<p>My thoughts go out to each of you involved in, or making, the BID DECISION! It is a stressful time I know!</p>
<p>My daughter is a current freshman at Denison. Denison was a “safety” school for her that she applied to only because her high school college counselor would not leave her alone about doing so. Her final application list included 8 schools, of which she was accepted to seven. Most acceptances were to very highly “ranked” schools from which to choose. Denison was the only school she had not visited prior to acceptance. Then comes the kicker–Denison accepted her and she could not ignore the substantial scholarship that came with the offer, so off to Denison we went for accepted student overnight. She signed her “intent to come to Denison” card before we left Granville following the overnight.</p>
<p>Academics: I was worried she may not be academically challenged. HA, was I wrong! Seems classes are lively, small, discussion oriented, challenging, and require a significant amount of writing (even in pure science classes). Evaluation and testing are tough and frequent. She may moan before a chemistry test, but she loves her classes and is proud of her academic accomplishments, which do not include straight As for which she was used to. I have been amazed by what she relates about the quality of the faculty and their skill and dedication to undergraduate education. She has direct access to her professors. She is a member of the honors program, but does not feel like it is necessary to take honors seminars for an honors level course.</p>
<p>Social: I would say my daughter is very social, but at the same time very serious about academics. She is involved in MANY activities. Drinking is definately there, as it is on any campus. While I initially wanted to insulate her from that, I have found out that she is making good choices based on seeing the consequences of those making bad choices. </p>
<p>Opportunities: SO MANY! This week she is hearing budget proposals from every campus organization as a member of finance committee for campus governance–as a freshman! She will be doing an outside internship this summer. She is working on the planning committee for a major leadership conference. MANY campus jobs available. I could go on and on.</p>
<p>Housing: She lives in “wild” Shorney, but would not have it any other way. As she says–“it is just an experience I think everyone should have.” However, there are many diffferent types of “space” on campus. She had a great experience with roomate matching. Her host during overnight advised her to “write everything you can think of that is important to you” on the form, even if it was not asked specifically.</p>
<p>Greek: She is pledging and absolutely loves it. However, she has many friends who did not, and they remain friends. </p>
<p>That is all I can think of for now, but if you have questions I am happy to share what our experiences have been.</p>