<p>We will be visiting several schools in Ohio in October and are trying to get a feel on the differences between them. They are Denison, Ohio Wesleyan and Wittenberg. I don't think my son could get into Kenyon, and he would like a small/med. size town. College of Wooster, he decided not to see because of the 4th year Independent Study Program. Denison is probably an academic match for him but I'm worried that it's too preppy(that's what I've read), and he doesn't drink(yet). He swims, loves politics (liberal minded) and from North Carolina- where he is looking at UNC-Chapel Hill and Elon (safety). Ohio Wesleyan and Wittenberg would be safeties but maybe he'd like them better. Any thoughts would be appreciated.</p>
<p>My son goes to Ohio Wesleyan. They gave great scholarship money. I'm not really sure what you want to know. All three schools are in small towns, and I don't think any are particularly preppy. My son is a politics and government major and likes the department--lots of individual attention. I assume that's the same at Denison & Wittenberg.</p>
<p>While I have not visited any of these schools, I do know several kids from our high school who are attending these schools. I would say Ohio Weslayan has attracted the "preppy" kids. Almost all from our school have played a sport at Ohio Weslayan. The kids that have chosen Denison are all very intelligent with more unusual interests or more varied EC's. One played football, sang in the choir, and acted in plays. Another started a rock band. One was the A-V expert in high school and won a statewide award for a film he created. Only one of our students has chosen Wittenberg and I would describe her as being very shy. Religion would have been a factor in choosing Wittenberg. Two recent grads are now at Elon. One is definately preppy and the other tries.</p>
<p>MiamiDAP is another cc'er who should have some good opinions.</p>
<p>All great schools. I like all of the ones you mentioned, including the NC schools. Except for UNC, I think the others have far more similarities than differences really. Elon might have a broader geograhic distribution of students though, but I'm not sure about that. </p>
<p>I wouldn't throw out Wooster either. The Independent Study sounds intimidating, but it is a great experience. They put a lot of resources into it and the professors provide a lot of guidance. Plus, he will get to choose something related to his own interests. Of course, I'm saying that as an alum. I had two advisors and my professors helped me get my project published before I graduated -- a major accomplishment at that age, and a huge boost for grad school.</p>
<p>FLVADAD, from what you know, do most seniors get through the IS on time?</p>
<p>Denison grad here -- from ages ago -- when it was pretty preppy. But they've made giant strides since then and have built some remarkable new facilities. Perfect combination of postcard-worthy small town near larger city. I believe Denison is generous with merit aid as well. Good luck!</p>
<p>Thanks everyone for information. Why doesn't anyone know about Wittenberg, is it very religious? Does it not have as good of a reputation as Denison and OWU? Seemed just friendly to me. Thanks.</p>
<p>I know several kids at Wittenberg--the ones that choose to go there from our high school are fairly sporty and looking for a small, close-knit environment. The campus is very pretty, as is Denison.</p>
<p>You'll be able to get a good sense of all these campuses when you visit.</p>
<p>I'd say Denison and Wooster are on par academically, then Ohio Wesleyan, then Wittenberg. But that doesn't preclude that there are very strong students on all these campuses and many, many opportunities for students who are motivated.</p>
<p>Despite their foundations in Protestantism, none of these campuses is particularly "religious." I guess it depends on how you define religious. You'll find people of all faiths at these schools. Most college kids aren't very religious.</p>
<p>Ohio Wesleyan's promixity to Columbus helps its diversity -- i.e., the school is able to attract urban minority students who can't quite imagine themselves in rural Ohio. At the other campuses, diversity is often achieved through international admits.</p>
<p>I think Denison is pretty Greek -- just my opinion, but I've been there several times.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>I visited all 4 of these campuses. I did not get the feeling that Wittenberg is very religious. All 4 campuses are really beautiful. I agree with ici about Denison being pretty Greek. My feeling is that Denison has rep for being the most academically challenging, followed by Wooster and OWU, and then Wittenberg. I agree that one will find good students on all of these campuses.</p>
<p>For others visiting the area to look at these schools, you might want to look at Hiram, Earlham (Indiana), Otterbein, and Marietta as well. Out of these additional schools, I liked Earlham's campus, and found this to be the most unique school that I have visited. Otterbein has a very nice campus too. I think that Otterbein is currently looking to actively recruit OOS students and international students. Otterbein is currently on a quarter system, but it seems that they will be making a "smooth" transition to semester classes in the near future.</p>
<p>"FLVADAD, from what you know, do most seniors get through the IS on time?"</p>
<p>The short answer is that I don't recall many students not finishing on time. IThere's some anxiety, of course, but advisors work with you to make sure you are making sufficient progress throughout the year. </p>
<p>Longer Answer:</p>
<p>I met with my professors pretty much every week at a set time, and then, pretty much whenever I felt the need to consult with them in between. Sometimes we'd just touch base and discuss it over lunch, and other times, it would be a full blown session in their offices. </p>
<p>Also, you don't just get thrown into it all at once. There's a Junior I.S., which is a mini project over the course of one semester in the third year. The Jr. I.S. really preps you for your Sr. project to help you understand what to expect. Thus, most students go into it somewhat confident having had a little experience with it under their belts. Plus, similar to a lot of LACs, Wooster places a lot of emphasis on writing skills, especially the first two years. So, by the fourth year, students are well equipped with the skills to handle a major project. That's part of the attraction. It's a chance to really flex the academic muscle you've gained over the first three years. </p>
<p>Some of the projects students work on is nothing short of fascinating. Mine was pretty tame compared to some, but I'd be happy to tell you about it if you like. Send me a PM and I'll give you more details.</p>
<p>Thanks FLVADAD. Everything that you just said is the impression that I got when we visited. I would love to send a PM to you about projects. I am a little under the weather right now, so I will send a PM to you in a couple of days.</p>
<p>College</a> Visit Report for Wittneberg</p>
<p>Both Wittenberg and Ohio Wesleyan have many facilities that are in need of renovation.</p>
<p>My S considered Witt, but decided not. He has friends there though and says is is a terrific party school. A party going on somewhere at all times. Although S adds they have classes there too. It is a very expensive school if you're paying full fare.
I believe it would be a fine school for those that thought it worth the money and would not be tempted by the parties. Some students avoid such temptations better than others.</p>
<p>younghoss, don't most schools have parties? It would be hard for me to believe that Denison, which is pretty Greek, runs short on parties.</p>
<p>We did not visit any of the schools that you mentioned. However, my D is at Miami University, Oxford, OH. She is a sophmore and very happy with her choice. She is also a swimmer. Club sports and swimming in particular are very good. Of course, there is varsity, Div.I. Rec center is awesome. I strongly recommend to visit. We heard that it is pricey for OOS. Miami tuition is comparable to other state schools for in-state with tons of Merit Scholarship opportunities. In regard to parties, I believe, it is more to individual than school, they can join party crowd at any school.</p>
<p>I live in Ohio and am familiar with several of these schools.</p>
<p>First of all, I am a Witt grad - both of my kids had no interest in it due to size alone. I loved it. It was not terribly religious in tone. </p>
<p>Denison - I think they are pretty close to Kenyon with respect to getting in - ie they are alot more competitive than they used to be. Also - their swim team is at the top of D-3 along with Kenyon and Emory so being on their team will be very competitive. Denison is also considered to be pretty preppy. Great school but keep this in mind. </p>
<p>With respect to being liberal, I think he would be fine at any one of those. </p>
<p>Academically, I think Denison is considered the best but is more competitive, then OWU and then Wittenberg.</p>
<p>Don't leave College of Wooster out of the mix! It's a very well regarded LAC academically, and gives great merit aid.</p>
<p>My daughter is in her second year at Wooster and loves it. There seems to be a lot of faculty support for students as they deal with the IS project. The parade the seniors have after handing in the projects is quite amazing. They all seem so proud (and relieved) to have accomplished this feat.</p>
<p>Hindoo, LOL. I was just going to ask kitkat82 where COW fell academically compared with Denison, OWU, and Witt.</p>
<p>Also, don't forget these small schools: Hiram, Kenyon, Otterbein, Marietta, Earlham (Indiana). Earlham is probably the most unique school that I have visited.</p>