I really liked Oberlin College, but I got the feeling that it might be just a bit too progressive and quirky for me (and also I’d like to be closer to home). Don’t get me wrong, I definitely am progressive and quirky, but I felt like everyone there was a little overwhelmingly more so than even I was, to the point where if I didn’t agree with something the majority did I was highly frowned upon. The other schools I’m considering at this point are Skidmore, Ithaca College, Goucher, Connecticut College, Clark University, New Paltz, and GW University and UMass just to see if I like the idea of a bigger school at all. I realize that most of these are still far left-leaning schools, but would anyone agree that they are less progressive than Oberlin?
Skidmore is probably as progressive?
From your list, I assume you are looking at LACs that offer merit scholarships, correct? What is your home state and how are your stats? There are some nice options within the SUNY system if you are in-state.
My impression from reading on line (student blogs, reviews, etc) is that Oberlin is diverse and tolerant enough that you’d not be excluded if you voiced a dissenting opinion. However, I don’t have any personal experience there. Maybe somebody else will chime in.
They’re probably all less “out there” than Oberlin, but Skidmore, Goucher, Clark, and New Paltz would probably all be just as liberal (New Paltz is also known for having a hippy vibe).
Conn is a good option (it’s liberal but preppy rather than hippy). Look at Dickinson, Lafayette, Franklin and Marshall, and Union.
Davidson and Washington & Lee are the most conservative of the elite LACs; of course, gaining admission is quite difficult. Sewanee is perhaps more “traditional” than conservative per se, but it really is a thing unto itself. Some people love it.
Speaking in very general terms, the Southerly LAC’s are often-times more conservative than some of the NE schools. There is a great thread on “Southern LAC’s” that you might want to check out, with many campus visit reports from last year contained therein.
Davidson is a solid recommendation, but admission is tough and merit aid a remote chance. Rhodes and Sewanee and Trinity University would also be more conservative than Oberlin, IMO, with abundant merit aid at Rhodes and Trinity. Not familiar with Sewanee’s merit offerings.
Good luck!
OP, just to clarify, are you looking for conservative schools, or just schools that are more apolitical/moderate and not overwhelmingly liberal like so many LACs are?
What is your criteria other than “not as liberal as Oberlin” (which IMO is most all LACs except maybe Antioch or Bard), and “closer to home” (which is NY state somewhere?)
Yep. Overlain is on the far edge of the scale. If you only want to step back partially, Dickinson might be a fit.
I’d say that Skidmore, Clark, SUNY New Paltz, and Goucher have reputations for being fairly liberal/progressive. Maybe look into Lafayette, Union, Trinity, Franklin & Marshall, Dickinson and Siena. For mid-sized schools (which you also have on your list) you might look at Marist, Fairfield, UScranton, Quinnipiac, and Fordham.
If you want schools that are a bit to the right of Oberlin, but still liberal, then look at the other midwestern LACs. Grinnell, Kenyon and Macalester are comparables. Carleton is slightly more selective. Hendrix, Beloit, and Lawrence are slightly less selective. If you are looking for ‘moderate’ LACs, then the southern LACs would be the place to go.
I actually think Grinnell and Macalester would probably be just as if not more liberal than Oberlin, though perhaps not as “hippyish.”
I thought DS would love Oberlin, but after a visit he decided not to.apply. It wasn’t that his politics or “quirkiness” where out of line with most of the students, rather he felt a diversity of opinions was not valued.
This became one of his primary criteria on his search. He found this at liberal schools like Beloit and Grinnell as well as more centrist schools like Dickinson and College of Wooster.
I would throw Centre in the mix of less liberal LACs; I’m not sure how known it is, but I’ve heard its a solid school and I think top 50 on US News. Also, I agree that Washington and Lee and Davidson are the most conservative of the top 20 LACs.
might look at Holy Cross located in same city as Clark. Imo, HC has much better campus and stronger academic than Clark.
Sorry I adandoned my thread for a bit. Someone asked if I was looking for conservative LACs, which I am not. I’m still definitely a liberal/progressive person, but not as much as the kids at Oberlin seemed to be. Even just a small step towards more moderate would probably be enough for me.
Someone also asked about my homestate, which is NJ, and I don’t really want to go anywhere more than 4-ish hours away.
I’d look at Dickinson and Muhlenberg if you want more center-left and within a four hour drive. Can’t remember if Goucher or Ithaca College are on your list. Don’t know your stats or your budget, but maybe Vassar, Bard, or Swarthmore if you are looking at more competitive LACs. Sounds like Ohio is too far away but Kenyon is a bit closer than Oberlin and less out-there politically.
Lafayette and Gettysburg are a bit more right leaning.
SUNY-Geneseo?
Trinity, Holy Cross, Gettysburg, William & Mary, Connecticut College, F&M, Bucknell, Providence
I think Lafayette, Dickinson and Franklin and Marshall would all be good choices for you.