<p>Hello everyone! So after visiting all four colleges and having a positive experience at all three of them, I'm torn on which college is the best fit for me. I am interested in studying Environmental studies/science, as well as Studio Art. I am really looking for a college that offers strong programs in these fields. I would greatly appreciate any insight that you have about these colleges, as well as if you know of any differences in their science and art programs.</p>
<p>I can only speak about Wesleyan’s sciences - Wesleyan has an advantage in that it has PhD programs in the sciences, but only a very small graduate program. This means that the opportunity for undergrads to do research with professors is top-notch. Sure, other liberal arts colleges can offer research, but when the lab has 1 or 2 graduate students there as well, the work can continue year-round and is going to be of a different quality. Wesleyan pulls in a ton of NIH money every year. There’s even stem cell research going on there. Not too common at a liberal arts college. <a href=“http://www.wesleyan.edu/sciences/why-science-at-wes.html”>http://www.wesleyan.edu/sciences/why-science-at-wes.html</a> </p>
<p>A few years ago, Wesleyan created the College of the Environment (to complement a few other inter-disciplinary “College” programs) which has really strengthened envrionmental studies at Wes.</p>
<p>I would rate both Wesleyan and Kenyon strong for studio art (and art history). Wesleyan has the advantage of promimity to the museums and galleries of New York and Boston. Grinnell and Macalester are great academically but I don’t think of them as being art destinations.</p>
<p>Others that I would look at for strong art and strong sciences (especially environmental science) are Williams and Hamilton. And Smith (assuming you are female).</p>
<p>Unless you’re thinking about applying ED there’s no reason why you couldn’t apply to all four – plus a few more.</p>
<p>One thing to keep in mind - when you say Studio Art - what aspect of Studio Art? Ceramics, painting, metal work, printmaking? Make sure the school offers your particular medium. </p>