<p>Got into both and they’ve both offered the exact same amazing financial aid package. I want to study anthropology (still deciding on cultural or linguistics) with probably computer sciences. </p>
<p>My problem is this: I visited both (an overnight at Bowdoin, just a day thing at Vassar). I fell in love with the people at Bowdoin - so laid back and accepting. I felt stifled by how small the campus was. I’d never seen a college THAT small! Then I went to Vassar. The students were definitely more stand-offish, a little more “hip,” etc. But the campus was the perfect size, and gorgeous. Both colleges have the same travel abroad financial options, which is a big deal. </p>
<p>My dilemma is that I feel Vassar’s campus might have more resources and I’m more comfortable there, but that I’d feel more comfortable with the people at Bowdoin and in Brunswick versus Poughkeepsie. </p>
<p>A huge deal for me is grad school, too. I plan on getting my PhD. Which has a better rep/track record for grad schools?</p>
<p>I’m pretty lost, so any advice would be appreciated!</p>
<p>[Here’s</a> a nice write up on studying computer sciences at Bowdoin](<a href=“News | Bowdoin College”>News | Bowdoin College).</p>
<p>I do not think Bowdoin is that small (~200 acres), but it seems to be true that if u want a big campus with better resources for anthropology, Vassar may be more suitable (~1000 acres)</p>
<p>juz my 2 cents</p>
1 Like
<p>hotchilly PLEASE do not base your decision based off the few people you’ve met at Bowdoin. Yes there are some “laid back” people here but there are definitely some a-holes here. There are people here who are stand-offish too. You have to realize, you’re viewing a small subset of the campus through the people you met. Anywhere you go you’re going to meet laid back and stand offish people. </p>
<p>It’s interesting b/c last year I was choosing between Bowdoin and Vassar and both schools have me amazing aid. I say just choose whatever you feel will make you happy. Both schools are identical in many aspects so it’s just a matter of breaking the tie. I love it here at Bowdoin, if that helps anything.</p>
<p>Fascinating article, torasee, thanks!</p>
<p>Stratusfaction, that’s a good point. I realized that, but at the same time, it’s so hard to distance myself from my first impressions. In the end, what made you choose Bowdoin over Vassar?</p>
<p>You could definitely argue that Bowdoin has a better reputation than Vassar in terms of ranking and selectivity, so for grad school I would think Bowdoin would look better. You should go where you’re more comfortable, which from what you’re saying is Bowdoin</p>
<p>OP: I was in love with Bowdoin last year so much that I did Early decision. HOWEVER, I now regret that decision because of the size of the campus. How big was your high school? My school had about 200 students less than Bowdoin but nonetheless, this feels like high school to me. I say just go with the college experience you want. Sure, people can be nice here, but I’m sure there are great people at Vassar that you can find.</p>
<p>If you’re not sure about the size REALLY think about it before you make up your mind. I would tell high-school me to go with a school with at least 3000 people or more - there’s way too much gossip here for it to feel like an escape from high school.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Im trying to choose between some colleges too, and people often laugh when Im so concerned about the campus size. But seriously my high school is like tiny, I can get to know every one in like 2 weeks, and I dont think I want that to happen in college.
I think size DOES matter.</p>
<p>I almost applied ED to Vassar, and one of the main reason I loved Vassar was because I heard so much about all the nice people there. I mean, Bowdoinites are nice and motivating, but Vassar has many nice people too. So just go to the place that satisfy all your needs- and wants- without thinking too much about the people. U can always find nice people in either school</p>