<p>I know there are about a million threads on here from people looking for schools with, shall we say, less traditional kids. I'm helping someone who is fairly artsy, unknown major, and really likes a diverse student body. I can't picture her in a predominantly white, rich kid school. (OK, putting on flame-proof clothes now.) She would prefer a smallish school, somewhere within a state or two of NYS. She is a very strong student from an urban high school. Has not taken SATs yet. </p>
<p>This is an early look-see for her. (She's a junior.) I know everyone will say Oberlin, but what else have we got out there? Is it Bard or Baird or Colby that comes up??? I can't remember. Where else?</p>
<p>Bard comes to mind, also Sarah Lawrence, maybe Eugene Lang. There's Wesleyan and Oberlin, but as much as I love them, they will be predominantly white, and many fairly well off.</p>
<p>Drew in NJ comes to mind, but I think it's predominantly white. It's very small and students seem to often have an artistic bent. Worth looking into, in any event.</p>
<p>Bard is probably the school you're thinking of. Colby is up in Maine.</p>
<p>Weenie, there are plenty of "artsy" LACs in the Northeast that attract non-traditional students. The degree of "artsy-ness" varies as will the selectivity and academic rigor. For starters I'd look at: Barnard, Vassar, Bard, Wesleyan, Smith.</p>
<p>Diversity is difficult to quantify. Sure you can look at figures on racial groups, but there are also economic, sexual, religious, political and ethnic diversity and the breakouts often overlap. </p>
<p>All LACs are striving toward diversity. Those that located in or near urban environments are generally more successful at attracting and maintaining a wider range of students, but even the more remote schools have made tremendous progress in evening their percentages. Amherst, Williams, Grinnell for example are no longer rich, white country clubs, and the WASP is becoming an endangered species.</p>
<p>If by "arsty" you actually mean Art, as in painting, drawing etc. then your friend may want to look at colleges with good art studio and art history departments and good museum access. We did a lot of research in this area and found, surprisingly, that the LACs with the best Art programs were not necessarily the most liberal-leaning schools. They included: Williams, Hamilton, Skidmore, Conn College, Wesleyan, Kenyon, Oberlin, Vassar, Smith.</p>
<p>Or . . . art school. Pratt in Brooklyn, RISD in Providence, University of the Arts or Moore College of Art in Philadelphia, and Temple's Tyler School which is mainly in the Philadelphia suburbs but has a lot of events in center city. </p>
<p>You ain't seen "artsy" if you ain't seen art students.</p>
<p>In Maine, I would say that Bates is "artsier" than Colby, but is said to be less "crunchy" than it used to be. Neither is particularly diverse though--groups tend to self-segregate. </p>
<p>If she's looking for more of an inclusive atmosphere I would say look at Bennington in VT. Could be a good choice for someone who is a self-starter and a go-getter. Arts and academics are integrated and treated with equal respect. They are growing and committed to revitalizing the curriculum. The Director of Admissions is one of the nicest and most insightful people we've come into contact with during the app process. </p>
<p>She might look at some all women's LAC's like Smith in Northampton--a very "artsy" community. Although, Mount Holyoke probably has the most "real" campus diversity--interaction is encouraged.</p>
<p>How about SUNY New Paltz....I have heard it is pretty artsy and has a hippie town nearby. I know you wanted small, but I can't help but also suggest NYU.</p>
<p>Eugene Lang is the undergrad part of the New School. It is right in the village, very artsy, obviously very urban.<br>
I would second looking at Bennington, Hampshire and Bard. All have many creative types and great art facilities, and while they are not necessarily terribly racially diverse, there are definitely kids with all different backgrounds, and from all over, who attend.</p>
<p>I'm just adding to the suggestions for looking at Hampshire and Bard. Both non-traditional and filled with lots of creative, artsy kids and faculty. Hampshire's in the five-college program, so there's a chance to take courses and interact with students at UMass, Mt. Holyoke, Smith, and Amherst.</p>