<p>D has narrowed her choices down to Washington and Lee and St. Olaf. Have visited both. Love both for their academics and college community. Worried a little about the W&L social emphasis on the greek system, however the academics are a huge draw. St Olaf presents a bit of the opposite question. We love the campus environment but I'm wondering if the academics are top tier. D is interested in history/philosophy/international relations. Voracious reader and thinker. Thinks she'd like to continue with a PhD and stay in academics.</p>
<p>Would appreciate any who can help us navigate this difficult (but I suspect, no-lose) situation.</p>
<p>Thank you.</p>
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<p>From St. Olaf College Wikipedia page:</p>
<p>St. Olaf ranks 8th overall among baccalaureate colleges in the number of graduates who go on to earn doctoral degrees …</p>
<p>D is in interested in philosophy? On the wikipedia page you can read about the Kierkegaard library.</p>
<p>I felt like St. Olaf was very intellectual and academic even for top students when we visited. Their core classes – which includes their Conversations classes seems to really produce top notch thinkers. The students I met there were very impressive in their academic enthusiasm. I would not have any concern on that measure. Good luck with your decision.</p>
<p>I also would not have any concern with the academic quality here. As with any college, you can skim through classes and do okay, or you can really get involved in your education and learn soooo much in conversation with peers and profs. I often have in-depth conversations with roommates and friends about life/consciousness/religion/politics/zombie apocalypse/whatever, and I know many other people who looooove doing the insane amount of Great Conversation reading and talking about it. If your daughter does end up deciding on St. Olaf, I definitely recommend Great Con. So much discussion! I got easy As in high school in many AP courses and thought I wanted to go for the absolute highest ranked college I could get into, but I think if you have the motivation, you will definitely succeed in any rank of college (not that Olaf is that low at all, just that it is often perceived that way by CCers).</p>