<p>I've looked at a lot of schools and have been very confused and conflicted about what schools to apply to or whether or not I should ED. If anyone could help me out, it would be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>I'm looking for:
Mid sized school (probably 2500 - 8,000)
School with down to earth kids. Not too preppy or hipster or jocky. I'd like a nice mix. Also, I wouldn't want an extremely serious intellectual school, but then again I would like a great education and would like to be around kids that are smart.
I'd like there to be a decent party scene but nothing intrusive.
I'm not sure what I would major in but something in the humanities (english, history, creative writing).
My ACT is a 31 and gpa unweighted is a 91 at a competitive private school in NY. (To give you an idea kids with 94's and 95's go to Harvard and Princeton-type schools). </p>
<p>A school like Dartmouth would be perfect for me with regard to location, size, and campus. But I have no illusions of being able to get in there, so what is a realistic choice for me?
Thanks!</p>
<p>Kenyon College comes to mind. Top for English/writing and the campus is gorgeous, gothic architecture. It used to feel more preppy, but now has a bigger mix of students. Very down to earth, intelligent students but not pretentious.</p>
<p>I visited Kenyon and thought the campus was really nice but the kids seemed a little too into academics and more intellectual than I’d like. Also I think about 1600 kids go there which is a little small. I visited in the summer and could be wrong about the kids though.</p>
<p>What about the SUNY schools?</p>
<p>I think you should be looking into along the lines of LACs. Wesleyen, Oberlin, Middlebury…</p>
<p>What is your financial situation? How much aid do you need? If you can pay full freight?</p>
<p>Any Geographical preferences?</p>
<p>Whitman College in Washington State comes to mind. Really accepting nice kids, some artsy, some nerdy, some outdoorsy (great outdoor program). They all get along. Academics rigorous, but not all-consuming. Some party, some don’t. It’s a bit smaller than you mentioned but there is lots to do and the students enjoy themselves.</p>
<p>Walla Walla is a great town: <a href=“http://www.king5.com/home/Walla-Wall...125967803.html[/url]”>http://www.king5.com/home/Walla-Wall...125967803.html</a></p>
<p>I’ve looked at Wesleyan and loved the campus. The size is good but I have heard that the student body is a little too intellectual and serious, and also extremely liberal. In general, I expect a left leaning student body from a college and normally wouldn’t be turned off by this. However, I’m worried that their is very little diversity of thought at the school… (I know I’m picky haha I’m sorry I really do appreciate the help). Oberlin is interesting, can someone elaborate on what the student body is like? I’ll also look into Whitman College bopambo.</p>
<p>William & Mary, Wake Forest, and Georgetown all seem to fit that description pretty well.</p>
<p>Since you have so many subjective views of a school, you should first go to the LACs section on CC and read about them, go visit those passed your screening and choose some to apply to.</p>
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<p>Generally there’s a positive correlation between the seriousness of the intellectual environment and the quality of education obtained.</p>
<p>What about Grinnell, Carleton, Macalester? Centre may be too small for you, but it has a good mix of thought.</p>