What are some other liberal arts colleges that are similar to Vassar (very liberal and creative student body, strength in the arts, not totally in the middle of nowhere)? I know Wesleyan frequently gets compared. Do any others come to mind?
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Oberlin, Bates, Kenyon, Pomona and Skidmore.
Wesleyan, Swarthmore, Bates
Bard or Bowdoin?
Bard and Bowdoin are also LACs, but quite different in size and culture from Vassar in my opinion. Bard is much smaller and more granola/alternative. Bowdoin is a bit smaller too and a more traditional LAC - more middle of the road and preppy.
Bowdoin is not preppy … middle-of-the-road works compared to liberal like Vassar, but preppy does not apply.
@ReallyOk I actually really liked Bard when I visited and felt it was somewhat similar (though definitely more granola).
I have definitely heard that Bowdoin is very preppy/athletic/traditional. Some people have told me Bates is like this too, but some have told me that it’s much more alternative. Can you comment on the differences between them and their student bodies? Also, do you know anything about the arts at Bates, particularly music?
@Daddio3 interesting, I’ve always heard Bowdoin described as preppy. How would you characterize it?
There is definitely a preppy element to Bowdoin. I know many Bowdoin students who fit the mold. They aren’t what I call southern prep but more outdoorsy prep. You will find a mix of students at the school, however. I’d put Bates in a similar category - a mix of artsy, preppy, athletic, outdoorsy, crunchy.
I agree with all the ones mentioned. For an LAC that is not as often compared but I think compares very well in many ways, look at Colorado College.