<p>PhxRising, thanks for sharing that about CC! My last child (D’15 :)) is a current senior looking at LACs all over the country, and she is the opposite of OP - she’s trying to break away from the east coast, probably bc of 3 very high achieving sibs who stayed with NESCAC & Ivy. In November CC is flying her out for their 3 day Multicultural Open House, and I’ve already been so impressed with the college. For one thing, they pay for a parent (me :D) to attend the program as well ( airfare, hotel, food etc) and when they were booking the return flight, the times weren’t working out well, so they decided to pay for us to stay an extra day/night just to fly out at a civilized time (they actually offered to rent us a car for the last day - say what?!) So we have an extra 24 hours to explore the area together. I’m really excited, for a mini vacation in CO as well as to visit the college! </p>
<p>About the block system at CC, my hunch is that it may be great for certain kids, dependent on learning styles. At first it sounded so strange and unworkable but I’m being won over. The students who have already contacted D’15 to answer questions talk about the value of the immersion experience, and the fact that classes can and do run over time because it’s your only course. And, of course, there’s the possibility of getting off campus for practicums often, as you noted. Even when they don’t go abroad, there are numerous ‘field trips’ with every subject. Thanks for describing the adjunct classes - I’ll be sure to ask more when we’re on campus.
I was initially looking at CC for D’15 as more in the safety school bracket - <em>of course</em> not a <em>real</em> Safety but certainly less selective than most of her list. But now I’m beginning to see it as a potential viable choice for it’s own unique reasons. Of course we’ll see more after the campus visit. The school’s generosity is definitely enhancing my impression.
OP, sorry to go off on a tangent - but maybe it isn’t really OT if you’re looking at CC also.</p>
<p>I also have had kids at 2 of the colleges on your list, and agree pretty much completely with nightowl’s excellent summary. It’s always so preferable to visit and tap into the college vibe yourself, but you can do that at spring previews when you have a bunch of acceptances in hand ;D. </p>
<p>Your stats do look superb so there’s no reason not to aim high, but I’m going to point out anyway that there are excellent LACs in the middle of the country ( Carleton et al )which are by nature less preppy. They are much less selective ( by the #s) for a similar quality education. And there’s Pomona in CA for top-notch academics and skiing. But I do definitely understand the draw of the East Coast college scene…and there’s no reason not to apply to as many colleges as you can afford and do a good job on the application. </p>
<p>Good luck with the process, and let us know where you decide to apply! </p>