<p>I have really just started looking at schools and I think that I have narrowed down what criteria are important to me, and I have seen a couple of schools I really liked, but I need help from current students, alumni, parents, etc. as to what makes these schools different from eachother. In other words how do I choose? They all seem great! I feel like if I had more anecdotal information rather than just what I see in the brochures, hear from admissions, etc. it would be helpful. I know what I saw and how I felt about it, but I am interested in what the real "culture" of these schools is. The schools I have looked at and liked are (in no particular order):</p>
<p>Bard (good location)
Bennington (the campus is really chill, like the idea of Field Work Term)
Hampshire (the 5 colleges!!)
Eugene Lang (don't think I really want NYC to be my campus, no cohesiveness)</p>
<p>Bennington: Students are lively, creative, friendly. Tight knit campus because of small size, easy to make friends. MUST be self directed/motivated to succeed. You will not have your hand held. Complaints are about the size in terms of always seeing familiar faces and limited course offerings. One good thing about small size is that you can have a big impact on campus through clubs and other activities. Field Work Term is great experience.</p>
<p>Eugene Lang: Students more "cool" in every way, socially, how they dress, etc. Kids seem a little dark, with eating disorders and other psychological issues. Living is somewhat difficult/exciting because of NYC. finding housing can be tricky. Great internships, creative academics. </p>
<p>Hampshire: As you said--5 colleges!! The academic structure has become, well...more structured in recent years. This is a good thing, easier for Freshman to navigate and succeed. Still VERY open, no requirements for specific classes. All kinds of kids from hippies to scarsdale girls. Gay friendly. Life in Amherst is terrific, great transportation and cultural offerings.</p>
<p>Bard: No personal experience and reports seem to vary wildly from bright, creative kids to "dark" unhappy ones trying too hard to be different. Some people feel very isolated, some love the beautiful surroundings. The academic structure is very interesting and high level. Good reputation.</p>
<p>I looked at all of the same schools you did (only switch Sarah Lawrence for Lang) and it came down to this for me: I chose Bennington because Academically, I really liked the Field Work Term and Socially, I just thought it seemed the friendliest and the people looked a little less "different" shall we say :-) than at the others. They looked interesting but not like they were trying too hard. Plus I think the campus is gorgeous and I could just really picture myself being happy here for 4 years. When you visit each one think about whether the people look like potential friends of yours and how you feel when you are on the campus. When you leave are you dying to go back? The academics at each one are strong, you really can't go wrong there. Good luck!</p>