Colgate/Bowdoin v. Wash U/Vanderbilt

<p>I need help! I am torn on my college selection. I originally thought I was going to attend a LAC but since I got into Wash U which is such a great school, I am so confused. </p>

<p>Here are my concerns:
Colgate
I come from a large city so I'm a little concerned I might go stir crazy in a small town like Hamilton.
Also, my high school is 80% upper-middle class white conservative kids and I'm worried that Colgate will be the same. Even though I fit the mold for the most part (I'm pretty liberal which was weird for my school) I would like diversity at my school wether it be racial, geographical, or socioeconomic.
Also even though I am planning on rushing, I'm concerned the frat party social scene will become monotonous after a while.</p>

<p>Has anyone had experience with Colgate's social scene and confirm or deny this?</p>

<p>Wash U
I recently visited for an admitted students day and while I thought the school was beautiful and the people were friendly I'm still concerned. The girl's I met with explained that the party scene at wash U was lacking. It seemed like there was a lot to do, but not a lot of parties. It also seemed like people were really divided into groups and different social circles which concerned me. Ive had enough of that in high school. The other big thing is the lack of school spirit. I love going to sporting events and I feel like that doesn't happen at Wash U.</p>

<p>Overall my toughest decision is wether to stick wight the LAC's I originally thought about or venture out and go to a big school. I'm pretty adaptable, (in high school I was friends with every type of person) but I want to go to a school where I know I will be happy. To make things even more complicated I was wait listed at Bowdoin, Amherst, Middlebury, and Vanderbilt. So once I make the big school/ small school decision I still have to worry about wait lists and wether or not to accept my spot. </p>

<p>Can anyone help me? Thanks!</p>

<p>I think you would probably be happy at either place. If you want to go to a school with parties, I’d say go with Colgate. It’s also in the Patriot League so there will be more school spirit than WashU.</p>