<p>I am a transfer student and I applied to six schools. The two I have narrowed it down to and that I am considering between are Vassar and Bates. I know that Vassar is higher ranked, in a better location, and is a great school, but I feel like I just fit in at Bates better. Although I'm not an athlete, it would still be nice to have a football team/be part of NESCAC. And while I definitely appreciate the arts, I kind of get the vibe that at Vassar theater kids and singers rule the school and I have heard there is an air of over the top of political correctness that slightly worries me. I like that Bates seems a little more laid back and friendly, whereas Vassar seems a little standoffish. Additionally, the 50/50 boy girl ratio at Bates is pretty nice. I havent actually visited Vassar yet so I realize this is all conjecture, but can somebody mitigate my concerns?</p>
<p>You should always go to the school that āfeels right.ā That said, you should definitely visit Vassar before deciding.</p>
<p>Agree that a visit helps you see the ācultureā for yourself. You do not mention finances - those loans are something to consider. Personally, I think that Bates is an often overlooked gem. Compare the departments that you are interested in, the academics are what you are buying. Check out the departmentās vibe when you visit.</p>
<p>Went to Bates-son has gf at Vassar-very different vibes, so absolutely visit. But I think you will get an equally good education at each, and I would consider them equal in prestige.Vassar is a bit āhigher rankedā bu tI donāt think that translates to much.</p>
<p>Vassar is in a better location for city life and Lewiston is absolutely depressed former mill town, but Bates is well-known (and highest ranked) for LACs that turn out social activists.
There are so many ways to get experience in that area if that is your plan.And the campus life is great.If you love the ocean, the Maine coast is 30 minutes away.</p>
<p>Food is better at Batesā¦</p>
<p>
Most LACs, including Bates, no longer maintain a true 50/50 ratio. According to the US Dept. of Educationās āCollege Navigatorā website, the enrollment ratio was actually 47/53 male/female at Bates in Fall 2009. </p>
<p>Most former womenās colleges, including Vassar, are even more skewed towards women. The same source indicates that the ratio was 41/59 at Vassar in Fall 2009. </p>
<p>So while itās true that there are relatively more men at Bates than at Vassar (47% vs. 41%), the difference is not as great as you might think. </p>
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<p>Bates football is 6-26 over the past four seasons. So while itās true that Bates wins football games more often than Vassar, the difference is not as great as you might think.</p>
<p>You should know that (Iām class of 2014) my class at Vassar is 49/51 and the school is overall 45/55. Nobody can notice the gender difference, itās really not significant. Vassar is DEFINITELY not standoffish, that was a false impression you got somehow. One of the things students love the most about it is its friendly atmosphere, my parents are blown away by it every time they visit.</p>
<p>I just googled the profile for the class of 2014 and its 57% female, thatās on the admission website.</p>
<p>According to the collegeboard website, the whole school is 57/43.</p>
<p>^ thatās not what Iāve heard around campus, but either way everyone agrees you canāt tell that thereās a gender imbalance if one really exists</p>