<p>I have read a lot of impressive things about Rhodes's science program, and its business program. And I think I have read, although I could be wrong (some days all of the colleges kind of blur together) that Rhodes attracts a lot of pre-professional kids (pre-med, pre-law, pre-MBA). I am a little worried that my son will not find "his tribe" (as I have seen some people refer to the social, inter-personal kind of "fit").</p>
<p>Can anyone comment on how a left-leaning, semi-vegetarian, non-conformist (he shaved his head last week on a dare, for example) kid who has little to no idea what kind of career path he will follow but who really is excited about learning for the sake of learning (and who has no interest in sports or frats) might fit in at Rhodes?</p>
<p>“left-leaning, semi-vegetarian, non-conformist (he shaved his head last week on a dare, for example) kid who has little to no idea what kind of career path he will follow but who really is excited about learning for the sake of learning and who has no interest in sports or frats”</p>
<p>Sounds like Reed or U of Chicago would be a MUCH better fit for your Son.</p>
<p>You did not mention test scores or academics… but you might look into: Wesleyan, New College of Florida, Hampshire College, Antioche, University of Vermont…</p>
<p>First stop: New College of Florida. Very interesting school…new age approach, particularly interesting assessment practices.</p>
<p>OP, my D’s close friends at Rhodes are of every conceivable tribe. A save the world “hippy-ish” Greek and Roman Studies Major, a crunchy-granola kayaker from New England, a lesbian with an eye for the seminary, and “a lot of pre-professional kids (pre-med, pre-law, pre-MBA)”.</p>
<p>Hopefully your kid is not looking for uniformity in his friends and class-mates. IMO that would be quite dull. If he has a strong sense of self I know he’d be fine. (Google Anthony Siracusa at Rhodes. Maybe a kindred spirit. Here’s a link but there is lot’s more on this kid. Quite impressive. <a href=“http://www.rhodes.edu/about/9625.asp[/url]”>http://www.rhodes.edu/about/9625.asp</a>) </p>
<p>As to Rhodes and liberal arts /humanities…VERY strong. Writing well is expected. My D is taking a “Women in Chinese Literature” course and a “Qu’ran” course both of which are stretching her little hillbilly brain…and she’s a pre-med ;). The Search sequence she took was an awakening. Just what college should be.</p>
<p>It is not homogenous but it is NOT Bard or Reed or Oberlin or Wesleyan or even Grinnell. Some students would be more comfortable at a school where their tribe would be in the majority. If that is your kid (and mine at 18 may well have fit that category but not now) Rhodes may not be the right place , but…he won’t scare many away with a shaved head and left-leaning politics.</p>
<p>hi! as a current student i wanted to weigh in on this debate about the left-leaning, semi-vegetarian finding a place at rhodes–from my experiences here, i think he would do fine here. diversity of all sorts is not only welcomed but embraced. i have several friends that are certainly on the left when it comes to politics, and although there are certainly debates between left and the right, that is what makes college interesting and an experience for growth. i think growth typically occurs best when you are surrounded by many people who hold many different opinions about many things, but still have an underlying foundation of respect for one another, and this is exactly what rhodes offers. i am also a “semi-vegetarian” and am interested in eating as locally and sustainably as possible. i am also a somewhat “picky eater” and have had no trouble finding lots of dishes at rhodes that meet my dietary requirements–and there are several fantastic restaurants that are very close to campus as well!<br>
although there are many conservatives at Rhodes, there is also a surprising amount of left-leaning liberals that feel just as “at home” here politically as anyone else. i strongly believe that your son wouldn’t have any trouble making friends as long as he is willing to reach out to people that differ from him (and it sounds like he is). i would certainly recommend that he try out an overnight stay in a campus dorm with other students–he will get a much fuller impression as to what Rhodes students are all about–that is to say, open-minded, friendly to a fault, and always interested to learn about life from new perspectives.</p>
<p>best of luck!
KO</p>
<p>koveracre, what a great response.</p>
<p>As was yours curmudgeon - as usual. Thanks BTW</p>
<p>many thanks curmudgeon! i always enjoy reading your responses about rhodes–you have a very thorough knowledge of the school–plus i always get a little laugh out of your choice of screenname. :)</p>