I’ve been accepted to these two schools but I can’t seem to pick which one I want to go to. I feel both schools fit me well. I’m quirky, love music and playing instruments, and I love being outdoors, volunteering, and traveling. Which school is better academically? Kalamazoo almost seemed more rigorous and does better academically, especially seeing their results on the Collegiate Learning Assessment. Does one school prepare you for your job better than the other? Both schools seem to have successful alumni and the people at both schools seem very smart (by the way I’m not sure what I want to major in). Yet, is one school stronger than the other when it comes to academics, career planning, internships, job opportunities once one left college, etc.? Honestly it’d be nice to know anything about the two schools that are from a students or parents perspective. So anything helps! I’ve done my research and I’m having so much trouble making up my mind! Both are amazing schools.
Go with your heart – whichever feels like “home” to you. They are both strong schools, with an emphasis on study abroad and independent research. Neither has Greek life, each has its own traditions. As Wooster is in the middle of Ohio, the winters might not be quite as long as in Kalamazoo, but even that difference is going to be insignificant – on our Wooster tour, the guide talked about filling the archway with snow, so they obviously get plenty of winter weather.
My friend @minohi went through the exact same conflict. Maybe he can help you more. I’m not the most familiar with Ohio schools but I don’t think one is stronger than the other academically.
One quick correction. Wooster does have Greek life. It isn’t dominated by it, but there are both sororities and fraternities on campus. Both are great schools. Wooster’s emphasis on independent study and mentoring is what is most unique about it. I know less about Kalamazoo.
My stepson is a Kalamazoo grad. Don’t know much about the College of Wooster. What my SS liked about Kalamazoo was the K-Plan. It offered a great deal of flexibility, which was good for him. He had many interests. Plus internship and shadowing programs along with study abroad were all big pluses as well.
The only negative was that (at least when he went) the vast majority of his fellow students were from Michigan. He did a backpack/hiking trip with other incing freshmen before classes started–it was a great way to meet kids with similar interests before classes started. Both these schools should offer you strong academics. I don’t think one is more likely than the other to help you with career opportunities. Go with the one that “speaks to you.”
I just came out of making this exact same decision. While I personally picked Wooster, I’m not going to say that its the right school for you, because it might not be. The way I made my decision was based solely on the feeling I got while visiting. The campus and city of Wooster felt like home to me. I didn’t get that feeling at all from Kalamazoo. They’re both very similar in terms of prestige and academic rigor, so that won’t be a factor. Since its a little too late to visit if you haven’t already, my suggestion to you is to flip a coin. If it lands on heads, its Kalamazoo. Tails is Wooster. You’ll learn a lot about which school is right for you through this method. (You don’t necessarily attend the school you land on. It’s just to help you get a feeling of which one you like better.)
Thanks @TheDidactic for directing me here! If you have specific questions about either school, please feel free to message me!
Sorry for the such late response! @mikemac@Midwestmomofboys@minohi@Bromfield2@profparent@TheDidactic Thank you so much for answering! Honestly this actually helped me calm down. The decision was just so stressful. I decided to attend Wooster! I visited both and love what both have at the schools. Yet, I felt a little better connected to Wooster, and I’m very sad to say no to Kalamazoo, but I’m happy with my decision! Thanks again!