<p>If by wild chance I got accepted to Carleton, I would be at the bottom, i don't know, 3% of accepted applicants. And because of that I'm not sure I would even go- not that I have some inferiority complex, but because Carleton is known to be a academically difficult school (obviously) and I'm not sure if I can handle the work without going insane/having time for doing non school related shtuff. What do you think?</p>
<p>When I visited there with my daughter, we sat down at lunch next to two students and asked them about the school. “What surprised you most about Carleton once you got here?” I asked. They both said, “The academic rigor.”</p>
<p>These were students who also been accepted to the University of Chicago, so they’re no strangers to rigor. Even knowing Carleton’s reputation, they still underestimated the Carleton workload. Although my daughter and I both loved Carleton, she chose another school instead, and I’m glad she did. Carleton is a great place, but it’s not the best school for everyone.</p>
<p>My son graduated from Carleton in 2009. Keep in mind that what is “difficult” for one student may be “easy” for another, and vice versa. Being organized and not putting things off is a big factor to success at Carleton or any rigorous school. Learning to say NO to constant and beckoning extracurricular activities is important. The only complaint and advice my son confided to me was that he had a hard time turning down fun activities. Carleton had LOADS of great things to do on campus and I told him he can’t burn the candle at both ends.</p>
<p>Honestly, I would do an overnight stay with a student and ask to go to some classes. Also, ask your student ‘guide’ how they feel about the average work load. You won’t really be able to understand the academic rigor unless you spend a day or two there.</p>