Dickinson vs. Wooster

xanthippe
Fri, 03 Feb 2017 20:31:35 +0000

Regarding the ACT/SAT score comparison between Wooster and Dickinson, don’t forget that Dickinson is test-optional, while the College of Wooster is not. Collegedata reports the mid 50%tile ACT scores as 27-30 for Dickinson, and 25-30 for Wooster. Since Dickinson is test-optional, I assume the actual scores of enrolled students is somewhat lower than 27-30, making the test score difference much less meaningful between the two colleges. My sense is that endowment size is contributing more to the US News ranking difference than test scores.

These two schools are top choices among the schools my D has been accepted to so far – both great schools! She is leaning toward Wooster at this point, as it is stronger in her potential major than Dickinson. Some differences we have observed:

-Dickinson graduates more majors in international business, int’l studies, and political science. Wooster students’ majors seem to be more balanced across a range of liberal arts majors. Woo also appears to have a disproportionate number of graduates in PhD programs.

-Demographics: Dickinson draws more from the Mid-Atlantic states; Wooster from the midwest. From two visits to each school, my D has found the “vibe” at Wooster to be more to her liking – hard-working kids who don’t take themselves too seriously. She also liked the diversity of Wooster.

As others have said, great to have these two schools as choices! My D will definitely be doing overnights at each before making a decision.