Carleton College Top Questions

Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

Caitlin

Fun fact--Northfield is home to the Malt-o-Meal factory, which means that the entire town often smells like sugary cereal, i.e. delicious. I love Carleton and I'm so glad I chose it. I've only been there for one term, but I have already met so many great people and learned a lot too. The small community atmosphere is not for everyone, but if it sounds appealing then Carleton may be for you. There is no substitute for visiting, though, and I definitely recommend seeing it for yourself.

Rachel

Very academically oriented, very friendly, wonderful faculty

Kimberly

It feels like a home and community where people care about you and want you to succeed.

Becky

Carleton is incredibly open to anyone. Students want to learn from one another so very rarely is there ever peer pressure to do anything--people support your decisions and are curious about why you feel that way or why you hold that opinion. And there is NO academic competition--again, students value others' experiences and realize how much more there is to the classroom experience than professors and grades. Classmates listen to each other with respect and a desire to understand.

Lauren

The social life at Carleton is unique compared to other schools because of the wonderful mix of parties, concerts, lectures, plays, opportunities in the town of Northfield, and a mix of sub-free and non-sub-free options. There is a house called Dacie Moses House where you can bake cookies and play board games 24/7 while there is an active party scene on weekends but a lack of fraternities so all of the parties are open to those on campus and offer options for those who do not drink within the parties, too.

carrie

Small, smart and liberal.

Andy

Carleton may be a little weird, a little cold but in the end I have loved every second of it. The people are what makes Carleton so amazing.

Robert

I'd say the best way to know Carleton is to come visit. I had an amazing time visiting during accepted student's weekend and was already able to get a sense of a vibe here just based on those two and a half days.

Caitlin

I should write more, but I'm distracted now.

Daphne

carleton is spectacular!

Nate

Security at Carleton is very nice and lenient. Over very sensible people.

Tate

Carleton is a fantastic place driven by mutual respect between the students and faculty each trying to achieve their personal best in a spirit of intellectual curiosity.

Jane

When I first came here, I was a little apprehensive because I am a Republican. However, since everyone is so nice and accepting, I never felt this was a huge problem.

Ethan

Although there are some elitist stiffs, this generally is great place to live and learn. What more can you ask of a college?

Emma

I hate Carleton, but that's just my opinion.

Annie

I'm on the rugby social team, which means I attend their games and drink.

Tricia

Bring a cape.

Jessica

Carleton needs to seriously exam its admissions policies as far as global education goes. People don't really understand the real world as well as they should.

Ray

The best part about Carleton social life is the lenient alcohol policy. The administration feels that Carleton students are responsible enough to make their own decisions about alcohol and doesn't get involved unless peoples' health are in jeopardy. We drink with our dorm rooms open with no fear of getting in trouble and campus parties are rarely shut down by security.

Carolyn

Minnesota is cool! I'm from the west coast, and fully enjoy going to school in a different part of the country. Also, I have never regretted not going to a similar school located on the east coast. Minnesota is unique and personable, and it is an easy transition to make, no matter where you're from.

Rafael

There is also almost no diversity within the staff and faculty.

Alex

The best advice I can give is to come and visit Carleton, and see what it's like. An overnight stay will probably give you an accurate idea of what it is like to go here. So visit, and if you like it, then come here, and if you don't, then don't.

Kendall

Umm...I am running out of time in which to take this so not really. I just want to say that this is only from my perspective, which is very subjective. I try to be more objective in what I say, but I definitely don't have the full picture since I don't know nearly everyone and I generally hang out more with a certain type of people (for example, those that don't party hard). So my observations are skewed a certain way because of the environment I place myself in. Just keep that in mind.

Tim

Carleton is GREAT, not perfect, but GREAT.

Jonathan

If I could do it over again, I would not come to Carleton.

Rob

Carleton is a very fun and challenging college. Classes are hard, but there's a ton of help offered if you're ever struggling. It will teach you to think in ways you've never thought before, question all that you thought was certain, and appreciate life in a new way.

Alex

The people here all have something cool about them, but no one is jumping to tell you about it. No one talks about grades or achievments are more stuck up ivy league schools would.

Cat

It's great. It's liberal, accepting for the most part, non-competitive, there is a niche for everybody. I love all my friends, I've got a great support system, I'm really close to a number of my professors, I really like the town of Northfield... I'm really glad I chose Carleton.

Martha

N/A

Leslie

If you want an excellent liberal arts experience, come to Carleton, but be prepared to work really hard. We'd love it if you came!

Rose

Carleton is an amazing place. No one can really understand it until they get here.

Evan

The music department is mega lame here. If you are serious about music, never ever come here. Also, if you live somewhere without a real winter you may want to reconsider moving to Minnesota. I know how cliche it is to say "well, it's cold there!" but it really is.

Nico

I wouldn't change my decision for anything.

David

If you're considering Carleton, make sure you visit. You can't really get a feel for just how great this community is until then. I went from not applying at all to applying early decision in the space of two days when I came up. And I don't regret my decision for a minute. I loved every day I spent here.

Casey

Carleton's a great place. People are great, classes and professors are the best you'll ever have, BUT, if you don't like rural areas, don't come here. It's rural. Which is fine, since we mostly stay on campus, but it does get small.

Kendra

Things that are rough? Dealing with some of the administration. I'd mention the dining halls, but we are switching to a new and delicious dining provider next year so I suppose we'll all have to wait and see on that. Ultimately Carleton exceeded my every expectation. I have wanted to be here since my sophomore year of high school, and for anybody looking for a small school and a new experience, this is a good place to be. Carleton has challenged me a lot - academically, socially and personally. But ultimately being here has also helped me get through these challenges and be better for it. I cannot describe how valuable this experience is as far as life learning goes. I know that no matter what I will have to face, I'll be able to handle it, and Carleton has been a big part of that!

Danny

Carleton is an amazing school. Whatever you want to be, or whoever you want to become, you can do it here. I say this with confidence and fully aware of the great, wonderful diversity of all people. Come. You are all welcome. You will all find friends and challenges that will make you a better person, and help you learn to know yourself. You will savor every moment of Carleton, and look forward to every new term.

Ben

Carleton's dining services have been lackluster, but they're choosing a new vendor over the summer, so, hopefully, things should be much better.

Tristan

I think the atmosphere at Carleton is changing and I can't really tell if it is a good or bad thing. I really like President Oden. Studying abroad is one of the best things about Carleton.

Abbey

I love Carleton. I would not trade my experience here for anything. I have learned so much in and out of the classroom and I know that Carleton as a whole is committed to my success.