So I’ve heard back from all the colleges that I applied to at this point, and I’m trying to choose between Bard, Dickinson, and Skidmore. I would describe myself as pretty liberal, artsy, and very academic. I don’t want to go to a party school that’s too preppy or has a strong greek life. I think I want to major in biology (possibly conservation biology) and purse a career in scientific research. I want to go to a school that has a lot of research opportunities for undergrads. I also might minor in art, or double major in art and bio - however, strong science is much more important to me than art. I really want to be surrounded by students who are as academically passionate as me. However, I also want to have a social life. I don’t drink, so I don’t want to go to a school where drinking and smoking is something students are pressured into. I also plan to go to grad school, so I want to go to a college where a lo of the graduates go to good grad schools, and that has a strong alumni network.
Bard seems like a good school, but it’s not known for it’s science, and I’m worried that it won’t be academic enough. I’m worried that Dickinson might be too preppy and a little bit conservative, and I know it has greek life (although I hear that this is a minority of the campus). I’ve heard that Skidmore has good science, but that it also has a reputation for being a bit of a party school. Out of the three schools, which do you think is the most academic, has the best bio program, and best fits my hopes for college?
I don’t think you need worry that Bard is not academic enough. The students who choose Bard are focused and passionate about their studies. In recent years Bard has poured a lot of resources into expanding their science offerings and facilities. Although the school still has a reputation for being arts focused, the sciences and social sciences have become increasingly strong. I assume you’ve been to the site of the biology department: http://biology.bard.edu And you know this:
The college has a number of opportunities that complement a biology major, including an intensive science-focused semester in New York City as part of the Bard-Rockefeller Semester in Science, secondary majors in Global Public Health and Science, Technology, and Society and a coterminal master’s degree program with the Bard Center for Environmental Policy.
Hmm. D has two of these schools on her short list. I never heard that Skidmore was a party school, I"ll have to look into that a bit further lol. She also wants science, probably biochem with a double in math or computer science. It sounds like you have a lot of the same requirements of a school. I’m very interested to hear the opinions. BTW, D will minor in a language area, most likely Latino Studies or something of that nature. Are these “match” schools for you? Are you from the NE?
You left out the financial aspects… what is the cost of attendance (tuition/fees/room/board minus scholarships/grants)? How much loans will you need for each one?
I wont need to take out any loans, but bard is by far the most expensive (i didn’t get any aid, but i’m going to try and negotiate). I was given a $15,000 a year science scholarship at skidmore, and $20,000 a year in merit aid at dickinson.
I’m from NYC. All these schools were more safety schools for me.
If you do go the Conservation Biology route, Dickinson has good programs, both academically and institutional focus on sustainability issue. It was my favorite of the three campuses, and given that you got the most aid there, that would be my recommendation.
If I were in your shoes, I would choose Dickinson. I visited the campus during my college search, and as a bio major, the facilities were top of the line. The campus seemed very liberal in my opinion. Also, if they gave you the most aid, I think that’s another plus 
I’d go for Skidmore, for academics and vibe,it sounds closest to what you want in every respect. Dickinson second (they’re really good in the sciences, but you’re right it’s a bit more conservative than Skidmore, though fairly liberal by general standards, and it does have some Greek life.)
Can you visit?