<p>My son was accepted to both and is really torn. He loved his overnight stay at St. Olaf and liked what he heard about study abroad programs and the math department there. This week he travels to Carleton for their accepted students' event. We will leave the decision up to him, but I thought I'd ask folks here: what qualities would lead you to choose St. Olaf over Carleton (he is not a music person, btw)?</p>
<p>Carleton has a stronger academic reputation, much more so than St Olaf.</p>
<p>Carleton has three 10 week semesters and St Olaf two 15 week semesters with a 3 week January term.</p>
<p>Consequently, there is no mingling of classes or taking classes ar the other college _ first: because of the different schedules and second: because of the long term (now benign) rivalry of the two schools.</p>
<p>In the past 20+ years both colleges have matured and changed. Both are now nationally known schools. Carleton has achieved a high standing based on academic progress. It is an excellent LAC with just under 2000 students. It's campus is nice set up with somewhat older buildings in very good condition.</p>
<p>St Olaf has around 3,000 students and is nationally known more for it's excellent Music programs. It is an excellent LAC, not as well known for academics, the campus is beautiful with mostly newer buildings excellently planned and very functionally designed.</p>
<p>Both used to have primarily Minnesota/Wisconsin students, but that is changing rapidly. </p>
<p>Carleton is about $6-8,000 more expensive than St Olaf and St Olaf is more generous giving merit scholarships.</p>
<p>Carleton seems to attracted more Nerds (in a positive sense) and St Olaf more Jocks (equally positive). Both campus seem very alive and the students at each seem to be happy where they are. Any rivalry is muted except for athletic contests.</p>
<p>Whichever school is the better 'fit' for your child will provide an excellent education and experience. It should be up to your child which school 'feels' right for him.</p>
<p>From what I've heard--and my son is a Soph at St. Olaf--the stereotypical students of each are quite different, so your son should consider the type of kids he is most comfortable hanging around. I can tell you for sure, that if your son does not want to be around others who drink, espec on the weekends, then St. Olaf will be quite comfortable for him in that regard--it is cool not to drink at St. Olaf (the campus is dry). I would also say that many students there are somewhat religious--not necessarily church-going, but the Daily Chapel open to the entire community sets an incredibly welcoming tone (for Christian students, mainly)That said, it seems that all religious backgrounds are welcomed and conversations about one's faith are encouraged. Maybe someone else could speak on these subjects as far as Carleton is concerned. By the way, my English major-son is more a nerd than jock, as are most of his friends. Good luck to your son on his decision! But, this New Jersey family is now a diehard St. Olaf fan!</p>
<p>I am a St. Olaf grad from many years ago and my daughter is currently a junior at Carleton and dating an Ole so I know both schools well. As the other posters have indicated both have strong academic reputations and for the right student both are great choices. However, they both have their own personalities and a person who really likes one is unlikely to like the other as well. My guess is your son will know which he prefers after his visit to Carleton. </p>
<p>Good luck to your son. He is fortunate to have two good colleges to choose from.</p>
<p>Lizzie1, I will be very interested in your student's decision. My middle D will be attending Carleton next year, but I think that St. Olaf would be a great fit for our youngest D. Please keep us informed as the decision-making progresses. I thought both schools were wonderful.</p>
<p>It looks like our son is choosing Carleton. He spent this past weekend there and loved the other students there, the conversations, the goofy sense of humor, and his glimpses into the academics. We thought that either school would be a good choice for him, but he felt that the atmosphere at Carleton was a closer fit. He said he liked the kids he met at St. Olaf, too, and hoped to see some of them when he goes to Northfield.</p>