<p>Plainsman, we are from Atlanta. “Great year”: Compatible roommate, range of friends, enjoyed most of classes–and learned that for her, she should pay attention to rating on “rate my Prof”, excellent academic advising, found 2 or 3 extracurriculars that interested her, in tune with school’s philosophy of experiential, hands-on education, accessible, interested professors.</p>
<p>Downside: not as prepared as she thought for the duration of winter weather–but wouln’t change a thing.</p>
<p>My D is also having a great year as a freshman, despite having an incompatible roomate. We are from NYC, and D has made great friends, enjoys her classes (still no firm concept of a major) is also involved in a number of extracurriculars, and is looking forward to studying abroad junior year (which is huge at Dickinson.) She has a fabulous dorm room (nicest we saw in all our college visits) and even likes living in small town Carlisle.</p>
<p>I can add another “great year” for my freshman D. Also a compatible roommate (although a tiny dorm room), great friends, several extracurriculars, wonderful classes/professors, has declared her major and has a terrific adviser, is also planning to spend junior year abroad, and loves Carlisle. And being from CT, she usually has better weather (maybe a little more rain) than at home. I’ve already seen pix of her friends and her “studying” on blankets outside on sunny days and enjoying the red adirondack chairs.</p>
<p>dg5052, Juniper18, and Peabodie: Thank you for sharing your offsprings’ experiences at Dickinson. My D is wavering right now between Dickinson, Muhlenberg, and Penn State-University Park. Two questions: First, are any of your kids URMs? I’m asking because my kid is half, and sometimes the experience can be different for someone who doesn’t match exactly the majority population at a relatively non-racially diverse school like the three my daughter is currently considering. Second, what one or two other schools did your child agonize over before making the decision to go to Dickinson? What swayed him/her? Was it generous scholarship money/financial aid, or did your child always dream of Dickinson?</p>
<p>My daughter is not a URM, and yes, Dickinson is not diverse, though there are many international students (comparatively speaking) to add to the mix. My D did not immediately fall in love with Dickinson - she fell in love with Oberlin (not accepted) and Bates (waitlisted.) Ultimately she revisited her accepted schools (Franklin & Marshall, Gettysburg, Trinity (Ct.), Skidmore) and decided on Dickinson after the second visit.</p>
<p>Forgot to add: no generous scholarship. What really swayed her (and impressed me and my husband) was how Dickinson’s message did not seem as cookie-cutter as all the others, even though it emphasizes (mostly) the same things as the other schools. My D has studied overseas before, and study abroad is very important to her. Dickinson was way ahead of the other schools in terms of recognizing the importance of a global perspective, and has first-rate programs envied by many other larger and more prestigious schools.</p>
<p>My D is not a URM either, so I can’t help you there. She applied ED but her close second choice school was Skidmore. D was first taken by the assistant dean’s presentation at the info session about Dr. Rush and his philosophy of useful education–the hands on, interdisciplinary, personally engaged vision of education that she is now experiencing. Also, she found the students and faculty she met as a high schooler VERY friendly and helpful. She loved the look of the campus and she loved the mermaid on Old West.</p>
<p>D is not a URM, but two of her closest friends there are, and they seem to be very happy. She plans to room with at least one of them next year. D’s final choices were narrowed down to Brandeis, Connecticut College, American, and her wait-listed school, Haverford. She liked all the study abroad programs and the general atmosphere on campus the best at Dickinson. Also the accepted student program she attended won her over. Very welcoming, well organized, and made her realize how much she would like being there. She also likes the president’s enthusiasm, and the way that Dickinson made parents feel like they should be part of the process. It was the only school that sent letters to the parents with tips on how to support your kids as they go through the college selection, and then that carried over throughout the schoolyear—mailings on how to handle the first visit home, and how to support them as they start feeling the stress of finals and end-of-semester projects. Just good ideas, and it made us feel like we were more than just the people who sign the tuition checks. We went to a function last night sponsored by an alumni club and Dr. Durden and his wife were there, along with over 100 alumni, parents, and accepted students and their families. It was really nice, and informative.</p>
<p>I have to admit Dickinson is doing an outstanding job of marketing and trying to close the deal. Extremely impressive job. My D has been invited (along with me and her mom) to the house of an alum for tea and talk. She’s scheduled for an MTO at the campus on April 8. It’s all good. We get a letter or an email from someone at Dickinson every other day. I just wish she’d gotten some kind of scholarship - guaranteed money for four years - instead of a one year Dickinson grant. It’s a nice-sized grant but what if she doesn’t qualify for the same next year? </p>
<p>Things have become much more complicated since her admission to Dickinson. Today she was rejected by Wesleyan U but accepted by Oberlin! This was a shock. Not the Wesleyan rejection; it was expected. But Oberlin is also a reach school for her. They’ve offered a four-year scholarship for 12K a year. No re-applying year after year. The rest of her financial aid is pending. At least I hope there’s a decent grant in there somewhere–12K is not enough.</p>
<p>What would you folks do? Oberlin or Dickinson?</p>
<p>It’s not what we would do, or what you would do - it’s what
your daughter wants to do. If the money is important to you,
pick the 3 best deals for her and send her overnight to each
one. Then she can decide within your financial framework.</p>
<p>I agree with Speedo. Let your D go with her heart (as long as finanaces permit.) When it is her decision, she will be more nvested in the positive outcome, and more likely to love her school, whichever she chooses.</p>
<p>Juniper18- was there anything in particular that lead your daughter to choose Dickinson over Gettysburg?</p>
<p>My D was turmed off by the large percentage of men and women involved in Greek life at Gettysburg (not her thing.) She also really connected to the Dickinson emphasis on the importance of a global perspective and study abroad. (A silly thing: our Gettysburg tour guide wore a dress and pearls, while at Dickinson the tour guide wore flip flops and jeans.)</p>
<p>^^^^</p>
<p>Holy! A dress and pearls? OMG, I’d never let my kid go to that school. No Gettysburg. Sounds like Ol’ Miss or someplace. Probably makes a good impression on some parents, though. Folks who want to bring back the 1950s. :)</p>