<p>Hey - I am basically trying to decide between these two colleges. I have visited both and am impressed with both. I dont have a "gut" feeling for one or the other and I think I could be happy at either college. I'm just wondering what might be some of the pros/ cons for each college?</p>
<p>I have already done a fair amount of research and they are very similar, I just want more perspectives. I am also gay and was wondering if anyone had any insight on that for either college.</p>
<p>What about finances? Is it an issue? If so, what is the aid/scholarship you received from both the schools?</p>
<p>Finances are not an issue, something that my dad keeps stressing to me. Technically I received a lot more from SLU than HWS (merit) but my dad insists that I should not choose based off that.</p>
<p>What is your intended major?</p>
<p>I plan to double major, in what? I am not 100% sure yet. I like the idea of studying economics for one major, and the other is pretty open. </p>
<p>But I know students constantly change their minds, even students who have thought they wanted to do “x” their whole life. Annd thats why I’m going with a LAC :).</p>
<p>If you’d like any other information just ask :)</p>
<p>SLU is very good about networking with alumni and helping with finding internships, jobs etc. Both are excellent schools, one of my children is a SLU alum. </p>
<p>We have visited HWS & were very impressed, but our applicant decided not to apply. </p>
<p>You have a tough decision to make! Best wishes!</p>
<p>My son visited both schools and ultimately decided to apply to SLU and not HWS. He has also decided to attend SLU so take the following with a LARGE grain of salt. </p>
<p>First, I cannot tell you which of the schools might be right for you (and frankly no one other than you can do that). However, I can tell you why my son gravitated to SLU over HWS:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>The students. He found the SLU kids less uniformily preppy and the environment a bit more diverse. As he attends a pretty diverse public school south of the Mason Dixon line (40% Black, 35% Hispanic, 25% White and the balance mixed), he thought that although SLU was a bit Whiter than he would like, there was a bit more diversity at SLU. He also thought the SLU students were friendlier and a bit more intellectually driven.</p></li>
<li><p>He wants to study Psych or NeuroScience (with a Film minor) and SLU seemed to have the stronger programs in these areas. It also has a new science center.</p></li>
<li><p>General reputation. Although close in the US News Rank, our personal and highly unscientific poll of educators and persons who know both schools found that SLU is more highly regarded.</p></li>
<li><p>Sports. He wants to continue to row in college. While HWS has the stronger program historically, he clicked better with the SLU coach and was intrigued by the prospect of helping the program raise its stature. </p></li>
</ol>
<p>This all said, HWS is a fine school with its advantages. I think he found the HWS campus more beautiful (heck, it is on a lake!) and easier to get to from most places, including where we live. However, for my boy, SLU was the clear choice.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>@SLUMOM: Yea, from researching it seems SLU offers the best alumni network. Naturally all schools take pride in their alumni network but SLU seemed especially so, and seemed to have the most to back it up with. Any chance you could offer more insight on why your applicant chose SlU over HWS?</p>
<p>@Kiltdad: Thanks for the insight! I know technically SLU is ranked higher, and everytime I tell someone either SLU or HWS (who know about the colleges) say “wow those are great schools”. So thats awesome. But yea the new science building is awesome but I agree and think HWS is prettier. But hey I’m also thinking of doing crew for college (walk on)!</p>
<p>Any chance either of you (or someone else!) knows something about their economics department? Based off their alumni network it seems like SLU offers a lot of good internship opportunities for econ, and I havent checked out HWS yet.</p>
<p>Any any insight/ speculation about being gay at HWS/ SLU? I know they are both accepting and thats not much of an issue anyways, I get along well with everyone. But more in terms of gay community/ scene?</p>
<p>We did not have to make a decision between SLU & HWS. HWS was another child!
Child who chose SLU was very happy there & is an outdoorsy type. </p>
<p>You probably could walk on for crew, we have seen the students on campus recruiting for crew, both the men and the women. </p>
<p>I don’t know anything about the economics dept, so I can’t help you there. </p>
<p>SLU connections last a lifetime, my H & I still get invited to SLU athetic events, receptions etc in our geographic region, which is kind of nice!</p>
<p>No idea about economics but I suspect both schools have strong econ departments. You may wish to go online and checkout professors and course selections, as well as any student profiles. Also, feel free to contact admissions and see if you can speak to a student or professor (my son did this). </p>
<p>If you do choose SLU, talk to George Repicky the crew coach. He’s a great guy and use to working with walk ons along with more experienced rowers. Also, if you want, shoot me a side email and I’ll have my son give you a shout out.</p>
<p>As for the gay community, my son is straight but has several G&L friends in school. While the issue did not come up directly I know that he found the students at SLU generally warm and open.</p>