Bates, Middlebury, Williams, Swarthmore, or Haverford

<p>Those are the schools under consideration for my D after many college visits - several other were ruled out after visits (Colby, Bowdoin,…) because they just did not “feel right”. Have yet to visit Swarthmore and Haverford. Interested in studying biology and mathematics, and participate in sports. Wants a strong and friendly academic environment but not overly intense, wants to be with students that enjoy the outdoors, wants environmental awareness and plenty of vegetarian options, wants to be in an active environment and participate in sports but not a “jock” or “fill-the-stands” environment. Most of all wants down-to-earth nice fellow students and teachers that are not snobby, pretentious, or preppy - and smart students that are not all about intelect or shows-offs. She can probably get in to any school, but does not feel a need to go to the most prestigious she can get in to. Wants a happy 4 years and a strong academic experience. Where? </p>

<p>She expected to like Middlebury most, but it almost felt “too nice” (Stepford Wives?). She was surprised to find that she really liked Bates - probably the least prestigious and easiest to get in to of the group. All visits were in the summer with no students around.</p>

<p>Did your D consider Carleton?</p>

<p>Without first hand experience, but with some CC reading, it seems that school would be a match.</p>

<p>I think you’re daughter would really like Bates. If she's not looking for an overly intense environment, I would rule out Swarthmore which has quite a reputation for cut-throat students. It’s still a good idea to visit though so that she can get a sense for herself. One great thing about Bates is that while students do work hard there seems to be very little overt competition and most people are pretty willing to help one another out. </p>

<p>Some more info about Bates. There are a good number of people very interested in the environment. Not only is there an active club, but various efforts have been made throughout the college to promote awareness regarding certain environmental issues. Bates is also striving to become a more sustainable school. In addition, environmental studies is a fairly common major. There are a pretty decent number of vegetarians here and while dining accommodates this need, I am not so sure if there's that much variety. But a few of my vegetarian friends seem happy. And there’s a club for non-meat eaters as well.</p>

<p>Lots of people here are into the outdoors and the Bates Outing club offers a wealth of activities each season. Sports are pretty big but still probably not as big as they are at some of our peers. Overall, we're not really known for such great teams but some of them do excel. </p>

<p>I've also noticed that the majority of students here really don't come off as overly intellectual. While lots of students do discuss classes, etc somewhat frequently, I love that most people often have conversations about all sorts of things non-academically related as well. I think there's a really nice balance between academic engagement and the enjoyment of other aspects of life here. </p>

<p>At Bates, there are a pretty decent number of students one would consider preppy, but there lots of other types too. Even so, Bates is probably the least preppy of the schools on your list. </p>

<p>I really liked Haverford when I visited. My impression is that you'd find a lot of similarities among students of both schools. I don't know too much about Haverford, but based solely on my tour I can tell you that the academic atmosphere there seemed more intense than at Bates. And most Bates students work hard... Also, they have an honor code which my tour guide really emphasized- probably great for some students and not so ideal for others. </p>

<p>Good luck with the college admissions process. If you have any specific questions about Bates I'd be happy to help answer them. Hope this helped.</p>

<p>"She can probably get in to any school, but does not feel a need to go to the most prestigious she can get in to."</p>

<p>Wow. Seeing as the class of '09 is viewed as the hardest year to get into college.
Anyways, cut out Williams and Midd. Way too preppy and focused on sports, for the most part. Swarthmore in all honesty wouldn't be a good fit because it doesn't fit the criteria you listed -- not really school with kids into the outdoors, etc. Don't know too much about Haverford -- small school though.
Carleton & Bates definitely do overlap</p>

<p>Thanks. Yes, Carleton has all along seemed like it could be a very good fit, but it appears we will be staying in the Northeast (eastern PA and north). Haverford does look interesting, and will be visiting it and Swarthmore fairly soon - have visited the rest, although it was during the summer when they were failry empty. The interest in the outdoors, environmental awareness, vegetarian living are also things that also factors that will be important. In the end, she will be looking for a friendly and relaxed environment, with unpretentious "regular" kids, along with high academic standards. Thanks!</p>

<p>Given your list of priorities, Oberlin should be interesting to your daughter - the only factor not a match is the geography.</p>

<p>Sounds like she would like Wesleyan, and Oberlin.</p>

<p>I agree. Carleton, Macalister, Oberlin, Dennison, Grinnell would all likely be of interest, if she wanted to look at the midwest - and possibly a better fit than some we are looking at. We probably will take a look at Wesleyan when we go to PA to look at Swarthmore and Haverford.</p>

<p>Wesleyan is in Connecticut</p>

<p>I know. We live in MA, so Wesleyan would be kind of on the way to Swarthmore and Haverford in PA. I agree that Oberlin (and Carleton) could be good matches, but it appears that she prefers staying in the NE. Thanks.</p>

<p>Hope you get a chance to visit when the students are around; the schools have a dramatically different "feel" then. I have no vested interest in Bowdoin, but I was struck by how much your description (eg. sports, biology, food sensitivity) fits Bowdoin perfectly. I understand about the importance of the initial "chemistry", and it may well be that you have moved way past Bowdoin as a possibility. Good luck..and I hope you get a chance to make the follow up visits with students present.</p>

<p>Admissions have gotten so competitive for all these schools that it might be smart for CuriousDad999's daughter to expand her search a bit. Wesleyan and Oberlin are great schools but are not really outdoorsy---a visit while school is in session to all the real contenders could help her get a fix on the school cultures which are really different and distinctive. I second Caleno's suggestion that your daughter give Bowdoin another look when it's in session. She might look at Hamilton which has a lot of the features she's interested in and Dartmouth, if she'd consider a larger school with D1 sports. Bates seems to meet much of what she's looking for and does have great vegan food options.</p>

<p>If your daughter really likes Bates, then I can't see her at Wesleyan - these schools and their student bodies are worlds apart. I have a son at Bates. He is a down-to-earth, outdoors kid, not a drinker or pothead, loves animals, hiking, is very friendly and is inclusive by nature. He is also a good athelete and student. No one cares about how much your parents make, what your family lineage is, what high school you went to, what your political agenda is (or is not) - The kids there are not apatheitc - they just aren't into one-upping each other. A truly collegial learning environment....I think Carelton is a good comparison...</p>

<p>beachmum -- Even though I'm sure Bates is a better fit, it actually sounds like yout S would actually find a home at Wes very easily. I won't argue that Wes and Bates are very much alike, but I think someone like your S (and the OP's D could) could fit at either--ESP. the OP's D. The whole school isn't outdoorsy at Wes, but there is a stronger contingent of people who are than it would first appear (there's even "Out House," a program house for those who love the outdoors, which, as far as I know, always has way more applicants than it can take).</p>

<p>My daughter is a senior at Wesleyan and although many kids enjoy being outdoors, it is certainly not a prevalent leaning or vibe of the school. It has much more of an urban feel and for the most part the school does not draw active outdoor enthusiasts in comparison to Bates.</p>