Connecticut College vs Lawrence University

Bill_Marsh
Fri, 16 Apr 2021 18:36:38 +0000

I can only speak about Conn College.

Regarding city setting, there’s not a lot going on in the old whaling town of New London, which is on Long Island Sound (beaches) as well as on the Thames River. For shopping, there is Crystal Mall, a large indoor mall with neighboring outdoor shopping. These days the port is a transportation center for ferries to NY’s Long Island and to other smaller islands off the CT/RI shore. It is also a major Amtrak station, providing easy rail access to other college towns like New Haven & Providence, RI as well as farther to Boston & NY.

There is lots going on in the greater New London area, which is a tourist center. Of immediate interest is Mohegan Sun Casino. I recommend it not for gambling but for restaurants, live music, and some boutique shops. Some of the live music is free. It is also home to the Connecticut Sun, professional women’s basketball team, and host to the Big East women’s basketball tournament. Otherwise, there are a variety of museums in the area, state parks for getting outside, and historic sites to explore. Across the street from campus is the US Coast Guard Academy, expanding the population of college students by another thousand kids.

In terms of prestige, Conn College is a NESCAC college, which is a collection of New England “Little Ivies” and enjoys the prestige and reputation which goes with that. Poli-Sci/Government is one of their most popular majors and should be able to be easily combined with studies in their film department.

I’m not the best one to comment on their social vibe. I suggest that you contact Admissions and ask them to set up a phone or zoom call with some current students. That’s a pretty standard request at a small liberal arts college, something they should be able to set up easily for you. You might want to specify things like students from your part of the country, from your area of academic interest, etc. Admitted students days can also provide lots of information and contacts. On the Admissions page of their website, the “Camel Days” link brings you to that information. You might also have received information in your acceptance packet. I assume you’re not able to visit campus?

Good luck with your decision.