<p>
What exactly is learning? What is intellectualism? If you can define what you are looking for, we can help you find it. If not, you will find that chasing fantasies is only fun if you never expect to catch them.</p>
<p>Okay, so here is my revised list, I still want to cut down on the number of schools obviously:
U of Virginia, U of Chicago, Northwestern, Hamilton, Colby, Colgate, Grinnell, Wesleyan, Amherst, U of Rochester, Bowdoin, and Pomona.</p>
<p>Of course I am more gravitated towards an Open curriculum, but I am also interested in actually learning math for various reasons. Of course, if it came down to a choice between Grinnell or U of Virginia, that would be hard since the Open curriculum is a plus, but it really doesnt bother me that much since most top schools offer free tutoring.</p>
<p>To the post above, here is how I define the two, thought they were pretty self explanatory but if I have learned one thing from debate, its that one must define anything, so sorry.</p>
<p>Intellectualism: The pursuit of knowledge for the sake of learning and a desire to contribute to the world in a meaningful way. Instead of talking about sports, I want to be around people who talk about a lecture they saw by Sir Ken Robinson and their views around. I want my friends to challenge my ideas or recommend me lectures or books that will change the way I view the world. As long as people are constantly bouncing around ideas and are interested to change themselves, its good for me.</p>
<p>Learning: One must first one the inherent trait of curiosity. Einstein once said that “the only thing that interferes with my learning is my education.” Learning denotes a pleasure and innate gravitation towards the subject while education does not necessarily mean one desires to learn more about that subject. Since I am extremely interested about Astronomy, I want to learn more about how things in astronomy are done. In order to learn, I need students who are also interested in learning and a passionate teacher who understand that students are there to learn, NOT MEMORIZE A BUNCH OF FACTS AND REGURGITATE THEM ON TESTS.</p>
<p>Does that clear it up? It is still very broad, I understand, but I hope it can suffice.</p>
<p>
I don’t think there’s any basis for discounting knowledge related to sports. But that’s actually a fairly good definition.
If learning is based on innate interest, I don’t think it will be affected by the school you choose. If you are choosing to comprehend material based on pure memorization, that’s your fault.</p>
<p>Most of the suggestions in this thread are good. I would urge you to remain open to attending your state flagship university.</p>
<p>Wesleyan, Grinnell and Carleton for sure. Then you might want to check out Reed as well.</p>
<p>Stanford and Princeton are full of “bros” as well as other types. They just happen to be really intelligent and eloquent as well though they don’t flaunt their intelligence. Same with Northwestern and UVA. Some LACs like a Wesleyan and Hampshire might be different. That said, I believe it’s necessary to be exposed to these types because they will ultimately run the world (esp. “bros” at the elite schools). I would not be surprised if you yourself change in college to become more like a “bro.”</p>
<p>Btw, for QB applicants and other applicants who are black/Latino:</p>
<p>Northwestern has a Latino frat and a black frat, but Latinos and blacks are integrated into the Greek system as well. Their decision to choose a multicultural frat vs. a predominantly white frat depends ultimately on their comfort level, as frats do aim to diversify their ranks. There are also many “bros” who are not in the Greek system.</p>
<p>Why don’t you add Brown to your list? The school’s hallmarks and differentiating characteristics from its peers are the use of the Open Curriculum, racial/social integration and very progressive views.</p>
<p>Goldenboy, I have already applied to Brown.
That, along with Yale and Stanford are my dream schools</p>
<p>Master debater LOL</p>
<p>My opinion is to take out Colby and UVA. My impression is that these will be on the preppier end of things. Colby is also really outdoorsy; not sure that’s what you are looking for. Personally, I still would like you to add two schools that are a notch lower in selectivity. if you were my kid , I’d rest easier that way!
this is not a reflection on you personally, but a recognition of the competitive and capricious nature of college admissions.</p>
<p>Please bear in mind that no matter what school you attend not every moment will be filled with intellectual conversation and that there will be people interested in sports everywhere, too. There will be plenty of superficial moments, but I think that once you are in an environment that is more compatible with your intellectual interests, that you will take any shallow conversation more in stride.</p>
<p>Although there will be all types at UVA it does have a preppy vibe and a strong Greek presence. What about Davidson, Georgetown (no greek life), Emory or Johns Hopkins? Sorry if these have already been mentioned.</p>