<p>I was thinking about this topic overnight and wanted to revisit a couple points:</p>
<p>Cross, we value your input since you do give us the “townie” perspective. Growing up in any location can color or flavor your opinions. I remember moving from a rural community to “the big city” in high school and I simply couldn’t fathom how anyone could be bored in my new school. My dear friend had an opposite experience in high school - moved from New York City (“da bronx”) to really remote Alaska. The kids in her school thought she’d be bored out of her mind, since their only tv was via VCR at the time, and it was 80 miles to the nearest town of size. She loved it. </p>
<p>Many of the kids at Hillsdale are experiencing not just a small town but the midwest for the first time. And most of them never are bored simply because even if there is nothing “official” going on that weekend, they are smart enough and resourceful enough to find their own fun. Many have cars so getting the heck out of Dodge isn’t a problem. And, for instance, even though we live in the suburb of a major city, we don’t have pro basketball; the college is sponsoring a bus to the Detroit pistons game this weekend. That would never have happened here. </p>
<p>I guess my point in that regard is… it really is different for college students than high school students.</p>
<p>Also, comparing W&L and Hillsdale… While students may have similar scores, the colleges are not really comparable. Their missions are different and the students’ attitudes toward those “fightin’ words” issues of religion and politics might be galactically opposed. I will put it right out there: in my opinion, Hillsdale is head and shoulders a better education than W&L.</p>