<p>I loved it when I visited, but I don't know anybody who goes there. I am wondering about the academic intensity, the "culture" (laid back vs uptight), the geographical diversity of the student body (is it still heavily concentrated in NY students?). Also would like to know if the Learning Center and The Writing Center are widely used and perceived as useful.</p>
<p>Any comments from people who know more than what can be seen in a visit would be appreciated.</p>
<p>My daughter goes there. We’re from the midwest. Diversity is one of the reasons we picked it. My D could be herself and not have to be a prep or act a certain way. Yes, she has a friend from NY, but she’s also got friends from other parts of the world - Korea, Switzerland, Caribbean, etc. A lot of the kids are touring in Europe as part of a school trip for spring break. (which is why I can’t tell her to log on and post an answer)</p>
<p>Taft is exactly what it seems. They don’t put on false pretenses for “show” and for “recruiting.” The campus is large without being too large. The food is amazing (I don’t want to go out to eat). Just enough kids where everyone gets to know everyone else. She’s friends with another CC member who hasn’t posted in a while - he’s from China. I hear the students use the learning center and writing centers a lot - but she tends to do one-on-one meetings with teachers for more focused sessions. Most live teachers live on the campus anyway so it’s not a big deal. We just got back from parent weekend a few weeks ago, and there was a formal dance the same weekend. Teachers dressed up to take pictures of the students even if they weren’t going themselves. My daughter loves her advisor (students can switch if they want someone else).</p>
<p>She has a level of familiarity and interaction with her teachers that I didn’t have when I was at Exeter. And when we’re on campus the staff treat us (the parents) like one of the family (instead of parents or potential donors).</p>
<p>She’s been calling it her second “home” so I guess she’s happy with her choice. The kids seem very nice, the work is hard (she’s always doing homework) and they eat a LOT - there are always dorm “feeds.” </p>
<p>My husband were invited to a special event to “look under the hood.” We went to classes, sat in on a mock selection committee, talked to staff. There’s nothing hidden. Said an Adcom - “we have to live with these students 24-7 so we admit ones we like.”</p>
<p>I think Taft is awesome. But as always - what works for us might not work for you. Is it a good fit? Did it feel like you could be there for 3-4 years? If so - there’s no downside.</p>
<p>Thank you so much for that detailed reply. It was very helpful.</p>