Small point of clarification for other readers (and I believe this is just a rushed mistype since you know W&L well)… W&L offers both need-based aid AND competitive merit scholarships (not need-based). There are targeted full tuition scholarships (for a Jewish student and also residents of certain regions) and the Johnson full-ride (which has a goal of increasing diversity with about 50% of the recipients, otherwise it is straight merit without regard to financial need).
Not to derail the thread though, as W&L doesn’t sound like a good fit for this student for other reasons.
I don’t recall if that’s in there either. I was just adding info about W&L since it seems to fit a niche group compared to many other schools. The OP may or may not be interested in that niche. They should just know it seems to exist from what I’ve seen.
I agree. W&L is rural and much of the social scene revolves around Greek life. There are definitely other options, but it is a dominant part of campus social life. My left-leaning D is a freshman and has found the campus in general to be moderate or slightly left of center and the majority of students and faculty to be liberal. So the environment seems to be changing from how I historically viewed W&L (to our relief).
Funny I said need based merit only. Duh. Need only except for Johnson (full ride) and others based on where you are from …Dallas / Houston….and the Wei stein for being Jewish. These are tuition only. My daughter was impressed with Jewish life and while she got in, did not win the scholarship. At $81k, we’ll she’s now at Charleston. Not in the same ball park but over $200k less
I am kind of perplexed about why you would say Clemson and Furman are a firm no for a Jewish student, yet recommend Oberlin. I think no matter what the school, it is imperative to do your research. Reach out to Hillel, ask to speak with Jewish students at the school etc As a Southerner, the bible thumping football coach at Clemson is a non issue for my family. The virulent anti Israel activity targeting Jews at many Northern LACs is far more concerning to us.
I second this. My kid has been shocked at the antisemitism at NE liberal arts colleges; she had never seen that before, but I guess in the last few years the Palestinian issue has really changed the tone.
Because I am looking at Jewish presence and activity on campus. Will the student see another Jew? Will people look at them funny when finding out they are Jewish or ignore them outright?
None of us know what it feels like to be in another’s shoes. I don’t know what it is like to be black or Hispanic
I do know what it’s like to be a 50 year old jewish man Who grew up in San Diego 35 years ago. Or having recent graduates from a top rated suburban HS in Nashville where you had to go to Cincinnati for Jewish youth group and you were the one and only every year in HS. That’s what Clemson, LSU, Ole Miss will be like for the Jewish student.
Unfortunate but true. There is anti Semitism rampant in the country and on campus. You are taking a political stand of anti Israel. That’s your belief. I’m not here to talk politics but to give advice from my perspective on being a Jewish student where there are few.
Many schools are unable or unwilling to tackle what is often horrific behavior. That, however, is different from the jewish student finding similar kids and an active life should they want it, which will happen at a school like Oberlin.
I agree, Brandeis will be competitive. Consider looking at Wheaton in Norton, Mass. Small LAC, student body seems very nice and accepting, I bet they have Hillel. Very supportive with academics, seems strong with the sciences. Give good merit. Good luck!
Again OP is looking for a community. We are American and this is not about politics. Far right Christians, are some of the most supportive of Israel there is. They are also some of the most exclusionary people. I’m trying not to be political here. OP needs to find a place of comfort. Oberlin, since it was brought up, is a quarter Jewish. OP will find their crowd.
Most kids are not involved in politics
You all see some stances as anti-Israel. There are equal amounts of people, many Jewish, that see the opposite.
But that’s not the point.
The point is to get the OP to a place they are not alone.
I often recommend W&L to URMs. The Johnson is just too good. Others respond that it’s too white or Christian, just not good for a URM.
I’d use that same argument for Clemson and Furman and to a lesser extent Rhodes for a Jew.
Differing opinions. Mine is from a middle aged jewish guy living in the South with two recent HS grads where being Jewish definitely hindered their social opportunities but both see a ‘fairer’ environment at Bama and Charleston respectively.
Wheaton has a tiny Jewish population (I saw a recent estimate of 6% which is a small number at a small college) and an “every other month” religious services schedule (i.e. 5 times per year). There are better options for the D if she’s actively looking for campus Jewish life…
Thanks everyone. Risk of small LAC is difficulty to be able to find your crowd. Since DD is very social (Greek life is fine), supporting Israel (with close relatives there), and active in Jewish community - good fit is critical. We are not on the left or on the right… Totally independent. She knows how to keep her mouth shut with the wrong crowd. We would prefer college more focused on academics vs politics but that is not the case in the US now… There is no preference to South or the North. Very rural areas probably will not work.
We will visit colleges from the list prior to applying. I would try to cap applications at 15.
I appreciate your input since not all can be discovered during visit.
She’s talking about Clemson - which is known for their college football tailgating. They have a very small Jewish community. If you grew up like my kids, you’d feel ostracized.
I personally felt it was an odd suggestion for merit. U of SC and C of C have merit. From what I’ve read on other chains, Clemson is much more competitive and not as aggressive.
Nonetheless, as a Jewish parent - my child applied to U of SC and UGA - both hours away (and got aid at both) but not Clemson.
Since yours is looking small, within a short drive, and in a city, you are very limited. For those who want merit and medical school requires it so you have more money later, you need to be more open geographically or at least environment wise. For example, many LACs are not in cities, etc. You might look at Ogelthorpe (in a city - Atlanta) as they’ll match UMD tuition.
It just depends how much you’re willing or able to spend - I’m spending $16K on each kid - and when my daughter moves off campus at Charleston it will go up to maybe $20K.
Others are spending $40K, $60K, $80K…just depends where you want to be - and then how flexible you are to get there.
Are you open to either flying or taking the train instead of driving if the situation warrants it?
Is the 14-hours a problem for a one-time trip when taking her to move in freshman year (and also going to graduation), or do you anticipate needing to drive 14 hours every school break, instead of having her fly home?
Looking at the private university list here (Top 60 Private Universities by Jewish Population) Ithaca College, and perhaps GW, American, Drexel and University of Rochester are options you should look at. They all meet the distance and Jewish requirements, and all offer merit. Ithaca seems like an especially good fit, size wise.