My daughter is deciding between these schools. She’ll do an overnight at each before deciding but is leaning toward Carleton now. She is thinking of biology as a major. She’s also interested in performing arts and will probably want to audition for shows and for vocal groups.
Vassar would be way more convenient since we’re in New York. But Carleton alumni all seem to love it so! My daughter is thinking the people there have fun and don’t take themselves as seriously as they do at Vassar. Is she right?
Both are offering enough financial aid to make attending feasible.
I’m going to guess that the overnight will make it clear. The student bodies at both are impressive, but really different kinds of kids (if you’ll forgive that vast over-generalization.)
Unless the proximity to NYC is a deal-breaker, it’s very likely that she’ll feel like on place is for her kind of people and the other is not.
I am soooooo jealous! My D’s top realistic reach was Carleton. Waitlisted. So I urge your D to go to Vassar so my D can get off the waitlist. Haha! kidding of course. I unreservedly recommend Carleton. We live near Vassar. Too many girls, too snooty, IMO. My D spent three weeks at Carleton this summer and loved it. The students are smart and a little nerdy, but cool. In terms of performing arts, I think Vassar gets the edge though. If that is really important to her, she might lean towards Vassar. Gorgeous campus.
Both are strong academic choices but I love Carleton and its intellectual yet unpretentious vibe.
I have a feeling your daughter will know which school fits her better once she does the overnights.
@Lindagaf I hope your daughter gets off the Carleton waitlist whether mine goes there or not. If they both go there they can be friends. We didn’t make it to Minnesota when we were visiting colleges earlier so my daughter will see Carleton for the first time by herself later this month.