Kenyon College

1,700 students-SAT: 1865-2135-Total COA $53,000

-Nationally renowned English and writing program

-Top-notch science program, and a variety of languages offered, including Arabic

-Open-curriculum (no core curriculum requirements)

-Ideal school for self-directed learners

-Big draw of students from both New York and California

-One of the best D-3 swimming programs in the country with beautiful facilities

-37% acceptance rate

-Need aware for about 10% of applicants during admission process

-Close to 100% acceptance rate for law school

-Students with GPA of 3.5 or higher, have a 93% acceptance rate to medical school

Counselor thoughts: Situated in Gambier, OH, the surrounding environment of Kenyon College is a quiet and quaint village that has accepted Kenyon with open arms. The campus is picturesque, with traditional academic buildings, and modern athletic facilities, the school is set on what seems to be endless lawns. It’s a good thing the campus is so beautiful, because the majority of students stay on campus for most of their days and nights while attending Kenyon College. With a small student body, and dedicated faculty, the personal attention is ever-apparent. Students interested in writing programs should certainly have this school on their list, as long as they are comfortable with a very small-town feel!

Baldwin Wallace University

3,700 students-SAT: 1445-1790-Total COA $35,000

-Houses a variety of majors, but most known for its nationally ranked music and theatre conservatory

-Geographically and racially diverse

-#1 neuroscience program in the country

-All students have an internship or research experience before graduating

-Test-optional school (no SAT/ACT required for admission)

-30% minority

-Houses a music therapy major

-20 minutes from downtown Cleveland

-Must be admitted to University, then audition for conservatory

-Big programs in athletic training, exercise science, and health and physical education. Many students are able to intern with Cleveland Browns.

-‘3-2’ program for engineering. Complete first 3 years at BWU, then finish 2 years at Case Western University or COLUMBIA.

-4 different courses in ‘problem solving’

Counselor thoughts: This is a unique school that obviously prides itself on educating students on how to think, not just ‘do’. With many interactive classes from physics to athletic training, students are constantly part of the action, and not just being talked at all-day. To be honest, this school does not have great curb appeal, being situated on a main road with numerous connecting buildings, but it’s truly what is on the inside that makes it special. The conservatory is one of the best you will find, and the neuroscience and athletic training/education programs are second to none. Walking through campus, and sitting in on classes, I got a feeling that students owned their experience there and took advantage of all of their opportunities. If any of their big 3 programs interest you, do yourself a favor, and take a look at Baldwin Wallace University.

Denison University

2,275 students-SAT: 1775-2060- Total COA: $50,000

-Admissions looking for students serious about academics and have taken a rigorous course schedule

-Test optional school (students should have a 3.5/89 GPA or higher if they go this route)

-70% of students are from out-of-state

-Top 100 in endowments in country

-Liberal Arts college-No engineering and no business program

-35% in Greek life and 35% in Athletics

-Arabic program

Counselor thoughts: I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Denison University. The school lies on an absolutely stunning campus, with amazing athletic and academic facilities. Students looking to study one specific field, especially business and engineering, Denison will not be the right choice. Denison has a strong philosophy of forming an all-around educated individual. Students will take a variety of courses in the liberal arts and sciences. Do not fear though, students are more than prepared for the workplace, as Denison does a superb job helping their students find internships and jobs out of college.

-Joseph D. Korfmacher, MA