<p>I am applying to colleges as we speak and have visited and liked St. Olaf. I was wondering what other colleges are like St. Olaf (high academics, amazing music program, campus feel, etc.), especially including colleges/universities outside of Minnesota. Any suggestions?</p>
<p>You might want to look at Lawrence U in Appleton WI. St. Olaf was my daughter’s #1 school for 2 years until she did an accepted students weekend at Lawrence. The 2 schools are closely ranked. Lawrence is on a trimester schedule where the students are off from Thanksgiving through New Year’s (with an optional Dec. term). Lawrence is a little smaller but my daughter doesn’t mind. She likes that the college is downtown Appleton where there are things to do. You don’t have to be a music conservatory student to participate in music at Lawrence.</p>
<p>Another school you might want to look at is Luther College in Iowa.</p>
<p>I know someone who was drawn to St. Olaf and applied there (partly because of an interest in music), but ended up at Kenyon (in Ohio) and has been quite happy at Kenyon. </p>
<p>Oberlin. Music Conservatory, strong academics. Also agree on Lawrence suggested above.</p>
<p>Vassar
Illinois Wesleyan</p>
<p>Gustavus Adolphus College is the most comparable private college in Minnesota to St. Olaf. </p>
<p>Grinnell</p>