Visit Report by arkitex (Member since August 03 2007 with 43 posts) Visit Date - October 2007
Visit to Carleton College in October 2007 by arkitex (Parent of Student, HS Class of 2008)
Visit Activities:
Admissions Interview:
Yes - D felt it was an engaging conversation. Information Session:
Yes - It was okay. After a while all the info sessions sound alike. Campus Tour:
Yes - Great tour done by two students. Best part of the visit. They were articulate, clear, funny, friendly, and informative. Classroom Visit:
Yes - The class was mid-discussion from a topic started in an earlier class (Philosophy). E appreciated welcoming atmosphere.
Carleton College Campus:
Friendliness/Courtesy of Students: 5 - Excellent -
Everyone was open and friendly.
Friendliness/Courtesy of Staff: 5 - Excellent -
Very helpful staff.
Appearance of Campus: 5 - Excellent -
Quintessential "collegiate" feel. Brick and stone buildings, everything well kept. Didn't hurt that the trees were changing color almost before our eyes.
Building/Facilities Maintenance/Cleanliness: 5 - Excellent -
Facilities were all well maintained. Interesting mix of building styles and materials. Campus had a bit of feel like it was a throwback to 70's and early 80's.
Dormitories: 4 - Very Good -
Dorms were fine - nothing special. One thing, we learned "coed" is defined differently at different campuses. At Carleton coed is a mix of boys and girls on a floor. No parietals here.
Security/Safety: 5 - Excellent -
Campus felt very very safe.
Overall Campus Impression: 5 - Excellent -
Great place. Students seemed engaged and happy to be there.
Off-Campus:
Area Immediately Around Campus: 3 - Good -
Small town. Not much there. The nearby business district had book stores and a few shops and restaurants. Town closes up pretty much by 8 or 9pm
City/Town/Community: 3 - Good -
It's pretty much a college town, with St. Olaf nearby.
Campus Visit Notes for Carleton College:
Visit Description:
Very impressed with school. Seemed a bit liberal to my D, but less than I expected. Lots of stories about streaking (again, back to the 70's?). There must be something about combining college age students, freezing temperatures, and extreme exhibitionism.
This is definitely a school for the serious minded student who doesn't mind a long winter. The students and faculty seem to be very physically active - saw lots and lots of joggers.
The Arboretum is impressive, although it was raining so we didn't go on the trails. Saw the golf course, too, which was really gorgeous.
Hotel/Lodging Recommendations or Comments:
We stayed at the Country Inn & Suites, which included breakfast. It was suitable for our needs and close to campus.
Dining/Restaurant Recommendations or Comments:
Ate at Rub-N-Stein. It was fine.
Other Comments (Transportation, local attractions, parking, etc.):
They say there is a regular shuttle to the twin cities. Otherwise, automobile, bicycles, and your own two feet are it.
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Everyone was open and friendly.
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Dorms were fine - nothing special. One thing, we learned "coed" is defined differently at different campuses. At Carleton coed is a mix of boys and girls on a floor. No parietals here.
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Small town. Not much there. The nearby business district had book stores and a few shops and restaurants. Town closes up pretty much by 8 or 9pm