<p>sstGO27…it’s too bad that some of the comments here from students/alumni make carleton sound elitist. That is not the impression I want for my Alma Mater. It sucks. In my opinion you’re right, there is only a good fit for you. I’ve seen students at Carleton and elsewhere make a decision based on rank, and I’ve seen that this can often lead to college experiences that are a disaster…where people end up transfering out after a year or worse. I get pretty frustrated with friends and especially family that point to rank as something important.</p>
<p>As for elitism, sure some Carls are elitist. You’d probably find that anywhere though. I mean Carleton is expensive, and people get in because thier parents can pay the entire tuition. I can’t say I’m from a really rich background…no prep school, middle class, and grandson of Irish immigrants with no education. The rich prep school kids where an adjustment and new experience for me…can’t say they lessened my experience any…and they weren’t everybody. They had unique perspectives that I learned from and just laughed off.</p>