Dickinson/F&M

dadx3
Thu, 30 Apr 2009 14:37:03 +0000

We visited Dickinson and F&M on two consecutive days during S#2’s high school spring break. We visited Dickinson for one of their high school junior special visit days, which might color our perceptions a bit. Although on paper the two colleges look quite similar, we noticed the following differences beyone those noted above:

1) Somewhat larger greek presence at F&M, although Dickinson is by no means frat-free

2) At Dickinson they are quite aware and proud of their heritage from founder Benjamin Rush, who wanted to establish a uniquely American “useful” education

3) At the presentation for HS juniors and their families the VP for Enrollment gave a good talk about how the college search should be more about personal exploration (knowing yourself) than a stressful competition. The college president gave a very nice talk about the joys and virtues of a liberal education, pointing out that he majored in German Lit and Philosophy (I think), had been an Air Force Office, a diplomat, a business executive and now a college president.

4) By way of contrast, in a conversation with a professor at F&M, we were told that the typical Diplomat is driven, goal oriented, and an extremely hard worker. Their eyes are “on the prize,” which often entails professional or graduate school. We got the impression that the students (to a large extent) viewed their time at F&M as preparation for their next school (med, law, business or grad) and a stepping stone to their career.

5) This is not to say that Dickinson does not do well in professional/graduate school placement, but may speak more to the personality of the students.

Of course these observations are based on 1 visit to each school lasting 5-6 hours at each place. But it seems consistent with what I’ve read elsewhere.