<p>D could really use some help with comparing these two schools - accepted to both and decision time is fast approaching. Can anyone with experience with one or both please help? So far, visited W, will visit C soon. She is a math/physics/languages kind of kid from a small town, used to the cold. Into sports, not partying.</p>
<p>Hmmmm. Not to be rude but … why isn’t your daughter on this forum asking these questions? It gives the perception that you care more than your daughter does. If so, it really doesn’t matter where she goes.</p>
<p>Tons of people post for their sons/daughters; who cares.
Carleton wins on the sports-front, I think (mostly intramural stuff, lots and lots of ultimate frisbee), and both are going to have partiers and non-partiers (though in general, the parties will be off-campus at Wellesley).
Still, I have non-partier friends at Carleton and they are very happy there 
The big difference, obviously, is that one is a womens’ college. I suggest you focus most of your energy on that point.
Good luck!! Both are wonderful schools</p>
<p>She should be able to tell after her visit to Carleton if she would fit in there. I think her visit will settle things one way or the other. Congratulations - these are both excellent choices.</p>
<p>ctyankee - just trying to get some useful info for her to decipher when she gets home from school/sports at 10:30 pm. Our kids have a lot more going on than at least I did at her age, so I don’t see the problem with such a minor favor now and again. It does take time for some responses, so didn’t see the point in her putting it out there at 11pm. Not sure I understand the point of your post - certainly not helpful in anyway - angry much?</p>
<p>Both are great schools with stellar academics, offering small classes, intimate relationships with profs, and loyal alumni followings. Yet the big differences are pretty big.</p>
<p>Carleton: Co-ed - 52% F/48% M
Wellesley: 100% F - the 800 pound gorilla in this thread</p>
<p>Carleton: Historic small town (~18,000) 35 miles outside Minneapolis/St Paul
Wellesley: Upper middle class suburban locale w/ fairly easy Boston access </p>
<p>Carleton: Midwestern low key - “Minnesota nice”
Wellesley: Yankee New England, Baaaston</p>
<p>Carleton: Unusually quirky, fun, self effacing yet intellectual, academically serious
Wellesley: Less quirk, less self effacement, less midweek fun, as academically serious </p>
<p>Carleton: Very campus-centric social life - MSP the exception, not rule, weekends
Wellesley: City/area colleges define a very off-campus weekend social scene </p>
<p>Carleton: Tons of student participation in sports - no talent required. Frisbee rules.
Wellesley: Sports (and certainly frisbee) less dominant </p>
<p>Carleton: Lovely campus surrounded by 100’s of acres of aboretum, trails
Wellesley: Gorgeous, manicured campus, no confusing this with wilderness</p>
<p>I agree with fireflyscout. Can’t tell you how many people visit Carleton and “just know” it’s right. In the end, this visit will probably matter much much more than objective points.</p>
<p>Enjoy the visit.</p>
<p>^^^ “Can’t tell you how many people visit Carleton and “just know” it’s right.”</p>
<p>Not surprising. Look at the Carleton line of the last five points of comparison in 1190’s post. Student after student goes on CC’s “College Search and Selection” thread and asks for a campus environment just like that. After reading such a request for the hundredth or so time, I starting reading up on Carleton and thought “Well, there it is. There’s what all those students are seeking.” So I created a thread and asked why Carleton was somewhat under the CC radar despite its obvious attractions, and the nearly-unanimous response was location. OK, Northfield is cold and it may not be Metro Boston, but it’s under an hour from the Twin Cities. The campus-centeric vs. off-campus social life to which 1190 refers would be a big selling point for me - the more I learn about Carleton (which, FWIW, I have not visited) the more I’m impressed. But the Boston area is exceptionally appealing too. Two of the finest colleges in America without a doubt - congratulations to your D for having earned such wonderful options!</p>