heyya

I need one or two of these schools on my list but they seem so similar I can't decide. What do you think?

I want to major in either international business/econ or biology/biochem/biomedical engineering (I know, two totally different options).
I lean toward the conservative end of the spectrum, want a good on-campus social life, but I'd prefer less of a focus on sororities/frats. I'm not interested in doing sports myself but I think it would be more fun if the school had good sports or was into sports.

Which school(s) do you think I should choose?

lake144

dickinson and F&M

John2698

Gettysburg has a pretty big focus on sororities/frats.

theGame

But F&M is an isolated rural area. And it together with Dickinson has too many international students - which might not be preferable for some applicants.

If you want a lot of aid, Gettysburg and Lafayette would suit you even more. Best of luck in decidingg

intparent

theGame, could you please explain what you mean by "too many international students"?

Juniper18

My D, a freshman at Dickinson (loving it BTW) applied to all 3 (and got in to all 3.) Her view: Gettysburg feels very southern, and has more Greek life than the other two. F&M's campus seemed like a more isolated campus (you need a car if you want to leave.) Ultimately, she liked D best, but it also had the best merit aid.

yesnomaybeso7

Well Lafayette is probably the best if you want to get into any kind of engineering or technology stuff. After that, F&M has a reputation as being really hard but really good. Gettysburg isn't as highly respected as the other 3. Dickinson is more of a "soft" school (English, languages, etc, not math/science), but they got a new science center which is really cool and high tech.

theGame

intparent: Sorry if I sounded -ve. I meant more intl students = lesser college funds for local students = lesser chances of getting aid.

intparent

Ah, got it, theGame. D's merit aid rocked at Dickinson, I am not sure about need based as we did not apply last year.

hester

I visited all of these schools with the exception of Lafayette (but i know people who go there)
My impressions...

Gburg--I felt like lots of students had double majors/minors/concentrations and a lot of kids were doing international relations type stuff within those. Could be good for you if you are undecided and interested in all those things. I dont think Gburg is academically below the other 3 schools...they are all very similar with marginal differences. They do have a big frat scene..but if you are a girl I dont think you have to join a sorority to have a life? The campus is really nice, people seem athletic, & they are building a new athletic center which is always a plus..you know the gym will be nice. Also, since youre into sports, Gburg has really really good lax--always in the top 3 of DIII

Dickinson--I really liked Dickinson's campus..it may be the prettiest. I know thats not important but just so ya know! It's more integrated with the town of Carlisle whereas Gburg has a defined campus. Carlisle is a cute little town with a few decent restaurants. The new science building at Dickinson is really nice & the campus is definitely trying to be "greener" which is cool. I agree with posts above..Dickinson definitely is good with merit aid from everything I've heard. I'm not the most official source but I get the impression Dickinson is less sporty than Gburg, a little more artsy. Just the impression I've got

F&M--I dont have as much info on this school bc it was my least favorite. All i can say is pretty campus? Nice dorms? You have to walk on this like overpass over a street to go to the gym..weirded me out. But I know lots of people love it so do some research

Lafayette--I know a freshman at Lafayette who had a really hard time adjusting. Greek life is really big & freshman boys can not rush, so they are sort of left out whereas girls are always welcome at frat parties. Good sports though?