<p>Having read many college reviews, college review books, and toured several colleges w/DS, I'm wondering if there's a Midwest LAC "unicorn" that meets criteria: </p>
<p>1) Serious students who do the class readings, are prepared for class discussions, and don't continually text and peruse internet during class. (DS' sat through several "Open House"-designated classes at different schools where kids are visibly disengaged.)</p>
<p>2) Has a viable student life beyond dorm-room drinking and/or frat parties, where social life isn't Greek dominated and partying isn't prominent focus of students, where geeky students aren't socially isolated.</p>
<p>3) Reasonable admissions chance for a B+/ACT 28 HS student w/honors classes but not AP classes.</p>
<p>4) Decent merit aid for fine arts achievement.</p>
<p>5) Campus in good shape; town not obviously economically depressed.</p>
<p>My request is sincere, and suggestions will be welcomed by DS.</p>
<p>Would you consider Pennsylvania? Muhlenberg College might be a good fit: </p>
<p>Talent Grant-Value: $1,000-$4,000. Awarded on the basis of audition or portfolio to students in performing arts or visual arts who intend to continue performing during college (not necessary to major in Music, Theater Arts, Dance or Art; simply must contribute to performing groups at the College while at Muhlenberg).</p>
<p>I don’t know that much about it, but a classmate of my daughter’s, who was primarily a fine-arts kid, and otherwise similar to the kid described by the OP, went to Lawrence College in Wisconsin. His dad, whom I know independently, was very high on it. </p>
<p>Depauw I think has one of the highest Greek-participation rates anywhere, well over 50% (at least that was the case some years ago).</p>
<p>Not quite the Midwest, but the University of Rochester may be worth investigating. The student’s numbers seem low for Rochester, but real fine-arts achievement could make them look high enough.</p>
<p>Depauw’s Greek life would probably exclude it, as would Hanover, though both fit the bill for everything but that. </p>
<p>For males, Wabash would be a contender, especially for merit aid ($15,000 fine arts scholarships) and serious discussions/heavy workload, though they have the same problem as Depauw for Greek life domination. Geeky students are not socially isolated there, regardless of the Greek scene. </p>
<p>What about Lawrence? Has great alternative living options, good mix of artsy/science types and practically the entire campus did the Harry Potter house sorting and Potter-style games. Appleton is a nice town as well.</p>
<p>Denison isn’t very Greek anymore, it’s all non-residential now and currently around 30%. Depauw is about 85% Greek.</p>
<p>My “check it out” list would include Wooster, Earlham, Allegheny, Capital (you don’t say which fine arts but if music definitely), and Lawrence.</p>
<p>A less selective school would be Ripon, also in WI. Their merit aid scholarship competition included portfolios, papers and in-person presentation, so a creative person could get significant aid there. Of course, DS didn’t sit in on a class so I can’t speak to the intellectual caliber, though I believe they have an interesting ethical leadership program. </p>
<p>Alma and Albion are also great small LACs in the Midwest. In particular, the admissions rep for Alma was the single best adminstrator/adcom we met through 19 schools. It is a place that I really liked, though DS did not.</p>
<p>move PA over a state to the west and you have
Muhlenberg and Allegheny
if you want a gem no frats, geeky is the norm and hard working students too…
Hendrix College (once again geography is slightly off) bend the rules a little!</p>