Tell me about Lawrence

Colleges & Universities A-Z Lawrence University
1

<p>I'm looking for info about this school for my D (HS senior). She's 


very

interested in music (choral, theory, & piano) but doesn't plan to major in it. Undecided major - considering physics, architecture, engineering, or possibly liberal arts undergrad, going on to grad school in one of the above disciplines. She plans to participate in choral music during college and would love to find a school with decent practice pianos (i.e., in tune! <g>). Being able to take music theory classes as a non-major would be a plus.</g></p>

<p>We know nothing of Lawrence other than what's on their website and the few CC "College Visit" posts. So far, it sounds like a good fit for her. Here's a little bit about her and her stats. I'd appreciate any comments from current students or alumni regarding the fit, her chances, and how much merit aid Lawrence might be expected to give her.</p>

<p>She is quiet, low-key, modest, and politically liberal.</p>

<p>Caucasian female
Arkansas resident
National Merit Semifinalist
AR Governor's School, Summer 2006
Duke TIP Summer Studies 2005
ACT composite 32 (Oct. 2005, will take again this fall)
3.9 unweighted GPA
Very rigorous schedule (is taking 7 AP classes this year)</p>

<p>AP scores so far:
Music Theory - 5
US History - 3
World History - 3
English Comp - 3</p>

<p>EC's & Organizations
In highest-level choral group at magnet HS
All-Region Choir
Awards for highest grade in Music Theory, 10th & 11th
Self-taught pianist
Young Democrats
Quiz Bowl
Tri-M Music Honor Society
National Honor Society
Beta Club</p>

<p>Thanks for any info!</p>

2

<p>I will be happy to address the issues about which I'm somewhat familiar. Your D has a strong academic record and Lawrence might even be considered a match or even a safety for her. Based on her stats, I would say that she is a strong candidate for a merit award -- best guess is in the $10K per year range. </p>

<p>I think she would fit in very well socially/politically. I think there is a range of opinion at Lawrence but my sense is that it would lean left of middle. </p>

<p>There are opportunities for her to sing in the choral groups which are very highly regarded. Both of the choral directors are excellent. I am not sure about how open to non-majors the music theory classes are (other than the 1 course specifically for non-majors) but an email to Gene Biringer (Chair of Music Theory/Composition) would tell you what you need to know. In our experience, the faculty are very approachable and eager to be helpful. </p>

<p>The other advantage of Lawrence is their 5-year double degree program. This may be something for your daughter to explore if she's struggling with hanging onto music while studying other disciplines. Lawrence is very strong in sciences so it would be a good fit for her interests in physics, for example. </p>

<p>If Lawrence is/becomes one of her top choices, I would strongly encourage a visit if at all possible. If not, do contact faculty with any questions that are not answered on the website. </p>

<p>I will be more knowledgable as the year goes on -- we set off next week to move D to campus. We are very pleased that she chose Lawrence and look forward to a very rewarding college experience for her.</p>

3

<p>Thanks so much, musicmomic!</p>

4

<p>I'm a second year philosophy/math student at Lawrence who also participates in the jazz program at Lawrence.</p>

<p>Opportunity for non-majors: at Lawrence there is virtually no discrimination between majors and non-majors in the music department. The only exceptions I can think of is that piano majors get priority for the best practice pianos (but they're usually free anyway) and I think that in the more crowded instruments, majors may get priority for lessons with certain teachers. They do not consider if you're a major when you audition for ensembles. You can also sign up for all of the same classes as music majors. Lawrence is a great place to be if you want to major in something academic and still play music seriously.</p>

<p>Your daughter's interests: Lawrence has a spectacular physics program. It's easily one of the best departments at Lawrence. However, you mentioned your daughter is interested in architecture and engineering. Lawrence does not offer these majors. The closest thing to architecture would be art history. There is a 3-2 engineering program (3 years at LU; 2 at another school).</p>

<p>Your daughter will certainly get into Lawrence and with her stats she would certainly get very substantial merit aid (although I believe Lawrence caps the merit aid at $15,000).</p>

<p>Overall, politically Lawrence is quite liberal, although, a large number seem to be on the apathetic side.</p>

<p>If you have any more questions, feel free to contact me or post them here. I would advise contacting faculty members from the departments that interest your daughter. Faculty are very friendly and accessible and they could probably give you more information than I can.</p>

5

<p>GuitarShredder05, thanks for the great information!</p>

6

<p>I don't have anything to add except I can't believe how lucky my son is to be there. I came to this conclusion after I was able to visit over this summer and meet students who were working on campus. My son chose the school hands down after visiting.(He had, I believe, a serendipitous online encounter to learn about it) It must have been a good fit for him in his mind after travelling there on his own. So I concur with the student above, communicate with the staff, professors and if your daughter is still interested send her to visit. That is the only way to know.</p>

7

<p>ArkansasMom
My wife and are are bringing our only son to Lawrence on Monday from the Seattle area. He was accepted to the Conservatory (bass trombone) and the double degree program (2nd major TBD).</p>

<p>From what I know, I would agree with the other respondents about your daughter's excellent prospects for admission and scholarships. I think you will also find she has an advantage based on geography - the majority of Lawrence students come from the midwest.</p>

<p>The daughter of my best friend from college is a sophomore 'connie' (also double degree) - an outstanding student (IB diploma) and musician (viola) from Eugene, OR. Her second major is biology, where she received advance standing. She could have attended almost any school and seriously considered the University of Chicago. She is very happy with her choice, in spite of the fact that her dad died unexpectedly in January. We are looking out for her and will see her on campus next week.</p>

<p>I made the college exploration process an adventure with our son. He was an IB student in HS (3.1 GPA, National Merit Commended Scholar, 2140 combined SAT), attending a large suburban public school with a nationally recognized jazz band. I would describe him as an artistic/intellectual temperament -sometimes challenged by the organization demanded by the relentless IB homework. But what the heck - he loves to learn, loves music and he graduated!</p>

<p>We read both of Loren Pope's books (and many others) and visited 18 schools (he applied to 12) in the PNW, Canada, midwest and east coast. Lawrence was my son's top choice (he was also accepted to Earlham, Knox, and UNC Asheville) and he received a nice music scholarship and LU grant. When we toured the midwest in August 05, Lawrence was the last college of six we visited. All the visits were positive, but Lawrence stood out for him. Music seems to permeate the campus, while the college offers excellent programs in other disciplines. The timing of our trip didn't allow our son to take a lesson with the trombone prof, but he has had communication since and has a very favorable initial impression.</p>

<p>From our travels and research, Lawrence ranks very favorably in comparison' to other, better 'branded' schools. While we lack direct experience to date, I am very skeptical that the east coast schools we visited (Bennington, Skidmore, Sarah Lawrence & Wheaton (MA)) are worth the $8-10,000 premium you will pay for their location.</p>

<p>Best wishes to you and your daughter. This has been a rich and positive process for us, and I hope you have a similar experience.</p>

8

<p>Thanks to everyone for all the informative posts! The Lawrence viewbook & info packet came in the mail yesterday. It looks like a wonderful school. My D has added it to her list of potential colleges. I really appreciate all of the replies!</p>

9

<p>Lawrence is located in Appleton, which is great city to live. It is not big but not small either. Also Lawrence has a retreat cabins in Door County so students can enjoy classes outside of school as well. Profs are great to communicate with and students mostly on conservative side. Lots of classes have very small number of students, many upper level classes end up almost one to one teaching.
My D liked that school very much and was admitted with merit scholarship, she said that LU overnight visits are most organized ones from all/ and it many/ she visited.
She choosed to go to Knox but LU was very close.</p>

10

<p>I have to chime in. My daughter came "this close" to applying to Lawrence (she's now a happy freshman at Beloit). I investigated Lawrence very thoroughly, and had the opportunity to interview several of the professors in the physics department for an article on science education. I was extremely impressed, and somewhat saddened when Beloit's EA application came through and my daughter decided not to apply to any other schools. I second the comments made by northwestdad above -- the premium you pay for some of the northeastern schools is not worth it, and, frankly, I think Lawrence is FAR superior to many NE schools. In fact, I am keeping my fingers crossed that my son will take a look and add it to his list. This time, however, I'll make sure that Lawrence application goes in before all the others, because I am that convinced of the quality of a Lawrence education.</p>

<p>I'd love to hear updates here on how everyone's kids do this year! (Overseas, my daughter still mentions talking with your son via email, and she has encouraged my son to visit and apply as well. Fingers crossed.)</p>

11

<p>Carolyn, you daughter has his email, I bet. Have your son email him. :) If not pm me. You visited so you know the place. I hadn't until this summer and really loved it. You know I wanted him so to go to USC. But the stinker chose the Midwest and well, after watching his sloggy progress through top notch academics (I told him he was choosing the most difficult school academically) to his being excited about "ideas and notions and life" by the end of the year--well, I am over, way over my short-lived disappointment. What a great place for the right kids is all I can say.</p>

<p>I am not sure what he wants to do for the rest of his life, but with academic flexibility it is right now all over the place as it should be. I love the LACs!</p>

<p>PPS...he loves the winter. Go figure....</p>

12

<p>Everything said here about Lawrence is true from both a parent's standpoint and that of a student. Our son spent two years at Lawrence as a double degree piano /English major before he transferred to Oberlin this fall. He transferred for his dream teacher; however, had found so many things he loved about Lawrence, he was ready to stay if he hadn't been accepted into the studio.
On the academic side he found his first two years to be fabulous. He learned how to learn, analyze and write very well. His English and German professors at Oberlin have been very impressed with his work. In theory,(he had Dr. Biringer at Lawrence) he was one of the only transfer students at Oberlin to test out of music theory and to receive credit for an upper level theory elective. Regarding the choral groups, He sang in the Chorale at Lawrence (the non-auditioned choir) and has felt after singing in a similar group at Oberlin and attending the choral concerts at Oberlin that the quality of the choirs is higher at Lawrence. He attributes this to the fact that the music majors at Lawrence are required to participate in an ensemble every term.
He worked extremely hard in his classes to get close to B+'s and A's. Music classes are not easy. His physics class was challenging but very interesting. The professors were outstanding and not only helped him with his transfer process, but offered help in the future should he need it. He met many students who came to Lawrence to escape the Northeast and felt that overall the student body was very bright, friendly, fun, and not pretentious.
Our son is strongly encouraging his brother, a junior, to consider Lawrence. I hope he does as it is a wonderful school.</p>