<p>I am trying to decided between several schools I have been accepted to and trying to determine which would be the best fit personality-wise (not taking academics into account). I'm seriously considering Vassar, University of Richmond, College of William & Mary, and Vassar.</p>
<p>The issue is that my personality is rather contradictory. I definitely consider myself politically liberal but the way I dress (and to some extent, act) is probably more conservative (I'm slightly preppy - wear makeup, polo shirts, summer dresses, Ralph Lauren, etc.).</p>
<p>I very much want a diverse college with people who look and think differently than I do. However, I also want to feel like I belong. My concerns with Middlebury and Vassar are that I might be ostracized by the "vegan, no makeup, torn jeans hippies", especially if they make up 90% of the student body. Concerns with Richmond are that it might be a little too cliquey, politically conservative, slightly intolerant.</p>
<p>I know that every school will have different groups of people but I would love opinions on what sort of people predominate at each and if there would a "best fit" (I know, it won't be perfect).</p>
<p>I don’t go to William and Mary, but it was one of my options and based on friends that go there/several visits, i think you would be quite happy there. My friends are from the Northern Virginia area as I am and are preppy, Northface wearing girls who pledged sororities, but they’re also passionate about various things and have substance. I would seriously look further into William and Mary. It’s very academic focused, the best on your list imo, and has a mix of eclectic and preps. Like most campuses, it is liberal as well.</p>
<p>I’d be hard pressed to believe that very many schools are 90% “anything”…and would think that an open-minded girl with make-up and a summer dress could find her way at just about any school.</p>
<p>I think most students label themselves as “liberal” or “conservative” simply just to appear intellectual, but they don’t actually know much about politics. That’s why I’m staying away from this “I’m a Democrat” business. Can’t we all just be thinkers without labeling ourselves? Only label yourself like that if you’re planning on doing something in the field of politics.</p>
<p>My wife is from Richmond and appears very conservative - like a typical southern girl. Her brother is gay and she has a Masters in Fine Arts. We are both pretty liberal. When I was looking at schools I “knew” I wanted to be in a big city school with lots of people wearing sophisticated black clothing. When I arrived at Middlebury I just fit in very well. It wasn’t at all what I was looking for, but it was the best choice I ever made. When I brought my wife there she loved it too and thought she would have fit in nicely there. One of Middlebury’s best qualities is that it’s very accepting and open to “all kinds”. I can guarantee you won’t be ostracized. And, contrary to mysticalheavens, it is the best academically of those schools on your list.</p>
<p>One question, you didn’t mention Middlebury in your first paragraph. Does that mean you’re not seriously considering it?</p>