Hi - H is a classical vocalist with broad interests, a city kid but down to earth, not into partying. Would appreciate your advice! Thank you.
Did he/she get into both schools? Their acceptance rates are much different, I believe Skidmore is less than 30% and Ithaca is near 70%. I’m not saying that to be an indicator of choice, only to determine admission if that hasn’t already happened.
Assuming the student has been admitted to both schools and all things are equal financially, I would chose Skidmore due to location and student body. Saratoga Springs is a great town within walking distance with loads to do. Its not nearly as cold as Ithaca. Peers will be more equal academically. Housing, with the possible exception of a freshman triple (not sure if thats still the case) is fantastic, especially the upper classmen apartments. There is substance free housing if student so chooses. Dining is rated very well.
Yes, she has been accepted to both. We were drawn to Ithaca for the music, but general academics are most important if course. Thank you.
Mom of a current Skidmore freshman, who by they way, was placed in a “triple” with only ONE roommate, so she was thrilled about that, as was her roommate.
There is no need to hurry the decision, and I strongly encourage you to travel to the accepted students day at both schools, if you can possibly manage it. There is a huge difference in seeing a school as someone being wooed, vs as an applicant. Skidmore’s is April 17th.
My daughter was interested in Theater, and was struggling with the option of two BFA schools (NOT her top choices in that category) as well as non-BFA programs at CT Coll, Bard, Muhlenberg and Butler U. Her top choices in the non-BFA category were Skidmore and Bard and Bard’s visiting day was the day after Skidmore’s so we were planning to drive there right after seeing Skidmore. My daughter fell in love at Skidmore’s visiting day, made friends, was invited to spend the night at a senior theater major’s on-campus apartment to attend a campus party and told me “Mom, these are my people!”
That said, this only happened because I made advance arrangements to have a more tailored day since we’d already visited the campus at a general tour before she appied. She was able to meet with the head of the Theater Dept as well as shadow a theater major senior for the day, which made all the difference in the world.
Since your daughter is choosing between only 2 schools, I recommend you contact the departments she is most interested in at the school to see if they can help you craft a very meaningful accepted student visit for your daughter. Let her see if one school has “her people.”
Whereever she lands, I hope she has a wonderful experience!
PS. My daughter just responded to my text asking if she had any comment to your post - this is what she said:
“You can tell her how much I love it, and how optional partying is here. Tell her how awesome Saratoga Springs is, and the food here is really good compared to most colleges. Also I’m pretty sure Skidmore is better academically.”
Obviously, her statements are her own biased opinion, and not necessary true for all!!
Thank you thank you (and your daughter) for your thoughtful and candid words. Our daughter had a similar experience and I believe Skidmore it is. We happen to be visiting Bard today, very impressive re the intellectual approach and much else, but Skidmore seems to offer much in both academics abc and creative opportunity as well - but on our visiting day there, we were also taken with the sense of humor of students and faculty. That made a big difference for us. All the best and many thanks again.