<p>“Trimester. I want a rigorous curriculum but not a fast curriculum.”</p>
<p>Most semester based LACs typically allow for 4 courses per term, 8 per year. At Northwestern/U Chicago’s trimester systems, 10-12 courses/year are the norm. Students at Carleton and Dartmouth generally find their 3 per trimester, 9 per year course arrangement a happy compromise among options. Come graduation, they’ve had the opportunity to sample 4 more courses than would have been possible at most LACs while being allowed to focus on only 3 courses at any one time. </p>
<p>I think this is a decision that will come down to a campus visit. Grinnell is somewhat smaller in size (both in terms of student body and campus) and more isolated geographically. More intimate/too intimate (?) - it’s a very personal thing. Visit if at all possible.</p>