<p>The only one I'm uncertain about applying to is Bard. I've only visited Hampshire and I loved it, Clark as well. From what I've read, I'd fit in well with the liberal/quirky/politically-active environment at any of these schools. I know the basics, but what are the major differences that you noticed, or that turned you on or off from any of these? Which gives the best financial aid? I love Hampshire and SLCs narrative evaluations. and I'm interested in studying some combination of Literature/Writing, Psychology, and Women's Studies.</p>
<p>One thing that I think definitely sets Clark apart from most other colleges is that when you walk around campus on a visit at all colleges, everyone tell you that they love it there, and that they’re happy. At Clark, every REALLY loves it here, and you can feel the vibe of friendliness just walking around while campus is busy. I know that sounds pretty cliche, but that ended up being one of my deciding factors in choosing Clark.</p>
<p>More logistically, Clark definitely gives the most financial aid by far! Both need based and merit. Also, Clark has one of the top Psych programs in the country if you’re interested in that. </p>
<p>One last thing that sets Clark apart is it’s 5th year free program. If you keep up decent grades, you can stay for a 5th year to complete a master’s degree completely tuition free.</p>
<p>Any other questions, feel free to ask!</p>
<p>But I guess you’re looking for other opinions than mine, since I’m the only one who’s been replying to Clark questions… Haha</p>
<p>Four threads for the exact same question is a bit much, don’t you think?</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sarah-lawrence-college/1416863-clark-u-vs-hampshire-college-vs-sarah-lawrence-vs-bard.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sarah-lawrence-college/1416863-clark-u-vs-hampshire-college-vs-sarah-lawrence-vs-bard.html</a></p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/clark-university/1416861-clark-u-vs-hampshire-college-vs-sarah-lawrence-vs-bard.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/clark-university/1416861-clark-u-vs-hampshire-college-vs-sarah-lawrence-vs-bard.html</a></p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/bard-college/1416859-hampshire-college-vs-sarah-lawrence-vs-bard-vs-clark-u.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/bard-college/1416859-hampshire-college-vs-sarah-lawrence-vs-bard-vs-clark-u.html</a></p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/hampshire-college/1416857-hampshire-college-vs-sarah-lawrence-vs-bard-vs-clark-u.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/hampshire-college/1416857-hampshire-college-vs-sarah-lawrence-vs-bard-vs-clark-u.html</a></p>
<p>My DS is one of the most Bah Humbug, unimpressed by anything, kids I know. Very chill.
He is a Clarkie, who totally loves Clark. He is in his third year, will go abroad next semester. Plans to do the fifth year.
He got great merit aid.</p>
<p>And more than that, he has really broadened his world view. Loves the diversity among students. </p>
<p>Can’t speak for the other schools.</p>
<p>I know this is an old thread. Regardless, I think it’s acceptable to do this as people hang out in different forums and the OP is asking for a comparison of four schools.</p>
<p>I can speak to some degree about all of them. My older son applied to all but Clark and my younger son has been admitted to Clark. My older son ended up choosing Hampshire and is now a second year student and is very happy with his decision. He’s majoring in theater and loves the flexibility and creativity there. He’s taken great advantage of the five colleges, having taken four courses the last two semesters at Amherst College. We’ve found Hampshire to be very good about financial aid - they’re easy to work with and friendly. My son doesn’t like the food at Hampshire (I don’t think anyone does) but the good news is that they are liking changing starting in the fall. I’d also say the buildings are a bit dumpy but it doesn’t bother my son at all. He feels well supported and is very involved with a core of good friends.</p>
<p>He applied to Sarah Lawrence and to Bard. Upon visiting Sarah Lawrence, he didn’t like it at all and I have to say, even on accepted students day there were a TON of students smoking which really bothered me. Also, they were very inflexible about financial aid. He liked Bard very much. For my older son, it ultimately came down to a choice between Hampshire, Bard, and Bennington. I’m pretty sure he would have been happy at any of the three. Ultimately, the allure of the five college consortium is what swayed him to Hampshire. He’s happy with his decision.</p>
<p>That being said, we haven’t visited Clark but are visiting this weekend for accepted students day on Sunday with my younger son. My younger son is a bit more mainstream so Hampshire wasn’t considered. I love everything I’ve read about Clark and in talking to folks who attended, think it’s amazing that to a person, they absolutely GUSH about their time at Clark. Very enthusiastic. So we’re excited about our visit. I’m hoping my son will love it!</p>
<p>Clark already has offered our son a very nice scholarship as well.</p>
<p>I hope this helps!</p>
<p>BT Mell, your words about Clark are helpful to me. Thanks.</p>
<p>We visited Clark today - it was an accepted student open house. All three of us - my son, and my husband and I - came away very impressed. I really liked the fact that no one was overly pushy about “come to Clark”. It was more this is who we are; think about if the fit is right for you. We heard that over and over throughout the day, from the president to the athletic director to all manner of support staff. The students were incredibly friendly, even the students who weren’t working for the admissions office. </p>
<p>I’d heard from a number of people that Clark isn’t in a great area. True, the area has obviously seen better times but it didn’t seem dangerous. I really like how hard Clark works to be a partner with Worcester. The campus itself felt “just right”. it’s a very pretty campus and to me, it didn’t feel like it’s in the middle of a city. </p>
<p>We have a couple more accepted student visits to make but I would be very pleased if my son chooses Clark. As he said at the end of the day “it’s the kind of place where you stand out and you’re not just a number”.</p>
<p>There are two kinds of kids at Clark–those who loved Clark from day 1 and are thrilled to be there, and those who initially felt like they “settled” for Clark, and now realize how lucky there are. Very strong science, BTW. Hired a Clark chemist a few years ago and was very impressed.</p>
<p>MADad - the science is good to know since that’s my son’s interest. We spent a goodly amount of time today speaking with a biochemistry prof and also the director of the pre-med program. I was impressed by how accessible they seem to be as well.</p>