Knox is incredibly well known for academics and is well respected, especially in the scientific community. One of the best things about Knox is all the independent student research which occurs and the extent to which the independent research is funded by the school via Richter Grants, HHMI Grants, etc. Few schools, large or small, will offer such opportunities to their students.

Relationships between faculty and students are more casual than found at other schools too. Ask a random sample of Knox students, and you will probably hear the largest percentage of them have been invited to a Professor's house for dinner or on a first name basis with some professors.

A large part of what I contributed in Knox: A Big Picture could be cut and pasted here. Since Knox is such a small school, professors do tend to know students by name which increases accountability for factors such as class attendance, participation and most importantly, grades.

My department, biology, is incredibly supportive on independent investigation and encourages independent study as well as requiring students to perform senior research. Such and education prepares graduates in the major for jobs in research as well as preparation for higher education.

One characteristic Knox requires of all students is curiosity, so it is not at all uncommon to come across students having intellectual discussions outside of the classroom setting. We are indeed a competitive bunch, but also supportive. We help each other along.

A large percentage of the student body comes from the outcast high school student role, so there are a bunch of "oddballs" here. That said, the typical, popular high school prep would probably feel incredibly out of place here.

Another type of student who would probably not be comfortable here are Republicans. Knox is very much a liberal, left wing school so Republicans are definitely in the minority.

On campus, Greek life definitely dominates. Off campus, apart from the bars there is a movie theater and a park. Lack of outside entertainment is conducive to an environment for work.

Knox students are seen as brainy, non athletic people. We are also perceived to be a bit on the strange side.

Come talk to some of us and decide for yourself. Asking if stereotypes are accurate is an incredibly loaded question.