bookmom

My dtr visited last summer and the jury is still out as to whether she will apply next fall (jr this yr). Because the school is surrounded by Lake Forest, there seemed to be no 'campus atmosphere' whatsoever around the school. I tried to explain she could hop the Metra for Chgo and she would stay busy on campus but she isn't buying it. SHe also has a sense that the student body is pretty conservative and mostly preppy. Since we visited in the summer, she didn't get to see too many students, so she isn't convinced the school is reaching beyond its old Greek-oriented, eastern prep school types reputation. Have things changed? I would like her to visit for an overnight next fall to get a better feel. Having Chgo nearby for an external learning site seems exciting but the LF location would put a big city at about the right distance for old mom.

lindalana

I would think it is mostly old reputation by now. College is slowly getting in different direction. Frats/ sororities are close to 25 % but parties open to anyone and administration is getting down with drinking- mind you I think it is wet campus but no more those big bash parties on campus lush grass. I would say it is more middle of the road than conservative crowd, due to college excellent fin aid there is more and more people there who are not even close to preppy. Students that I know from that college and met are nice pleasant kids. My D is yet to visit overnight so will know all dirty details in a month or so.

curmudgeon

bookmom, there are some artsy kids. There are some internationals. Chicago is an enforced part of the curriculum. I'd give it a good look-over. I didn't find it any more over the top than let's say Middlebury or Hamilton or Colgate (Yes, I know those are more selective and expensive).

It was nowhere near as edgy as Grinnell or crunchy mid-western even as Cornell College. It definitely felt more like the three I named but a good bit easier and cheaper to get to. And then there is Chicago as campus.

The only reason D is not applying is there had to be an end somewhere in that classification of school (statistical good bet, merit match) and she already had 4 . I'd recommend a fresh look with kids on campus. They looked to be a mixed bag which is what I like to see.

bookmom

Curmudgeon, I think you are right--DD needs to visit LFC with students on campus. I like the idea that the school is close to Chicago but not 'in' it. Glad to see your dtr has so many choices--I liked my grad year at Case--it had a much more eastern than plain ol' midwestern feel and loved being in the 'Circle' surrounded by Cleveland's arts/music centers--but beware the winter winds and snow off the Lake--a recent CWRU mailing mentioned their '7 months of winter'!! Winters at Centre and yr D's other schools would be much milder. The winters in LF can be bitter too, but the FA is good and Chicago is a major plus. We will need to reconsider LFC; thanks!

believersmom

Bumping...
More LFC info please

believersmom

Curious, just for you...