<p>Schillerbear & Youdon’tsay, thank you (and the many others) for your posts. I have an affection for Carleton–because this particular school has had a intregal part in introducing my two oldest to the ideas and concepts through it’s Summer Writing Program (SWP). It was Carleton’s SWP that had introduced to them (for the first time) to concepts of Marx and the other influential thinkers from the western tradition. This program also did an excellent job of introducing my kids to the academic standards of schools like Carleton. My oldest is now a junior @ Swarthmore, the middle one leaning towards Oberlin. Our youngest (7th grader) having seen her two older siblings go through this process, claims that she wants “to be the one that goes to Carleton” (go figure!). </p>
<p>Regarding the LACs with reputations for strong music programs ~ I concur regarding St Olaf. My son’s girlfriend, a All State flutist, is giving serious consideration to St O. My son, in the three weeks he had spent at SWP–has grown sentimental over the school, and has a number of his friends who he made while there, feel the same way (from the fb banter going on amongst them) & who intend on applying ED & RD to Carleton. </p>
<p>Incidentally, many LACs host these summer programs for rising seniors–among them (that immediately come to mind): St Johns, Rhodes, Skidmore, Beloit & Earlham. This is an savvy way for these schools to market themselves to perspective students! It has certainly worked on our family – and helped expand my children’s understanding of “where” they could both study and call “community” (beyond the realms of the Pacific Northwest). </p>
<p>Other great LACs (along w/St Olaf & Oberlin) that are reputed to have great music programs include Lawrence (conservatory), Knox, Skidmore & Williams. I’m certain there are more gems out there. Son’s stepmom and have I tried to pic his interest in exploring more deeply the last three schools–but he is happy with his current five choices (mentioned in an earlier post), and so are we.</p>
<p>There enough great schools out there amongst us for a hundred undergraduate lifetimes…! :)</p>