Hopefully the final college tour

Spring break found us in Ohio and New York visiting family and touring colleges.  Here's where we went:

We toured Denison College--we were interested because it is test optional, has club crew, and offers a strong theater and arts program. The College offers a focused first-year program with a strong writing focus.

We couldn't get a tour that day due to a big open house so we toured on our own. It isn't the most optimal way to visit a college, but it gave us an idea of the school.  I think Helen will apply.

We then went on to Ohio Wesleyan. We had a tour and Helen had an interview at this school. We were surprised to learn that, because my step-mother went there, Helen was eligible for at least $18,000/year just because she's a legacy.  That was happy news.

Ohio Wesleyan also has a strong first-year seminar program. It also has a "Theory to Practice" program which provides students with grants to go abroad, apprenticeships, and access to internships. They have housing in New York City so students have a place to live while taking semester courses or internships in the city.  The school has strong alumni support and they are renovating and growing like crazy.

This is one of the kitchens in the basement of the dorms. Quite posh!

The College of Wooster was my favorite. If I could go back to college, I'd go there. The campus is gorgeous.

The classrooms and study spaces are like a modern Hogwarts.

Wooster also has a first-year writing seminar. The English department has its own study abroad program in the UK, and there is a big theater and art program.  They urge all students to complete independent study capstone experiences and support the students carefully through all four years as they work to define the final projects.  Can you tell that Helen is an English/Theater girl?   Helen also had an interview here and I think will apply.

Finally, we stopped at Ithaca College. Ithaca sits high on a hill over the finger lakes. It was built in the 1960s and is the biggest school we looked at. It is also test-optional.

Ithaca has a huge theater department and a conservatory.  It is without a doubt Helen's top choice to go to school. One of the things I liked about Ithaca was what seemed to be a strong alumni network that connects students to jobs and internships. They also have New York City housing and share courses and activities with Cornell.  Crew is an additional bonus here:

Now it's time to get down to business. She has SAT tests tomorrow, ACT tests next weekend, and has identified which teachers she needs to ask for letters of recommendation.  She's also in the process of registering to take a class at Dartmouth next year.  Super-busy times for her.