Just found out I got denied from Oberlin; i was completely in love with everything about the way things work there but alas, here we are.
I’m looking for a small, liberal arts type environment with great fine art photography/at least some photography opportunities (specifically film & 1800’s processes. I toured Hampshire, Sarah Lawrence, RISD, and Wesleyan. Here’s my list right now, but I don’t feel a real fit right now:
Bard (have heard negative things though)
Skidmore (no photography, deal-breaker)
Goucher
Bennington
I really don’t love any of these choices but there’s a guideline!
Denison, Dickinson, Earlham, Kalamazoo might be possibilities to look at. Denison, Dickinson and Earlham all have gorgeous arts buildings, though I’m not specifically familiar with their photography programs. Kalamazoo (the city) is a very arts-conscious community, and the college is 3 blocks from the downtown, arts area.
@gardenstategal Sister and mom toured and have very strong negative opinions about it being “way too weird”. And my sister goes to Vassar and is pretty strange herself, she’s been to Bard several times and insists it’s a terrible place. Nobody in my family wants me to apply but I’m going to for the photo alone.
The first time we visited, we had the same impression. Second and third time, less so. Fwiw, the kids I’ve known who have gone there have been quite normal but not swayed by the crowd. Good for you for applying. You can check it out for yourself.
Reassuring to hear, @gardenstategal . Actually getting excited about the insane fine art photography department at Bard, and surprised to be feeling a little better after yesterday’s heartbreak.
@“Erin’s Dad” That’s nice to hear. My sister is in the weird crowd at Vassar for sure as well. I wish I could understand why her impression of the school is so negative.
I don’t understand your sister’s impression of Bard. Anyone seriously interested in photography would be foolish to not consider it. And if you like Oberlin I can’t imagine what you would find off-putting at Bard. They have so many things in common. If you tell us what you’re particularly concerned about we might be able to address some of those concerns.
I would also recommend writing to the photography department and asking to be put in touch with current students.
One warning, however, photography at Bard is one of the most competitive disciplines - if you want to moderate into the program you will need to be taking classes from the very first semester, and then you’ll need to submit a portfolio for admission into the major during what is called ‘moderation.’ There is no guaranteed acceptance just because you’re enrolled in the college.
Maybe take a look at Earlham College (less competitive than Oberlin, cool Quaker social justice-oriented campus) or Ithaca College ( a bit larger than a typical LAC but the vibe might work for you).
@SpiritManager Thank you very much! I am very serious about studying fine art photography, and honestly Bard see,s like the best possible place to do so. I believe my work is competitive enough for me to moderate in Photo.
It’s made me continually upset how my sister talks down on Bard when I haven’t gotten the chance to see it.
@happy1 Woah, I’m impressed by the opportunities in photo there. Reeeeeeally big for me and I feel like I need english/philosophy/etc but I’ll add it to the list anyways.
Schools with Oberlin-like vibe would include Earlham, Lawrence, Beloit, Kalamazoo. Schools with excellent art facilities, though I don’t know specifically about Photography, would include Dickinson and Denison, which have a lot of overlap with types of kids at Skidmore (I’m told, didn’t visit Skidmore though we researched it pretty heavily).
@walkbanx We are also in NC. One of the most similar schools in vibe to Oberlin might be Reed. It has ED2 due Jan. 1. Also, Lewis and Clark in Portland, and Kalamazoo College.
I think they have very similar vibes.