<p>what about this grouping?</p>
<p>Still researching Ny rurals in the ( non-top LAC catagory)</p>
<p>Seems small,maybe isolated but quaint,good academics...do I have the right impression from looking at websites?</p>
<p>Any info, visit info,personal exp etc?</p>
<p>I toured Elmira two years ago when I was looking at schools and didn't like it. A lot of things were run down and EVERYTHING was purple and it didn't seem like it was a very academic focus school. Yet, this is just my opinion. </p>
<p>HWS: I'm a student here-good academics and professors (espcially environmental sciences, bio/chem, and pretty good for humanties.), amazing study abroad program and friendly campus (can be a little cliquish). The school is always trying to improve (ie-moving up in rank in USNews and is currently building a new arts building and plans to expand the fieldhouse and build a performing arts center)</p>
<p>Yet I don't know about Houghton...sorry!</p>
<p>Of the three Hobart is probably several steps above in overall quality. Houghton has music. Not sure what Elmira offers that would make it unique. If you are looking in this vein of rural, second and third tier schools you might check out Niagara, St. Lawrence, Cazenovia, some of the mid-state and northern NY SUNY's, Nazareth and St. John Fisher in Rochester (suburban) and Alfred.</p>
<p>Heard recently that St. John Fisher is starting a pharmacy school if that is of interest to anyone.</p>