St. Lawrence vs. Fairfield University vs. Sewanee (University of the South) vs. Connecticut College

Sewanee also has a reputation for being a huge party school. Have had many friends research and visit the campus and it is GORGEOUS! One friends son spent a weekend visiting when he was considering it, he ended up alone in a dorm because the student who was his host was partying all weekend. I am sure there are students who don’t party all the time but it is the general consensus that the majority of the students like their alcohol and drugs. If you would consider a small private school in TN, take a look at Lipscomb University in Nashville TN.

claiming that it’s general consensus that the majority of Sewanee kids like their drugs is just not right, and highly insulting. The school is heavily Greek because its so isolated. The kids stay on campus and make their own fun as opposed to heading into town and hitting up bars (like most other college students do around the country). It’s illegal at Sewanee to have drugs and its taken very seriously with expulsion as the result. are there drugs there? Of course - just like every campus in the country you will find kids who do drugs. To say the majority like drugs is just not right.

Greek parties are open to everyone on campus and the groups coordinate so that one group has a band on Friday and another has a band on Saturday so that there is no overlap.

The Vice Chancellor is a very big proponent of keeping the kids on campus so that they can avoid kids driving off campus and drinking then driving back up the mountain. Do the kids drink at Sewanee - sure. Just like every campus in the country not called Oral Roberts and BYU. Its also very challenging academically and with such small class sizes the students are expected to attend class and also be prepared to discuss topics not just take notes.

Sewanee is not for everyone,. but those that like it thrive and they have an amazing alumni base and support system.

Thank you Lennon. Great video. My daughter received a booklet this week with stories about recent graduates and what they are doing now and Jacquelline Sovie was included in the booklet. It really seems like St. Lawrence has a strong alumni network.

I am starting to think that just about every school can be labeled a “party school” depending on who you talk to. My daughter just got back from accepted student overnights at St. Lawrence and Sewanee. She had a great experience at both but is leaning toward Sewanee at this point. After speaking to students at both schools she feels comfortable that although there is a party element for those that want to participate, there are also plenty of other activities for students who aren’t into partying to engage in. If not for the distance I think her decision would be made. Both schools seem to have a great alumni network and many opportunities for internships and study abroad. We are visiting Connecticut College on Monday for their accepted student day but as of now we are thinking that the difference in cost is probably too much to justify. I think we have taken Fairfield off our list given negative feedback that we have received about their lack of assistance in helping students find internships and with career placement.

St. Lawrence is great for 2 sport athletes. St. Lawrence is well known for its strong alumni network. But it is located in a rural, fairly isolated area. Okay for those who plan to spend a year, or two semesters in different years, abroad.

If you have been offered need-based financial aid by Connecticut College, if you bring St. Lawrence’s better offer to their attention, maybe Conn Coll will match it.

Connecticut College is the best of your choices especially for one who is “definitely not into partying”

Sewanee–University of the South is isolated–as is St. Lawrence–and that does lead to partying to alleviate boredom.

Based on your description of your daughter & of her likes & dislikes, Davidson College would be a good match (although I do not know her stats).

@maroon79 I’m so sorry for making that broad generalization. You are correct in that it was not right and I apologize. The information that I have is only what I have been told by numerous individuals who have considered the university in the past. Have a nice evening!

She was offered no need-based financial aid anywhere. She was only offered merit aid. Her merit offer at Connecticut College we are told is the highest they offer - $20,000. We did appeal the financial aid decision at all of the schools to no avail and asked Connecticut if they would match her other merit offers. They won’t. She was also admitted to Smith College (my alma mater) and Lafayette College in Easton, PA but received no merit or financial aid so those schools are basically off the table at this point. She is waitlisted at Colgate but even if she gets in will probably receive no aid. She has a 4.2 GPA (unweighted), plays varsity tennis at her high school, is on student council and participates in many activities. She submitted voice and art portfolios to all her schools. She is not a good standardized test taker and got a 31 on the ACT after 3 attempts. I think her ACT score may account for the lack of merit aid at Smith and Lafayette.