<p>What are some differences and similarities between these two schools? I know the basic ones (Wes is more artsy/hippie, etc.) but what are some more in depth similarities and differences?</p>
<p>Have you visited either school? The differences should become abundantly clear after visiting.</p>
<p>^ I'm still a junior in high school, but I'm not sure that I will be able to visit....I live in the midwest.</p>
<p>idk, based on my knowledge [read:stereotypes] of the midwest and amherst/wesleyan, I think that midwesterners would like amherst more. But then again, I don't know your interests, etc.</p>
<p>^ Well, politically, I'm more liberal. I play the viola and I love music. I want to major in Psychology and French, and I definitely want to study abroad in France.</p>
<p>chocolate, I'd give Wesleyan the edge for music. You should also take a look at Williams -- a wonderful music department plus plenty of performance opportunities for non-majors. You might also consider Smith if you are female.</p>
<p>Psychology is a strong department at all top LACs. French is uniformly good as well, as is the option to study abroad. The major similarity is teaching and learning environment -- small classes, student focus, accessible faculty.</p>
<p>Actually Wesleyan's music program, though very strong, is oriented toward electronic and world music more than classical music. S plays violin and viola and he wasn't happy with the department, though there were other things about the school he did like. The music building wasn't appealing to him either, though some feel differently.</p>
<p>For languages look at Middlebury and Dartmouth. We never saw Middlebury's music building, but the HOP at Dartmouth is awesome.</p>
<p>If you're from the midwest I'm sure you know about Oberlin.</p>
<p>S has been very happy with the music program at Williams.</p>
<p>Do you like cities? If you're a woman, Barnard also has an awesome French program and Columbia University (including Barnard) has a great study abroad program in Paris. Music opportunities are abundant. It's possible to arrange lessons at Juilliard or Manhattan School of Music which is in the neighborhood.</p>
<p>Research Bard as well.</p>
<p>I have heard of Oberlin :) they have an awesome music department! As far as location goes, I don't want to be in the middle of nowhere, but it's fine to not be in a city. Is there a big culture shock going from the midwest to the east coast? Especially when it comes to these prestigious schools?</p>
<p>If you've chosen your environment based on fit, and done it correctly, you will likely be more at home at the college you've selected, with more kindred spirits, than you are in the environment of your current school which you did not choose based on fit, in the part of the country that you did not choose based on fit.</p>
<p>We know many students from your neck of the woods who have ventured outwards, and have heard no reports of any negative experiences so far.</p>
<p>Actually, relatively few students from OPs area attend Oberlin. It is essentially an east coast school stuck a bit outside of the east coast. Oberlin is a good 14 hours away from OP; it is far closer to the east coast. some people who live near OP don't even realize Ohio is even considered to be in the midwest.</p>
<p>East coast/midwest culture shock? I guess, but only if you're from a community that differs in intensity and socioeconomic status...</p>
<p>Also, we are pretty fast paced in the NY-CT-NJ region...MA is pretty quick too.</p>
<p>Try your best to visit, even if you have to visit during the summer!</p>