DD was accepted at Hamilton and really likes the science, math and growing comp sci departments. She also loves the science building and the overall feel of the campus, but as her twin will definitely be attending as student-athlete studying poli sci and IR she’s looking at these two waitlist possibilities as a way to have more independence/grow on her own.
She also really likes Middlebury as it seems to have strong science, math and comp sci programs, and a similar feel to the campus and vibe as Hamilton - agree?
She’s very uncertain about Wesleyan as she’s concerned that the smaller endowment means science, math and comp sci programs that aren’t as strong and less research opportunities - any truth? Also, the vibe seems very different whether it’s the feel of the campus as it’s not as put together or the more activist students which could be viewed as less accepting - thoughts?
Have you checked the common data sets to see if these colleges are the kind that waitlist a ton of students? If there are 1,000 students on the list vs 150?
My gut says you are wrong about Wesleyans’s math and CS are weaker that Middlebury. Surely all this was looked into before?
Of her other acceptances, were there any that she liked or were affordable besides Hamilton?
@“Snowball City”. I was questioning whether Wesleyan’s science programs were as strong as Hamilton. Yes, DD spent a lot of time researching and while they are all great schools she felt Hamilton was strongest STEM choice. Yes, she has other similar acceptances (Bates, Carleton, Colby, Colgate, Kenyon, Oberlin), and felt that Hamilton fit best based on strength, location and vibe.
The #'s change every year and while the chances are slim we figured we give it a couples of weeks to see if anything pops up.
Similar stats at Wesleyan last year: admitted 12 of 884 on the waitlist. Seems the realistic choices are Hamilton or a possible gap year. Odds are extremely small for a waitlist admission at either Mid or Wes.
I’d focus on Hamilton and not really think about the other two schools until/if she gets in off the waitlist (which as noted above is not terribly likely).
@happy1, We aren’t, but she is. She originally applied ED to Brown to study neuroscience, was deferred and was ultimately denied. So instead of trying ED2 at Middlebury, which was her original #2 choice, she is now wondering what if.
That said, she knows how lucky she is to having been accepted to Hamilton and knows it’s a great fit.
Three great schools- Hamilton, Middlebury and Wesleyan!
I was surprised by your post because I thought that Wesleyan is one of the most reputable small liberal arts colleges in the sciences, with great research opportunities. It even has a PhD program in the sciences. Summer 2015: 189 undergrad students at Wes were involved in lab research, as per their brochure. Anecdotally (very unscientific!), I know students who were looking mostly at larger universities but applying to Wesleyan as well because they considered it especially strong in the sciences for a LAC!
Look into science on their website and through the admissions office or the departments of interest.
Although all three schools are attractive options, for some similar and some different reasons, I agree that the social vibes are different. Yes, Wesleyan is famous for being the most liberal and activist, though there are students like that at the other two schools as well. To give you one idea of the culture, Wesleyan students celebrate April twentieth with a big party on Foss Hill!
You can’t go wrong with any of those three schools. I do agree with previous posters that she should let herself start getting excited about Hamilton- which should be easy, because it has one of the nicest and most friendly college environments anywhere, that newish science building is great, and who wouldn’t want an open curriculum?- and not hoping for a waitlist which is possible but unlikely.
Congratulations and best wishes to both your daughters!
Hamilton students tend to score slightly higher on the math section of the SAT than students at her waitlist possibilities. Though only a statistical factor, you might reasonably infer from it, when combined with other factors, that she may have already been accepted to her best option for quantitatively-based academics.
If your daughter would like separation from her sister, however, she might want to consider all of her options as they become available.
It's not that productive to do the coulda, woulda, shoulda and have the Midd ED2 regret. You just don't know if she would have gotten in at ED2. And if she had gotten in, would then she be regretting not playing Brown out?
looking for strength in science? - of your excellent choices. it's Carleton, Carleton, Carleton
I agree with @Snowball City and @TheGreyKing with regard to their comments on Wesleyan's strength in science. It does to seem to have a better rep there than Midd who is more known for language (both grad and undergrad) and within science - -Enviro.
Don't think your endowment speculation for Wes makes sense. Their smaller endowment vs peers is likely more to effect things like bathroom renovations in dorms, than it is academic programming.
Wait lists do move, and I do know a girl who actively pursued the Midd wl and got in, but she got the notification in June for the Feb term. So you have to think about Feb as a likely outcome for a wl kid and generally that cohort lacks diversity. The plus side being, they really seem to bond.
As long as the quality of instructors is there, I don’t worry as much about the science building arms race that has been going on for the past ten years.
The facilities are still likely to be much better than Western Hooterville State.
Ditto what @wisteria100 and @“Snowball City” have said. According to National Science Foundation statistics, Wesleyan outspends all of its NESCAC rivals (you have to scroll down to the <10m level to start picking up the top LACs) both nominally and on a per capita basis when it comes to research:
But, all of this is irrelevant. Not everyone, including CC’s own, much respected, @juillet believes undergraduate research is all that crucial to getting into grad school. I’d start showing the Continentals some love.
Didn’t mean for this to be a discussion about spending, but rather am seeking feedback as to the experiences current students/parents thereof or recent alumni have/had at each when studying the sciences, or professors that are within the field regarding the reputation of the schools sciences programs.
All of them, including her other acceptances, will get her to where she wants to go. It is splitting hairs at this point. I don’t think any of us would have the inside scoop on when professors will go on sabbatical or have health emergencies which would throw off an overly crafted plan. I would choose on fit. She has no bad choice.
@Chembiodad I’m sure you are trying but she should not get into the “what if” games – it is a game you just can’t win. If she had option for Middlebury ED2 and got in she would have always wondered “what if” I got into Brown? IMO the best thing you can do is to help her feel happy and at peace about attending Hamilton which by all accounts is a great fit for her.
FWIW my D went to a LAC that twin sisters attended and it worked out fine – they created different lives (different majors, one joined a sorority etc.) and still had their sister’s support/friendship.
