@collegebobollege : However, there are certain students (one being a friend of mine) who also attended a science school who wish that the same atmosphere at the science HS contributed a decent amount to the atmosphere at Vandy (insert any school that may not be known to have any sort of “geek” culture at all) as opposed to it being primarily the more “stereotypical” experience. He apparently misses that element of his HS. I was alluding to the idea that balanced is often code for “is more stereotypical and lacks the blatantly nerdy or intellectual sub-cultures often found at similar schools” (basically everyone is “cool” and “normal” and is there largely for the social experience). I’m arguing that balance encompasses the traditional college experience you see in the media plus the other sub-cultures (which are often portrayed in the media as well, though lesser so). Most schools except for STEM focused universities are going to have the so called balance you are looking for (especially D-1 schools). Some will just be more academically intense or more oriented toward a certain vibe than others. I’m arguing that this concept of balance is almost too vague and gets thrown around too loosely. Most top private institutions can describe themselves as balanced.
I just worry when balanced basically means “is more of a party school than others” to certain people. I’m almost certain that it serves as code for that when coming out of some people’s mouths.