So I know that there are several similar discussions floating around, but I’m looking for some specific information that may help me decide between these four colleges. I am currently a high school senior and very interested in applying somewhere early decision this fall (since it will help my chances of getting in), but cannot decide between Bates, Skidmore, Kenyon, and Wesleyan. To give some background, I am a strong applicant academically (good test scores and great grades), and have excellent extracurriculars and community service, etc. I’m more of an artsy type (not athletic at all), and am looking for a small, close-knit community where students are friendly and inclusive. I like small towns, but am not uber outdoorsy and am looking for a few cute cafes/restaurants.
I visited Bates and loved it, but am concerned that it has a vibe that is too jocky/preppy? Is this accurate? Are non-athletes alienated from the social scene? Also, is there anywhere half-way decent to eat in Lewiston?
I also love Skidmore, but feel that I could do better - it is not very prestigious. I also don’t really like the campus that much and feel that Saratoga might be a distraction / draw kids away from campus.
As far as Kenyon goes, I have not visited yet but I feel that it would be a good fit. However, am very concerned about Gambier. Does it get unbearably boring? I am worried that I may feel isolated/trapped.
Lastly, I also really like Wesleyan. However, I am not super into political/social activism, and have heard that this dominates campus. Will I feel left out? I have heard that Wes kids “take in an your face approach to life,” which doesn’t really appeal to me.
Any insight to any of these four schools is much appreciated! It does not have to be specifically related to my concerns/questions.
I don’t think you should apply ED to a school you haven’t visited at all (Kenyon) and question the appropriateness of applying ED if you don’t have a clear favorite.
@doschicos I am visiting Kenyon this weekend! But yes, I understand that applying ED might not be the best choice if I do not have a clear favorite. But I’d like to consider it just in case!
I just don’t feel its the same caliber as the other 3 schools. We also had an “interesting” experience on a tour there where students made comments to the touring group that we should go elsewhere. Whether because they were unhappy or just joking, it left a less than favorable impression. Just one person’s opinion, though.
Unless you end up loving Kenyon when you visit this weekend, it sounds as if you don’t like any of them enough to apply ED. I think you should continue to look. Perhaps look into Hamilton or Amherst
I think you’re going to love Kenyon. It’s a great campus with a great humanities tradition. Gambier will be a touch too small for you, but, many, many small college students get along quite well never setting foot in town.
For whatever it’s worth, we’ve heard students complain and make that same thinly veiled suggestion to not come at a number of schools we visited. I think there is always that crowd of malcontents.
@veryanxiousapplicant : Hamilton’s fraternities are nonresidential. By this factor alone, Hamilton should not be regarded as a particularly fratty college.
Bates is more selective: the acceptance rate is lower and the test scores are higher. Skidmore is easier to get into, in part because it is significantly larger (2,600 undergrads vs. 1,800 at Bates).
Skidmore was a women’s college before going coed, and women still predominate (39/61 % M/F). Lots of visual/performing arts, absence of football. Skidmore offers bachelor’s degrees in applied fields like business, education, exercise science, and social work, which are not options at more traditional liberal arts colleges (like Bates).
Most New England LACs were originally all-male or all-female, but Bates has always been coed. They have essentially balanced enrollment (49/51 % M/F). A traditional New England LAC, including a football team.
Bates is harder to get in. That doesn’t mean it’s necessarily a better fit. My D is going to apply to Skidmore, along with Reed, Lewis and Clark, Bryn Mawr----schools that lean left. Neither Bates nor Skidmore have Greek life. Skidmore is now test-optional.
If you like aspects of Skidmore, Bates, and Wesleyan, then the school that comes to mind is Connecticut College. It’s in NESCAC (the same league as Bates and Wesleyan), but it’s a former women’s college that went coed, and which is still predominantly female in enrollment (like Skidmore). Connecticut College was historically the all-female counterpart to all-male Wesleyan. SAT/ACT scores seem higher than Skidmore, comparable to Bates. Have not visited, but the campus is supposed to be gorgeous.
