<p>Critter,</p>
<p>We will be driving up from the SF Bay Area over the weekend, and will hit the following schools on successive days starting Monday: Whitworth, U Puget Sound, Lewis and Clark, Linfield, Willamette. </p>
<p>The reason I ask about Gonzaga vs U Portland is that we can maybe squeeze them in when visiting Whitworth and L & C respectively.</p>
<p>So many choices in the PNW, the residents there are truly blessed as far as higher education is concerned</p>
<p>endlessrecession…</p>
<p>Right on with the description of WA and personal preference! My brother in Spokane often says that the east side feels more like the midwest at times. The west side (and Seattle especially) feels very liberal although universities in general tend to be liberal. Got a chuckle about your take on Whitman…have often thought the same thing. A superiority complex? It is a wonderful school and we know several satisfied alumni. Walla Walla, however, is a deal breaker for our kids and many others. </p>
<p>The ‘friend’ at Gonzaga went to school with our D. We would have been surprised about her choice but to be honest, (without saying too much as she would be easy to identify) she has unusual circumstances (helpful with admissions/scholarships) but I said long before the final decision came in, I thought the other universities would probably be a mistake for her. Might have been in over her head. The common thread in her decision on where to apply was spectator sports/huge school spirit. Gonzaga fits that in a closer to home, more supportive environment. She has a few very close friends there as well. Her sister also went to a Catholic university. I think the $$$ were probably better as well.</p>
<p>kumitedad…</p>
<p>Well definitely, stop at Gonzaga. It will be right on the way to Whitworth. Have you ever been to Spokane? It has some nice spots and many more are nearby. As endlessrecession said, if you drive over from the west, the in between will be desolate in spots. Quite a contrast.</p>
<p>Had two nieces graduate form L & C. Beautiful campus. It is very liberal though. If you have a kid that is at all conservative or maybe even moderate, it may not be an enjoyable experience. Also often not a happy place for anyone that is religious. Last, do not be shocked if you come across drug use on campus. Very wide spread, kind of like Reed. These things may or may not be a problem, depending on your point of view. They tend to be on those Princeton Review lists regularly, I believe. Solid academics and like I said, very nice campus…used to be a private estate. I like Portland but like Seattle more. Smaller town feel than Seattle but not as spectacular as far as natural setting. Then again, you are from the bay area and spoiled in that department so who knows what will rate well?!</p>
<p>Linfield is nice and seems more regional. Happy students/parents. Our oldest D’s best friend just graduated from Willamette and absolutely loved it!!! Their Asian programs are top notch and having the capitol across the way can be a big plus. I’ll bet history is good there…lots of pre-law students. Really cute, smallish campus. Really like this place but one D said it was too small and the next can’t bring herself to live in the Oregon capitol. Oregon does have the rep for being a bit ‘out there’…and she is probably just a bit too traditional. (Maybe she will end up in Texas.) Really liked the feel of Whitworth too, as well as Gonzaga. Too bad you won’t be visiting during the school year. Nice students at both. The campuses will seem quiet in the summer.</p>
<p>Yes, we have many good colleges in our little corner. Our top students seldom leave the PNW. Occasional we have one go to California…the Claremonts seem most popular. And they apply to Stanford, but almost never get admitted. Naturally, our D is looking at many CA schools. I think we have been to most of them twice, at least!</p>
<p>Oh, and I agree that WWu is a great school in a nice location. Not far from the border and Vancouver.</p>
<p>Don’t know if you will see this before you go, but have a great trip and let us know what you think when you get back. Are you looking at colleges in other areas or close to home too? Hopefully our nice weather will hold out for you. The NW is particularly nice to visit this time of year.</p>