<p>So, Ive been accepted by all these great schools and Im having a really hard time making a decision. Can you guys tell me whats the character of each schools student body? And also, what are some similarities and differences between these schools besides the obvious stuff like location? Thanks in advance.</p>
<p>I don't know if I can tell you what you want to know, but WOW! What a great group of schools you have to choose from! Have you visited any or all of them? The visit is what convinced my daughter last year that Carleton was right for her. (Vassar was runner-up in the final analysis.) It all depends on what you're looking for.</p>
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<li><p>Regarding "other" student bodies, I'll second most of Weskid's Wesleyan board comments as balanced and generally accurate (though I presume Weskid meant to imply that Carls were tight KNIT, not NIT. Ours is definitely a campus defined by symbiosis, not parasitism). </p></li>
<li><p>If this were a multiple choice question in which one had to eliminate the selection that did not fit with the others, the outlier in your group of 5 would appear to be Colgate. There is otherwise a pretty fair amount of overlap in the student bodies among the remaining 4.</p></li>
<li><p>Having admitted that, what of Carleton specifically? I'd argue that unlike so many other colleges clinging to the work hard/play hard mantra, Carls work hard/have an incredible amount of fun. That may not be as edgy a catchphrase, but then this is a student body as devoid of hipsters, posturers and social climbers as you'll find anywhere. People come here to soak up as much as they can academically and intellectually in four years without compromising fun along the way. They bring a sense of humor, a devotion to individual expression, and an intolerance of pretentiousness that makes for a pretty uniquely wonderful college experience.</p></li>
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<p>With the exception of Colgate, our family visited all of these schools. My d ended up at Swarthmore (Carleton was a very close 2nd), and s will be attending Carleton next fall (it was his first choice, 2nd to none - he applied ED and has never looked back). He chose Carleton for the same reasons 1190 posted - a challenging academic environment but also a place where people could be "real" and laugh at themselves a little. He was turned off by the "posturing" he saw at some other schools - did not want to be at a place where egos were so important and students seemed to take themselves too seriously. I think Carleton is a great fit for him. Anyway, just one family's impressions . . . best of luck with your decision!</p>
<p>Thanks guys. I'm between Carleton, Vassar, and Wesleyan now. I haven't and won't be able to visit any of these schools due to financial reasons so any input about the campuses would be appreciated. I've always loved Carleton. At first, Swarthmore was my first choice and Carleton was close behind. The only thing that stops me from choosing Carleton right now is that it's really far away from my home (Puerto Rico).</p>
<p>Chagilsma--They're all really far from your home! That's what airplanes are for, though the current condition of our airline system leaves much to be desired. Did you ever email my daughter at Carleton? If so, I hope she responded back! ...</p>
<p>Hindoo, I e-mailed your daughter and she's been really nice answering all my questions.</p>
<p>Thanks for all your responses, they all have been great help. I've chosen to go to Vassar College next year, just wanted to let you guys know. Carleton was a close second, but it's too far for me and my family.</p>
<p>Thanks for letting us know! You've picked a wonderful school--and a drop-dead gorgeous one, as well! Good luck!</p>
<p>Congratulations on your decision Chagilisma, and best of luck at Vassar next year.</p>