<p>I have a good chance of being accepted into either of these colleges ED. I have only visited Bowdoin and I loved it. However, I interviewed with a Haverford alumnus and I heard wonderfull things that are really compatible with me as a person. I know a Vassar Alumna who also only says wonderful things. I want a campus where there are a lot of campus activities and where students are very enthused about their school. I don't want a campus where students all leave and don't get involved. I would like a school that will really give me opportunities for a career. I am from a small upstate NY town and a low-income single-parent family so my career path is vital. I want a place where students take learning seriously and don't party too much as well. Though I would like a serious atmosphere I want it too be happy too, as in the students are happy with their placement. I won't have a car as well but I'll have my skateboard and a bike. Oh, I am a female senior in high school as well-looking into majoring in history or philosophy and then going to law school to be a lawyer or graduate school to be a professor. I'm the editor of the newspaper and yearbook at my school and I want to be involved in community outreach. Any comments would be awesome! Thanks!</p>
<p>Two things:</p>
<p>A) I really don't think anyone should apply ED somewhere you haven't visited. A school can seem totally awesome on paper, but then not work for you IRL. You esp. won't know how you will react to the physical campus. For example, on a gut level, I wasn't thrilled by Vassar because of its closed off campus, even though intellectually I could tell it is rather idyllic (nothing against Vassar, you might love the campus). That’s not something I could figure out through pictures. </p>
<p>B) It sounds like finances might be an issue. If so, it’s not advisable to apply ED, because you don’t get a chance to compare packages, see if any matches or safeties give you merit money, etc.</p>
<p>I agree. I don't like the idea of ED--it limits your options. I definitely wouldn't apply ED to any school if finances are an issue. It's better to apply EA or regular decision and then compare the financial aid packages offered to you in the Spring. You should also keep in mind that what you love in the Fall of your senior year in high school may not be the same thing that you love in the Spring of your senior year. Apply to about 7 schools. Make sure you have true safety schools on your list.</p>
<p>Finances are deffinitely an issue. Thanks for the comments!</p>
<p>WesKid has offered you great advice in my opinion. Vassar, Haverford & Bowdoin are quite a bit different from one another. If you love Bowdoin and feel that Bowdoin is a fit for you, then I suspect that Vassar & Haverford may not be the best choices. Are you very liberal? If so, then certainly consider Vassar. If not, then Bowdoin is a better choice. Haverford is a school run on Quaker principles. All are excellent academic institutions, but for one who loves Dartmouth & Bowdoin, Vassar & Haverford are not similiar.</p>