Colleges your child crossed off the list after visiting, schools that moved up on the list. Why? (NO REPLIES)

so interesting as to different reactions…that’s why i think multiple visits are essential, if possible:
UP
Bard: admittedly D is all about english/dance/art/theatre/Poly Sci/, etc so not surprising Bard was a hit…Tour guide was perhaps the most articulate, knowledgeable, comfortable guide we’ve had to date. Really no info session, just a conversation which was welcoming and not canned. D was able to meet with head of dance as well as an written arts faculty member during our time and came away very impressed overall.

Ursinus: completely opposite experience from @twinsmama Had a 1-1 info session with admissions officer who handles our region which enabled us to steer the conversation without feeling like we were “hijacking” the session from others. Tour guide was great (again 1-1). Very nice campus; very clean and neat. Kids seemed very engaged and happy. D was able to sit in on an english class and had a great experience saying the kids were very engaged and the professor was really interesting. I would classify Ursinus as the “Avis” of small liberal arts colleges in that “they try harder.”…also a fan of their new President. Perhaps this is a case of low initial expectations, but impressed nonetheless.

SAME:
Muhlenberg: on paper it’s a slam-dunk in that is has a terrific english department and its theatre and dance depts are nationally ranked every year. That said, something just didn’t click. Info session was fine, not outstanding…tour was good, not great. Campus is very compact, but very clean and nice. Diversity seemed to be a bit of a challenge just from the naked eye test. Little bit of a jock feel even though arts are huge. Really can’t put my finger on why it wasn’t a home run, but just wasn’t. Met briefly with dance professor but unable to get a real feel other than serious. Probably worth a closer visit at some point.

Bryn Mawr: If Ursinus was the Avis, then Bryn Mawr was Hertz in that they know they don’t have to try and it kind of showed in a very canned/rehearsed info session and a meh tour and tour guide. That said, kids seemed very friendly happy, diverse and engaged. Sense is that once you’re in the “club” that you will be well cared for and alumni network is stellar, but they definitely didn’t feel the need for the warm and fuzzy approach. Stunning campus and great suburban location with easy SEPTA access for a 20 min. ride to Philly.