An Update on My Daughter

carolyn
Wed, 23 Aug 2006 16:07:58 +0000

Meganvirg,
As you may remember from our other discussions, St.Olaf actually was a school my daughter also considered, and for a while Earlham was her “top choice.” I loved St. Olaf, and kept hoping it would make the list, but she was ready for something different in college and ultimately decided that St. Olaf’s student body was too similar to her high school’s. Earlham fell off her list after she attended their summer program, and decided the students were too intense about politics for her.

I think she could have received a great education at any of the schools, but, as I know you agree, that’s not the only thing college is about. I think where some kids (and parents) go wrong is focusing just on the academic side and not paying attention to how they fit into the campus culture or milieu. This is probably more important if you’re looking at small liberal arts schools, but to a certain extent, I think it holds true of any school. Four years is a long time to feel you’re in the wrong place, even if the academics are great, and the name on the diploma is prestigious. :)