<p>I've narrowed my choices down to these 3 schools. Any and all commentary would be helpful.</p>
<p>I don’t know much about Vassar, but it seems to me that if you’re interested in Government, History, Politics, Public Policy, Economics, or anything writing-intensive, Hamilton is the ideal school for you. That’s partly why I am choosing it, at least. I’m not sure if Bowdoin and Vassar have distribution requirements, but if that would make a difference, keep that in mind–Hamilton has NO required courses! </p>
<p>I would guess that Vassar is less of a party school, but that is just a guess as I really wouldn’t know. Bowdoin is more highly ranked, but I don’t know how much this really means–I’m sure an education at any of these schools would serve you well wherever you go.</p>
<p>All three schools have wildly different personalities, which I’m sure you realize. In accordance with that, in one sense your decision will be easier. I suppose on a simple academic level you can’t go wrong; all three are highly ranked LACs with (Vassar/Bowdoin being a tad bit more prestige-bearing) excellent programs and beautiful campuses. I suppose the slight dash of concrete at Hamilton might off some, but both Vassar and Bowdoin have their superficial downsides too (Maine winters, oh and, Poughkeepsie).</p>
<p>Unless you live crazily far away, its probably best that you do an overnight at each. Considering the polarized nature of your final list, I can’t imagine it being too difficult to eliminate one or two. </p>
<p>If you’ve done your research, you already know the stereotypes: Vassar is the artsy school, open-minded and liberal, Hamilton the intellectual quirky type with a more than decent share of private school kids, and Bowdoin with a more athletic/preppy flare. Threads like this one and mind numbed internet screenings will never give you the full picture. Visit, and stay overnight. Chances are you’ve gleaned most of what you need from the internet already. Besides, nobody here knows who you are or what you plan to do in life so giving advice is difficult.</p>
<p>Unless you’re looking solely at prestige, which would most likely lead you to Bowdoin. It appears you’ve asked this on the other boards but you’re just going to get people rooting for each particular school, and its not going to ease your decision. Visit overnight.</p>
<p>stratus, the students on the Hamilton waitlist have gotten together, talked it over and voted to help you out on your tough choice of schools- and the result is that they have concluded overwhelmingly that Bowdoin and Vassar are much better, by far, than Hamilton…</p>
<p>Upon visiting and speaking with both recent and older alums, you will find many more raving fans of Hamilton than many other similar top-ranked LACs including the ones you mention. Why is that? Well, it speaks to the balance of intellectual, artistic and friendly culture-fabric that is emblematic of this college. </p>
<p>Go visit, talk to alums and current students, and find why Hamilton prepares their students for grad schools and careers. You’ll be amazed that it was about getting students more educated, to help their communities and society — not just about seeking prestige or art for its own sake. Don’t take it from me or the previous post. Go research. Then go with your gut. You’ll find the answer.</p>