<p>I know all of these schools are great schools. I really appreciate their recognition. However, I have been struggling between these schools this week and I cannot make a final decision.</p>
<p>A bit introduction about myself: I am an international student. I am interested in a lot of subjects, so I am not really sure what I will be majoring during college. However, I do know that I am not really into physics, chemistry and biology. I guess I am quite interested in math, economics, history and maybe philosophy. I am highly considering double major. I wish to have some freedom when selecting classes.</p>
<p>Honestly, I am not quite an extrovert, so I hope to study at some place where people are friendly and accepting. </p>
<p>As for my future plan, again, I am not sure whether I will enjoy doing research or internship. And I dont know whether I will be going to graduate school. As a result, I want to choose a college where both research and internship opportunities are pretty good. For example, it would be even better if school has on campus recruiting.I wish to do some exploration. No offense, but I felt like Carls are more into continuing their study in post-graduate study instead of working after graduation. By the way, how are these schools reputations for post-graduate school?</p>
<p>As a parent of a Carleton sophomore, I only have insight into that school. I can tell you that students there are generally friendly and accepting, and there are probably many introverts in that student body. They tend to be studious but of course there are many social activities.</p>
<p>I don’t think that Carleton students are necessarily “more into continuing their study” after earning a bachelor’s degree. The reality of current job market in the U.S. is that most students need to earn a master’s degree in order to gain employment in their field of study. </p>
<p>Graduate schools and internship programs are quite familiar with Carleton’s reputation for excellence. Depending on your major, it is not unusual to secure a summer internship at Carleton or elsewhere in the U.S. after your sophomore year.</p>
<p>These are 3 great schools. Let me offer these observations:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>In your areas of interest, SS and Hum will be strong at all 3, see little meaningful difference. But math is probably strongest/deepest at Carleton. It’s (along with CS) a much more popular major on campus than at Colgate/Vassar and has an additional large contingent of non-majors taking classes. St. Olaf down the road has a strong math program as well and there are some joint offerings between the two schools. The study abroad program in Budapest in math is very popular.</p></li>
<li><p>In terms of your own personality and what you’re seeking in a student body, I think your best fit would be Carleton followed by Vassar.</p></li>
<li><p>Post grad, as Pootie pointed out, tons of Carls eventually go on for grad degrees in some form and grad schools love the rigor and depth that Carleton offers. But PhD seeking grads are a clear minority. Most head into the job market out of school and place very well. Goals of graduates are probably more in line with Vassar than Colgate. Only a small percentage interested in IB, for example, but large numbers going into consulting along with government/non-profit/corporate work. While many stay regionally in Chicago or Minn SP, that is often a reflection of their hometown origins. Large numbers head west, esp to the Bay Area and Seattle, many head east, esp towards gov’t jobs in DC or finance/consulting jobs in NY or Boston.</p></li>
</ol>