<p>Hi,
I just finished my freshman year at bard College and have my ups and downs with it. I went there to study human rights and international relations. After doing it for a year I am thinking that instead I would like to major in environmental studies/science, ecology, social policy, and conservation, some combination thereof. First, I do not want to be at a school where science would be purley lab research and so on, I really like the approach of the School For Field Studies. I would like to be somewhere where I could learn about ecology and conservation while still maintaining a very intellectual and creative focus and approach. Which is why I am not so sure if I should try and transfer from Bard. As far as I can tell, its a great school academically, and has plenty of contacts. We are right on the Hudson River, so there are plently of opportunities for environmental activism as well as ecology(The Center for Ecological Studies is around there as well as the cool Hudsonia Center). Bard is a very intellectually charged place, and I’ve liked the focus on philosophy and critical engagement so far. I’ve also been looking into Anthropology as well which I’ve liked. I also hear it has a great environmental studies program. My problems with Bard are…</p>
<li><p>For science I don’t know its rep and if the program would be any good. The classes would def be small and very engaging, but its cloudy.</p></li>
<li><p>The social atmosphere of hipster kids gets to me, and it can, not always, but can get very click-ish.</p></li>
<li><p>People at the school seem to be under the impresion that it sucks and it is not helpful to be at a place where the students don’t want to be there.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>My issue with transferring I guess would be to find a place a little socially happier, optimistic, and open, while finding an improved natural science program that still maintains intelelctualism and creativity.</p>
<p>The schools I’m looking into are
Reed
Middlebury
Colorado College
and any others people can suggest</p>
<p>Here are stats off the top of my head</p>
<p>College:
GPA of 3.7, 5 200 level courses
Co-Head of the SSTOP club(against human trafficking)
Going to be an RA my sophmore year
Member of Amnesty Club</p>
<p>High School
GPA of 3.6ish(?unsure)
Boarding School prefect for 2 years (Junior and Senior)
Class Officer Sophmore Year
Wrestled Varsity for 3 years
Captian of Wrestling team senior year
Work Program
School didnt offer AP’s but took heavy courseload
Great recommendations
Several years of international and cultural exchange/leadership with CISV
SAT I: above average, 1200 on old, 1800 on new
27 ACT
680 SAT II World History</p>
<p>Any places fitting my criteria would help so much, for I need to meet with my high school guidance counselor as well. And any thoughts on Bard would also help, cause I hear a lot of different things. Thanks. Chances?</p>