Davidson College: Off the Record - College Prowler (Off the Record)

Introduction from the Author

It’s an all too common source of frustration. You work really hard throughout high school to get good grades and SAT scores. You participate in entirely too many extracurricular activities. You play entirely too many sports. You struggle through the college application process, and write more essays than you care to count. Finally, you’re accepted into a highly selective school, one with an outstanding faculty and a beautiful campus. They’ve got great athletics and a respected Honor Code. They’re set up in a cozy little town, yet just minutes away from a big city. They have sunny weather. They have an attractive student body. They have a freaking 27 percent acceptance rate. You’re so excited you run and tell everyone. “Hey everyone!” you say, “I’ve been accepted into Davidson College!”

And then they turn to you and ask: “Where?”

Its a situation weÂ’ve all been through more than once as Davidson students, and even one we can smile about. Davidson is one of the nationÂ’s top-ranked liberal arts colleges, yet nine out of ten individuals probably have never heard of us. Initially, this couldnÂ’t be more annoying. If this school is so darn selective, then why donÂ’t more people know about it? Havard and Yale are very selective, and IÂ’m willing to bet youÂ’ve heard of them.

As you live here and learn here, though, you’ll find that many don’t mind things this way. In fact, we’re even a little proud. We know that Davidson is more than just a tiny liberal arts college dropped somewhere in the hills of North Carolina. We know that, from academics to sports to parties, there’s plenty that makes this place unique—and plenty that makes it great. In fact, we like to think of it as a well-kept secret.

Join me as I give it away.

Colin Eagan, Author
Davidson College