Ave and environs is a happening place with good restaurants, my favorite coffee shop on the planet, and my favorite pure Americana breakfast joint! From my point of view, the place has a great feel. It was my son's first choice after he visited and met with admissions. By the way, tell them why. Can't hurt.</p>
<p>I guess one way of rephrasing my student body question is that Lawrence has a higher frat/sorority rate than other schools I'm applying to (considering many don't have any at all...) and I'm wondering how much of a presence this is....because everything else about Lawrence seems very nice.</p>
<p>Ah- the frat thing... I can tell you that it's a small (and appears to be shrinking) phenomenon. My daughter's high school principal worked as an admission counselor at Lawrence in the 80's (and we live nowhere near Wisconsin). He told us there was a good size percentage of greeks at that time, and my daughter, like you, saw that as a negative. During her visit senior year she was able to see for herself that in no way does the greek scene (if there even is one) dominate social life at Lawrence. Although they do host some theme parties each year that are open to everyone, this school simply doesn't fit that sterotype (you know, the rah-rah, beer-swilling Baccanallian scene). The reason for this may be the big conservatory presence- these kids are musical, and even the non- conservatory kids seem to be into music in some way. I've read that the percentage of frats is currently around 15%, sororities around 10%. And their activities seem to revolve aorund service projects. If you are a junior or senior, an overnight visit would be the most helpful for you to check the social life.</p>