Any thoughts on pros and cons for these two schools?
Son is planning on studying physics and then pursuing a phd in theoretical physics . He also enjoys programming. Mostly though, he likes thinking about and trying to solve, complex problems. He is an introvert but also enjoys discussing many topics including politics. We have not visited due to unforeseen issues. He applied to these schools because they were smaller schools with strong sciences with more open gen ed requirements.
I am hoping for a school with strong advising services–these kinds of logistical details are not a strong point for son! Also hoping for a place where he can be involved in ug research.
Both are similar in price. While our EFC of ~ 30k is more than expected, we can pay without going into debt or sacrificing retirement funds and annual contributions. It would prevent DH and I from having extras in our life though but we are used to that.
His other option is our state flagship which is nearly free. Son has been taking classes there since junior year. He would happily attend there but finds a different experience more appealing. I believe he would benefit more by going to a different school but I am adding this info because people almost always ask about safeties and $$.
Son is undecided. At this point he would go to any school we suggest as the best option. The next week is going to be very hectic for us due to other family issues which just adds to my worry over this decision .
@MidwestSalmon, sorry you’re still waiting for a response!
I can’t offer any specific advice, but it sounds like your son has two excellent options. If he has to make a decision without visiting, and assuming you ruled out your flagship (do you mind sharing which it is?), I’d probably go with Rochester as the safer bet. It has such an excellent reputation for the sciences, and everyone I know who went there really liked it.
Wesleyan is a fantastic school as well, but all the grads I know were in the arts & humanities.
Did your son end up applying to Grinnell? Or Reed?
The cultures of the two schools are going to be different. Wesleyan has a “hippie/anything goes” reputation. Rochester is known for having a more “geeky” culture. Those reputations are not true for every students at each school of course, but there is some overall truth to them. Both are excellent schools with strong science programs. If your son wants a more liberal, progressive environment, Wesleyan would have the edge. Rochester is certainly not stuffy though; it is located in a liberal northeast city.
