<p>So, in that sense, if a student is truly miserable at Vassar, then I would also be inclined to look at schools that are REALLY different, not just one tiny shade of gray different.</p>
<p>For example, Smith is just slightly less white than Vassar. It does have a higher percentage of financial aid students (60% versus 54%), but that difference may lie mostly with the non-traditional age students at Smith."</p>
<p>Actually, the difference doesn't lie heavily in the percentage of financial aid students, but in the percentage of actually poor ones (Pell Grant recipients). I doubt that the cultural differences between those from families in the $95-$160k (receiving financial aid) and $160k+ (no aid) ranges are that substantial (well, maybe at HYP where there are large numbers of really wealthy ones); however, I can say (with firsthand knowledge, having been one in my day) that the differences between those at $40k and below and those $95 and above are HUGE. Really, really, REALLY huge. And it will impact the entire campus.</p>
<p>But I think we agree on the more general point. For what the OP has described, I would have thought Vassar to be pretty ideal. If it really is so far from that ideal, maybe a much bigger change should be considered.</p>
<p>"Personally, I'm thinking transferring to a different shade of gray might make more sense than transferring from black to white. When you're caught in an environment you don't love, it's easy to forget that some things about it are already "right" from your prospective"</p>
<p>That's a good point, because I do like the open-mindedness of Vassar, just not the location, and other reasons listed above. But I'm not posiive I want to live in the city (how can I be? I've never done it.) But I think I do. I'm actually visiting the city again this weekend, and I've been to other cities (Chicago and St. Louis).</p>
<p>
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interesteddad: could you specifically address my post above, to tell me why it's perfectly obvious transferring wasn't going to solve my problems?
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</p>
<p>I would prefer not to. That's why I went back and deleted my comment.</p>
<p>But, as a general observation, I think that sometimes students find themselves in a mindset where they are looking for things to dislike about their school. In fact, I think that is very common, especially during the first semester freshman year. </p>
<p>I felt that you were in that situation at Smith. If you recall, I was very hesitant to provide any assurances that a transfer school would address the issues you were describing. For example, I know there are large segments of the population at Smith who are very engaged in a high level of academics, but you were focused exclusively on those where are not. What I found frustrating is that many of the things you were looking for in a college were things that are are qualities found at Smith -- perhaps not among ALL Smith students, but among enough of them.</p>
<p>Would it surprise me if half the students at many elite colleges just go through the motions academically? No. That wouldn't surprise me at all -- especially among first year students. It's very common.</p>
<p>Well, for what it's worth, I do realize now that some of the reasons I wanted to transfer out of Smith were unrealistic. I had no idea, for instance, that economically Smith was more salt-of-the-earth than many private colleges. I also have to credit you with indeed suggesting to me at the time that a LAC was better for middle-range students. (I think my problem there was that since I was a top student at Smith, I thought I MIGHT be a top student at a comparably ranked university -I now know that when that university is UChicago that's a pretty daff assumption). I do however feel I have a much more realistic view of things now. I stand by the theory that more higher-caliber students would allow profs to be more demanding. I had some particular problems with the structure of Smith's biology classes -not particularly research-oriented... The colleges I listed above are also pretty good fits in their offerings (better than Smith), and honestly I'd kind of like to be at a coed school for a couple of years. I will be visiting on my own, but if you could give me a (brief) assessment of any of the colleges I mentioned, I'd appreciate it.</p>
<p>Oh well, at least I know what I want now, a year older and a smidgeon wiser. Good luck ames. If I may make some more recommendations: visit a few schools and sit in on classes, read syllabi, employ critical thinking in hearing every student and teacher's personal opinions of schools (remember the tale of the three blind men -they each felt a different part of the elephant and each thought that it was a different object?). With regards to academics, two schools can both have "strong" theater programs, but the structure or concentration of the two programs can be very different. Different schools can have differing cultures, but they all will have multiple subcultures, etc. Look at all of this to get a better feel for the range along which schools can differ. Then instead of picking out what you don't like about Vassar, and assuming something different will be better, you will be able to focus on what you DO like at schools you're prospecting (and you'll be able to right more convincing transfer essays). Of course, I hope you end up loving Vassar.</p>
<p>I guess, to be honest with myself and everyone else, the reason I like Barnard is because of the location (I think I'm now in love with the city, but we'll see), the fact that it's a small, highly-ranked LAC (much like Vassar) with access to a large university and the city to learn from. I feel trapped here and wish I would have chosen somewhere closer to the city. It's all women which leads me to believe that the woman are not as worried about what the guys think of them and can be more themselves and form better friendships with each other. I guess I just have a gut feeling, but it may be wrong, because I felt that way about Vassar. However, I do think I could be happy at Vassar if I give it time and I do think I could find artsy friends, but I really want to be in a busier place with more to do. I need excitement and that's why I think I would love the city. I love nothing more than going to see shows, operas, concerts, etc. (even though I really don't have the money, but I know some places sell cheap tickets) I guess thats why I like Barnard, it's like Vassar, but in a more exciting environment. I guess I just have some serious thinking to do between now and next semester.</p>
<p>Anyone have kids going to school in the city? How do they like it? ANyone not like it?</p>
<p>Of course, this is a biased story, but one of my friends at Barnard was a transfer from Vassar. I wouldn't say she was a tomboy so much as an... eccentric personality. She wanted a women's college because she thought the women there would be different from the ones she'd met before, but didn't find that at Vassar. After visiting Barnard (she didn't have a chance to visit colleges before applying the first time), she got the feeling that was more what she was looking for, transferred in, and lived happily ever after (so far).</p>
<p>Have you had a chance to visit? The academics and theater program are of course excellent, but it seems environmental factors are what will make the difference for you at this point. You could meet some students, hang out in the theater department, poke around the dorms....</p>
<p>For what it's worth, I was always really surprised to find out how much money some people had in their family. Most of the students were super down to earth, and I didn't know ANYONE who didn't work (even if it was teaching horseback riding lessons or babysitting rich upper east side kids or something... they worked for their pocket money). Maybe I just got lucky, though, and missed the group that lived really expensive social lives on their parents' money.</p>
<p>Thanks for the story primefactor! It's very encouragingDo you know what exactly your friend found at Barnard rather than Vassar? Did she feel the women at Barnard were different? How? </p>
<p>And I'm definitely taking your advice and visiting, I'm hoping to do an overnighter.</p>
<p>I have no information on theater or film, but from what you have said I would also visit NYU. It has a much different culture than Barnard and could be what you are looking for. You really need to spend some time in NYC before you decide to go to either Barnard or NYU.</p>
<p>Ames - a little buyer's remorse is natural freshman year. But, look carefully before you leap. Barnard is a terrific school. My sister went there and thrived. One thing you should be aware of, however, is that it is definitely <em>not</em> the kind of LAC that comes complete with its own bubble; there are a thousand and one distractions in the big city and as a transfer student you will have to work extra hard to meet people. Check carefully what kind of resources they offer transfer students; do they try to blend you in with the rest of the student body? Or, do they treat you essentially as commuter students living on your own?</p>