<p>Visited Denison (& other LACs in Ohio) in early Feb with my very-California-girl daughter (not a top 100 scholar). She really liked, maybe even loved, Denison. Our tour guide was wonderful (we were the only ones on the tour), and my daughter said that she could easily see herself there (even with the snow and cold). I think she felt that the balance of academics and other activities/interests/social life is just what she is looking for. Serious about academics, but not geeky. I was also very impressed, and could see why she felt it was good fit for her. Her first choice is still a LAC in California. All her next choices represent some kind of compromise. But Denison is the school I think she likes best of all the rest. The biggest issue is that it's in Ohio (which seemed even more distant given all the travel problems we had getting there and leaving due to weather); a lesser issue is that she might not be able to swim there. She also commented on the relative lack of diversity, compared to where we live, her HS and her first choice, but it was not the least diverse school she has visited.</p>
<p>I will add another "Good Luck" to everyone!</p>
<p>Rix, I don't know where you live in CA, but if you are anywhere near an airport that Southwest serves, it will make the expense of travel a little easier on the wallet. (My sophomore daughter flies from Columbus to Baltimore, about a two-hour drive from home. For the Christmas break, her round-trip ticket was about $100 - certainly less than what it would have cost me in gas, tolls, and an overnight stay if I had driven.)</p>
<p>Re swimming: My daughter faced the same issue, but chose not to swim after all. The coach seems wonderful, but it's a lot of work if the times aren't there with everyone else. Unlike another Ohio school we visited, where the swim team members only socialized/ate/roomed with other swim team members, Denison is a lot more relaxed.</p>
<p>flatlander</p>