Final Decision--Bryn Mawr, Smith, and others

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Hi everyone!</p>

<p>I have been accepted to Bryn Mawr, Smith, Vassar, and Barnard, and waitlisted at a few other schools (Wesleyan, Swarthmore, Middlebury, and Haverford). Currently I am leaning towards either Bryn Mawr or Smith, and don't expect to pursue any of my wait-listed schools, except possibly Swarthmore. </p>

<p>What I'm looking for in a school (in a nutshell) are challenging academics, a dance program strong in ballet, a good balance between academics, extracurriculars, and social life, strong humanities programs (especially English, History, Classics, and languages), low distribution requirements, friendly, interesting students who care more about the subjects they're studying than the grades they're getting, and a strong community. I'm tentatively considering being a teacher or a writer, but have no solid career goals as of yet.</p>

<p>Smith:
I live 20 minutes away from Smith, so it might be a let down to live in such a familiar place, but I really do love Northampton. The house system and community seems great. Since Smith is larger than Bryn Mawr and is in Northampton, it seems like it might have a livelier campus/off campus life, and more academic opportunities. I was offered a STRIDE scholarship, which come with the opportunity to do undergraduate research in my first two years there, and is a great honor. </p>

<p>Bryn Mawr:
Bryn Mawr's traditions really appeal to me--they all sound fantastic (Athena, step sings, lantern night...!). They also seem like they might have stronger humanities departments than Smith (or at least a stronger Classics dept). I don't like the Main Line scenery that much, but the campus seems like it would make up for it. Bryn Mawr definitely has the most beautiful campus on my list. Also, PA has nicer weather than MA! I also got a scholarship here--financially, the two schools would probably work out about the same, but I'd have to do a work-study here vs scholarly research at Smith. Also, their library is not that attractive (I'm a sucker for a good library--at least Haverford's is nice?).</p>

<p>I'm also planning to attend both school's open houses in a couple of weeks, but I can't wait that long to obsess over them.</p>

<p>I guess what I'm wondering is: which has the stronger dance program, which has the stronger departments in which I'm interested, which has the stronger community or history of traditions, which has the kind of social and intellectual atmosphere that I want, and which will leave me less stressed out and more fulfilled? I know a lot depends on the individual, but any input you all have would be great! Or even just your impressions, anecdotes, or characterizations of the schools.</p>

<p>As for other schools: </p>

<p>Vassar: Coed, great library, good languages programs, VRDT sounds ideal. But would the academics and social scene suit me?</p>

<p>Barnard: Seems to have the best dance and creative writing programs and a unique balance between being a women's college and mixing men in with Columbia. Drawbacks: small campus, more impersonal feeling since people leave campus to go into the city a lot. I can't decide if the city is a pro or a con.</p>

<p>Swarthmore: I really liked it for a while, but now I'm wondering if all the Swatties would get to be too intense, or perhaps pretentious? Plus, low likelihood of getting off the wait list.</p>

<p>Thanks for your help!</p>

<p>~a.nony.mouse</p>

2

<p>Great problem! Although you really can’t go wrong, if you’re really looking for an outsider’s opinion, it sounds as if Smith would be a slightly better fit for you. First of all, if you have nice parents who will give you your space, 20 minutes or 20 hours away isn’t that different–once you’re on campus you’re in a whole different world. Northampton is wonderful and Main Line, not so much. But those traditions also sound really charming.</p>

<p>As far as the other schools go, Vassar could be great, Swat is intense, but then again, those other schools are not exactly schools for slouches either. I do know of a boy who got off the waitlist there. Swatties can indeed be pretentious but pretentiousness is not unknown among students at elite colleges of the calibre you’re looking at, so it’s not worth bothering too much about. Swat also has a sucky town and is a little claustrophobic, but still, great place. Still, the five college area really is special–even if it is in your backyard!</p>

3

<p>In my opinion, college is about getting away from what you know and becoming your own person. You’re pretty tied down to home if it’s just 20 minutes away. The scholarship at Smith sounds great, and Smith is on my personal list as a junior. But I’d look farther away.</p>

<p>As far as creative writing goes, Barnard’s the place for you. I’ve heard fantastic things about Vassar’s theatre, so I’m assuming their dance program is equally as good. I wouldn’t put too much faith in the waitlist- such a crapshoot. </p>

<p>One thing about Barnard- HUGE core. Vassar doesn’t have one. I’d give a closer look to Vassar, especially because if you’re seriously considering staying close to home, I doubt you’re ready for NYC.</p>

4

<p>Bryn Mawr has pretty significant distribution requirements.</p>

<p>Have you visited Barnard? Going to college in a metropolis is not for everyone, but I’ve never heard a Barnard student describe the atmosphere as “impersonal.”</p>