<p>I have a rising junior and we are looking at LACs. She wants to play ball and for a number of reasons we have narrowed the search to only DIII schools. Of the following schools, how would you describe their general strengths/reputation/atmosphere? Her interests include business and international studies however she is also very artsy. She writes better than most of the folks that work for me and would like to end up editing a magazine. She talks of study abroad and internships. I think when all is said and done, we're looking at top 15-25% of class. Because of her sports and EC schedule, we have to make most of our trips this summer.</p>
<p>Amherst
Skidmore
Swarthmore
Williams
Wheaton
Wesleyan
Middlebury
Conn. College
Pine Manor
Simmons</p>
<p>hfmom, my son is a Williams graduate. I would say that Williams is an ideal environment for a student who is accomplished in academics, sports and the arts. The campus attracts high achieving, energetic and multi-faceted kids.</p>
<p>Williams doesn’t off the business or international relations major per se but its economics and political science are excellent. Study abroad is common and it has an excellent track record for admissions to top graduate and professional schools. The career counseling department is proactive and supportive in securing internships.</p>
<p>Williamstown is a pristine mountain village surrounded by profoundly beautiful scenery. For kids who like the outdoors – especially snow sports – this insular environment is a plus. For others, it may be too isolated. There’s a strong sense of community among students, faculty and administration. </p>
<p>I think that there are a lot of academically rigorous LACs that also attract athletic kids, but Williams really stands out in the arts – writing, studio art, art history, theater, music. There are three worldclass museums on or near campus and the Berkshires offer a surprisingly sophisticated artistic community.</p>
<p>Of the others on your daughter’s list I would lean toward the following for arts-focus: Wesleyan, Skidmore, Conn College and would also consider Hamilton. Outside of New England, Kenyon. If she’d consider all women’s Smith.</p>
<p>I’d add Middlebury to momrath’s short list. They have strong writing programs; the student body is very sporty; I think they do have a strong IR major. However, if her class rank is only in the top 15%-25%, half the schools on the original post’s list (including Middlebury and certainly Williams) are likely to be difficult reaches. Among 2008-2009 Middlebury first-year students, 86% ranked in the top 10% of their HS classes. This year’s admits included many hundreds of team captaincies, as well as many hundreds of perfect 800 SAT scores. Swarthmore, Williams and Amherst are even more selective; Wesleyan is about equally so.</p>
<p>Amherst, Williams, Swarthmore, and Middlebury are all highly selective schools. Though you haven’t told us your daughter’s GPA and test scores, if they fit with her class rank (solid but not fantastic) all of those will be very high reaches. Just keep that in mind.</p>
<p>Schools like Skidmore and Conn. College seem more match-y, so maybe try to get a couple more like those on your list? There are schools in PA that could fit well.</p>