<p>I wouldn’t describe Northwestern as having a “hippie” feel at all. Partying maybe. But lots of students are in fraternities/sororities.</p>
<p>I remember the first time I saw Northwestern students, I thought they looked like “Stepford students”–dressed for their business school interviews. (Obviously this is a HUGE generalization.)</p>
<p>I’d say UCSC for sure. (In the town of Santa Cruz, I think there are some (many) residents who haven’t yet realized the 60’s aren’t over.)</p>
<p>Evergreen State in Washington? Might be too hippyish, but I’ve heard the academics are as hard as you make them. Anyway, I have a friend with stats similar to yours who plans to go there (it’s actually the only place she’s applying).</p>
<p>Real hippies are more easily found in retirement homes than in college dormitories.</p>
<p>Yes, “hipster” is a better term these days. I still like the wiki definition of hipster:
</p>
<p>Bard is also very intellectually intense. In fact, one of the reasons for its low retention rate may be that students go expecting it to be laid-back academically, when in fact, it is not. Consider that they only accept a score of 5 on an AP test for college credit! Students also go through a rigorous process called “moderation” to be accepted into a major. While the kids do party there, they spend their free time discussing ideas, not talking about how drunk they got the night before (this is a direct comment from a friend whose daughter goes there).</p>
<p>My D is a senior at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, OR and it sounds like it would be a good fit. Also check out University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA and U of Oregon in Eugene. I agree with others that Reed not not fit your needs as it is academically very intense.</p>
<p>Definitely SUNY New Paltz</p>
<p>I don’t agree with the University of Puget Sound recommendation. I don’t see the similarity with Lewis and Clark in terms of culture. Yes, similar in terms of selectivity, but such a different campus vibe. I think UPS has more school spirit than Lewis and Clark, it is more professionally oriented, as opposed to liberal artsy, it has a more athletic culture, and the town of Tacoma doesn’t lend itself to the music, artsy, outdoorsy, environmentally friendly atmosphere of Portland.</p>
<p>Definitely check out University of Vermont. Bard too.</p>
<p>Skidmore, Puget Sound, Union, Eugene Lang (although maybe that goes more hipster?), Bard (but same to previous comment), Beloit, Warren Wilson, Earlham (although if you’re looking to have “fun” in terms of drinking, you’d best stay away), Kalamazoo, Pitzer, Santa Cruz, Lewis & Clark, University of Vermont, SUNY Purchase, SUNY New Paltz, Evergreen State, New College of Florida</p>
<p>UCSC, UCSB. The two on my list 
I prefer SB because it’s in socal and closer to home and better academics overall. Both are next to the beach and both are secluded college towns but close enough to the big cities (LA and SF). SB is more of a party school than SC.</p>
<p>SC was rated #1 reefer madness by princeton review, SB was rated 9 (iirc) but SB was also #10 party school.</p>
<p>although if you’re out of state admission is much tougher and costs will be insane - probably $200k over 4 years.</p>
<p>humboldt as well, but it’s in the middle of nowhere.</p>
<p>UCSC is actually about three miles from the beach, two miles from town.</p>
<p>UCSB is on the beach, ten miles from town. I know, minor details, but hey!</p>
<p>is UCSC or UCSB campus bigger? and which one is prettier?</p>
<p>Prettier depends on what you like. UCSC is in a hilly forest; it’s hard to see the next building in some cases. UCSB is on the flat beach area, not so many big trees.</p>
<p>Check google maps or school web sites for sizes.</p>
<p>I would say Northland College in Wisonsin. It is really up there by Canada however, so it is really cold. But I went there for a college visit and they are really interested in the environment and the people there were really relaxed and fun to talk to. I love the “hippie” vibe as well so maybe you would like it. It is also beautiful up there. The nature there is stunning and it is CO-ED. You should check it out.</p>
<p>in no particular order:</p>
<p>UCSC
U of Vermont
Lewis & Clark
New College of Florida
Beloit College
Pitzer
Wesleyan
Hampshire</p>
<p>hampshire…</p>
<p>what is hampshire like? is it hard to get into?</p>
<p>timanderic - you need some help with spelling and use of apostrophes. Good luck with your search, though.</p>
<p>You can bring your long gun to school at Northland and they have a place where you can dress the game you kill.</p>