<p>I'm making some last minute decisions regarding some of my college choices, and I have run across a dilemma - location. Many of my top schools, such as Stanford, Berkeley, and Amherst all have great locations, with big cities or other colleges nearby (or both). Yet, as I run down my list, I find myself choosing schools like Kenyon College, and Whitman College for some of my more "fit" schools that match my current academic portfolio (they accept 20-25% more than the "reach" colleges I listed above). I want to include these colleges, to balance my admissions process, (to ensure I don't unrealistically apply to only "reach" schools), and because I have really fallen in love with the colleges themselves. I love Kenyon's writing/English focused culture, even if I am going to major in something else, and I find Whitman intriguing, with its architecture, style, and overall vibe from students. However, both of these colleges are in rather secluded areas - being in Ohio, and Washington (state) respectively, and not near any large cities in those states. </p>
<p>My simple question is: has anyone gone to a school "in the middle of nowhere" as it is commonly dubbed? Was it horrible? Were you concerned with schoolwork and college activities to the point that you didn't notice it was out in the "boonies", so to speak? What was that experience like, and do you feel like it affected where you worked/studied later in life? </p>
<p>As a little bit of personal background - I love the outdoors, and I am not a huge fan of cities, although I am definitely not opposed to them. </p>
<p>Thanks for reading this long entry, I like my own voice too much.</p>
<p>I’ll try to convey some of the feedback my daughter has given me. She turned down Berkeley to go to Whitman, yet she likes cities and plans to move to NY after graduation. She says she doesn’t regret her decision. There are several benefits to schools like Whitman and Kenyon. Because there aren’t city distractions, the kids stay on campus on the weekends (or off campus activities) which really brings the student body closer. At Whitman there are IM sports, skiing, kayaking, etc along with theater, clubs, speakers etc etc. She uses the workout facilities, does stuff with her friends, has a bike (as do a lot of her friends). Whitman is right in the middle of a very charming part of Walla Walla, so coffee shops, restaurants and vintage clothing stores are a 5 min. walk, and that helps. Also, there are a lot of breaks in college–a week at Thanksgiving, a month in winter, and 2 weeks in spring. It’s the friendliness of the (very smart) students that I think she likes so much and I think the setting enhances that. It also creates a very level playing field in terms of the wealthy/financial aid students because there’s really nothing to spend a lot of money on while you’re there.</p>
<p>I know nothing about the particular colleges you have mentioned.</p>
<p>However, overall, I feel that very isolated colleges (particularly in colder climates during the winter months) lead to excessive alcohol consumption. Also, colleges in isolated locations typically offer much less opportunity for internships, for guest speakers, and for adjunct instructors who can bring a wide breadth of practical knowledge of a field. Many students of isolated small colleges complain that too much attention is focused upon gossip and “everyone knows what everyone else is doing.” To gain a real education, I believe you need to be around families with kids, poor people, rich people, older persons, blue collar folks, and minorities vs. just other priviledged students.</p>
<p>I’m another mother of a Whitman student, my son is a freshman. You may not find a lot of Whitman students responding, they are pretty busy and don’t seem to spend much time on CC. My son was accepted to UC Berkeley, Bowdoin, Tufts, and Macalester as well as Whitman. In the end, he decided Whitman was the best fit. </p>
<p>He’s having a terrific time, in class and out. Walla Walla is a nice little town, with enough going on that he doesn’t feel stranded or claustrophobic. There’s an extremely active outdoor program, son has taken up rock climbing and has been on 2 climbing trips in Oregon. Club and intramural sports are very popular, locals play on his rugby team. The Walla Walla community is welcome to come to performances and lectures, seems like there is a lot of cross pollination. </p>
<p>The student body is incredibly friendly, my son has made a ton of friends. These kids are nice, well balanced, smart and active. The weather is much better than in the NE or Midwest. While I’m sure there are plenty of parties, but I don’t think that people drink themselves silly every weekend. </p>
<p>You might post these questions on the Whitman and Kenyon forums, your answers about post graduation life are more likely to be answered there. </p>
<p>I attended college in the late 70’s, but your question seems timeless to me, so I’ll respond… I attended Bucknell at a time when people (in my area of MD at least) didn’t know about it. It definitely rates as in the boonies, and had a population of 3100 at the time.</p>
<p>I love visiting cities, but I couldn’t imagine living in one. Too much noise. Too much crime. Too many people. I wanted a school with a population under 10,000 and surrounding beauty is really important to me. We used to joke about how we were so isolated from reality on campus, but my sense is that most of us looked on it as something to savor. Most kids stayed on campus and there was always plenty to do: frat parties if you wanted music and people, smaller activities, seminars, visiting artists and musicians. Back then I figured I’d probably retire to a small college town where I would enjoy the peace and quiet, but still have access to cultural activities through the school.</p>
<p>If you’re a high-energy type that loves city life, you’d probably be miserable in the boonies. If you’re somewhere along the middle of the spectrum, you can probably be happy in almost any physical location as long as your other important factors are covered. And if you’re a born “country mouse”, you’ll probably be miserable in a city environment.</p>
<p>disclaimer: I’m an introverted country mouse, so your mileage may vary…</p>
<p>I didn’t find the heavy drinking (okay, sure, it was available and a few overdid it, but it wasn’t a widespread problem). I didn’t experience Bucknell as a gossip-fest either, though you could probably find gossip-minded folks if that’s what you wanted.</p>
<p>If you personally feel comfortable with the locations, I wouldn’t worry about other people’s experiences too much. Unless it’s physically impossible, you should visit any LAC you’re strongly considering, even if it’s in the city. Yes, some people go nuts in those little towns, but I think that most of them felt pretty worried about it when they visited campus (or didn’t visit). If you visited and felt “This is wonderful! I can’t wait to move here!” then that’s all that matters.</p>
<p>I’m not sure that drinking is any more prevalent at small rural colleges than other schools. From what my Whitman kid says, drinking subsides somewhat after freshman year.</p>
<p>I have been on several college visits to several small LACs…I find them to be a bit boring if located in the middle of nowhere. So now I am only looking at urban/suburban LACs because being close to a city is really important. Just hard to find the right mix between urban yet campus feel</p>
<p>Each person has a take on the pros and cons of isolated schools. If you could visit at least one of the schools you are considering (and I know that is hard to do), it might help. These smaller schools tend to have somewhat distinct “personalities” and fit is more important when your school is not only small, but remote. If you can’t go to a specific school you are interested in, try a visit to a local small school with a similar sensibility to the ones you are focused on in your research. I have a child at an isolated, rural LAC and a one at a larger, urban center school. The one who is isolated has enjoyed the campus focus, the personal connections to profs. (who got to know each student very quickly), the chance to dive into leadership roles on campus and the “sanctuary” of academic focus. This experience was augmented with a program abroad and a semester at an urban university. Best of all worlds. My other child would have missed urban options and is happier “downtown”. It’s not only about knowing yourself, but considering what you want the college years of your life to be. Many students at both types of schools are off campus for a semester or two, which can break it up, regardless of what direction you choose. You are sure to have good options, and are asking the “right” questions. All the best!</p>
<p>I’m with sep200 including the two kids, one at a rural LAC, the other at a large private Uni. Neither would swap with the other so it’s all about knowing yourself, and where you are happiest.</p>
<p>Shiny, I haven’t been to Whitman, but we spent a weekend on campus at Kenyon and we were charmed by the ambience. </p>
<p>My son, who had only ever lived in mega-cities, was surprised to find himself attracted to rural, isolated schools, but at the end of his college search three of his top choices were Williams, Hamilton and Kenyon. Ultimately he chose Williams, which in the gradation of rural colleges, is somewhat less isolated than Kenyon and Hamilton, in that there is a town – a village really – within walking distance. </p>
<p>He had a wonderful experience at Williams and took full advantage of the natural, outdoorsy attractions of the mountain environment and the camaraderie of the insular community. Getting to New York or Boston once a term or so, either for an academic or social event, was easily doable. He was always happy to return to the Williams bubble. </p>
<p>After graduation and a respite at an urban job, he’s back at a rural graduate school. As others have stressed, it’s a personal preference, but those who like it, love it. It helps if you enjoy winter sports.</p>
<p>I wanted to thank each and every one of you for responding so wonderfully to all of my questions. I have determined that it is about me - and I think I know the answer. I will look at Williams, although it looks like its going to be a reach (as it is for everyone). Again, I am eternally grateful for the input. </p>
<p>I have never been a fan of cities, and academics have been my main focus. I think that as long as I have good people around me, a connection to the outside world somehow - the internet, television - that I will be fine. Thank you all. Your posts cleared some things up for me.</p>
<p>Shiny, my D is at Williams and enjoys it for all the reasons mentioned by momrath. At such a small school, you need much less discretionary spending money (but for us, more in travel). I doubt however that Williams’ students spend much time watching TV. Even facebook posts seems to be infrequent for most Williams’ students. D tells me that academics are intense and most students are involved with as many extra-curriculars as they can handle. However, many students and professors stress that it’s not competitive.</p>
<p>Agreed GTalum. I didn’t mean to say that I am addicted to any internet or TV source. Ironically, I don’t have a Facebook, and I rarely watch TV. I don’t play video games either. I guess, in a sense, I am really in love with reading, music, and discussing things - things of any kind. That comprises the majority of my existence, and it suits me well. I am very involved at my high school, and plan to be when I go to college!</p>