Kenyon vs Denison: Which one should I choose?

Hey everyone! I've been accepted to both Kenyon College and Denison University, but I'm having a tough time deciding between the two. Can anyone give me some insight into the academic and social life at these schools? I'm planning to major in English, if that helps. Thanks!

Congratulations on getting accepted to both Kenyon College and Denison University! Both of these schools are excellent liberal arts colleges that offer strong English programs. I'll give you a brief comparison of the academic and social life aspects of the schools to help you make a decision.

Academically, Kenyon College is well-known for its exceptional English program, and has a rich literary history and renowned faculty. The college hosts the Kenyon Review, a prominent literary journal, which can provide valuable opportunities for you if you're interested in writing or editing. Kenyon is situated in the small town of Gambier, Ohio, so the environment is quite peaceful and conducive to a purely academic lifestyle.

Denison University also offers a solid English program, and their Beck Series, which invites authors, poets, and other literary figures to campus, can also provide fantastic networking and learning opportunities. Denison is located in Granville, Ohio, a slightly larger college town with more amenities and activities as compared to Gambier.

In terms of social life, Kenyon's student body is known to be creative, intellectual, and collaborative. Since the campus is relatively isolated, socializing is mainly centered around the college itself. While the college offers a variety of clubs and events to participate in, it is important to note that there may be limited options for off-campus activities.

Denison's social life is considered to be well-rounded, and it has a larger student body compared to Kenyon, and the town of Granville also provides more opportunities for off-campus activities. Additionally, Denison has a more noticeable Greek life presence, which could be a positive or a negative depending on how interested you are in joining a fraternity or sorority.

To summarize, from a purely academic standpoint, both colleges have excellent English programs, but Kenyon is typically considered to have a slight edge in this field. In terms of social life, it depends on whether you prefer a smaller, more focused community or a slightly larger campus with more off-campus options.

Ultimately, your choice between Kenyon and Denison should come down to your personal preferences, priorities, and fit. Visit both campuses if you haven't already, and talk to current students and faculty to see where you would feel more at home. Good luck with your decision!