<p>So the college admissions craziness is finally over, and I'm lucky enough to have been accepted to my top three choices. Now I'm a bit stuck.</p>
<p>I applied to all my schools with the intention of going into English or history, but I have gained an appreciation for math within the past sixth months. Anyway, from what I understand, each of these colleges has a strong math program alongside strong humanities and social science courses. I figure that gives me some flexibility regarding my major, seeing as I'm not sure what I want to do. Now I've visited all three campuses (for tours, not overnights, so my knowledge is limited) and I'm particularly attracted to Reed, but I love the other two colleges also. I'm interested in a career in academia, so perhaps that is why I am drawn to Reed, but I feel like I can't really go wrong at any of these schools.</p>
<p>Anyway, assuming money isn't a problem (realistically, we're waiting on Haverford's financial aid package; Reed and Grinnell's packages were comparable and doable, but I may attend Haverford if significantly more money is offered), which of these schools would you suggest? I understand this is a pretty vague question, but I'm just asking for some general feelings and comparisons between the three schools. </p>
<p>The three schools are regarded equally in academia (very well). It is impossible to determine beforehand, with small departments, where your best chemistry is likely to be.
I almost need to know more about you. There is no generic right answer.</p>
<p>I think you already have your answer. You are most drawn to Reed, but not by so much that a significant aid advantage would not sway you toward Haverford. That is a good way to size up this choice.</p>
<p>All three are great schools: We visited Haverford and really liked it, have a neighbor’s son at Reed who loves it, and S visited and then ED’d at Grinnell because it felt so right. All three will give you the kind of rigorous prep you need for academia. </p>
<p>I would argue that this is really more about personal fit (and money). If Reed feels more right than the other two, and you can make the finances work, then go there. If it helps, there are no wrong decisions here, just the one that was best for you.</p>
<p>I agree with everyone. You’re fortunate you’re not choosing amongst Reed and other larger universities, it has little in common with because wherever you go, you’ll still feel it’s similiar to Reed, in academic and non-academic terms. Your choices speak very highly of how you approached the application process-you have more than just a vague idea of what you want out of your college experience. Kudos!</p>
<p>Congrats! All three are great schools. They do have a different feel from one another though. What is your personality like? What do you envision yourself doing on the weekends? I have a friend whose daughter goes to Reed and it fits her well. She is very intellectual and has no use for sports or school spirit. She wanted a very quirky type school so it fits her quite well. Our son is going to Grinnell in the fall and the fit was a perfect blend of what he was looking for. He did a weekend with a overnight. He liked that the school has an incredible reputation and is very intellectual, while also attracting kids that aren’t snooty and full of themselves. They also offer a wide range of sports that bring the students together(school spirit). He liked that the activities are all free to the students and the campus was compact with great facilities. What they have is top notch. Their endowment doesn’t hurt either. Haverford is comparable to Grinnell. I think that in your case, fit will be key.</p>
<p>Thanks for the positive responses everyone. I’m really lucky that I have to make this kind of decision.</p>
<p>I guess I have a couple more specific questions:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Is anyone familiar with the math department at each of these schools? I know they are naturally good at the liberal artsy subjects (English, History, etc), and I also know that each of these schools has a pretty distinguished science department. I almost never hear about math, though. From what I gather, these schools have good math departments, but I really lack any specific details.</p></li>
<li><p>What is the social environment at Haverford like? I only did a tour, no overnight, and I enjoyed the students that I met. But, judging from some of the comments on this board and other sources, Haverford can have a more preppy/jocky feel. Is this true? I didn’t really get that vibe when I was there, but you can only learn so much from a two hour tour. I guess what I’m asking is, if someone felt very, very comfortable at Reed, would he or she also feel comfortable at Haverford?</p></li>
</ol>
<p>But, with respect to the culture of Haverford, I think it’s great. I don’t think you’ll find it particularly jocky/preppy. In fact quite the opposite.</p>
<p>I think some people on CC have noted that b/c of its small size about 40% of students play a varsity sport. But, for the most part, even the athletes tend to be more quirky/intellectual than jocky/preppy/preprofessional. Even just looking at the 15-20 leading LACs, I think more tha half would be considered more jocky. That said, athletics are respected as part of the college experience and the development of the “whole person” for students who choose to make it a part of their College experience. The emphasis is on inclusion. </p>
<p>It’s more “jocky” than Swarthmore. No different than Grinnell. Less jocky than Williams.</p>
<p>maxdel, what kind of details are you looking for about the Math Departments? I know all three have a focus on Sciences and Math, so they’re not purely “Liberal Artsy”, in the way some other colleges are.</p>