Hi everyone! I’m a prospective transfer student currently taking time off to deal with depression and anxiety. I went to a top boarding school for high school and a top 10 college, both of which were extremely stressful and high-pressure environments, and I’m feeling burnt out as a result. I’m looking for a school where people are passionate about academics and learning that doesn’t have this same stress culture, if possible. I’m a humanities major and love creative writing and indie music. I also don’t want schools with a preppy or heavily athletic culture and would prefer to be in a city or college town with a good music scene. I’m from New England and would prefer schools there or in the Mid-Atlantic or Midwest, not too far west or south. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks so much!
Sarah Lawrence?
Oberlin and Bard both have significant music opportunities on campus. Both known for laid back feel while still offering academic rigor. Good for you for taking care of yourself and getting off the treadmill. I can imagine it has been a difficult time for you, but also an opportunity to grow. DD likes both of these schools - also musical, very bright and seeking laid back environment. Will likely take gap year and get her yoga teacher certification. I know you aren’t looking out west but thought I’d mention Colorado College in case the Block Plan appeals. One class in depth at a time. This appeals to DD. Best of luck to you.
Lawrence University in Appleton, WI might be worth a look, a terrific Conservatory program which spins off a very active music scene. Interesting, academically engaged students, but not a pressure cooker – at least on my kid’s visits.
Another possibility closer to NE might be Haverford College – while filled with high achieving kids, Hford is more about personal growth and achievement than about competition among students, and the focus on community and accountability might feel more comfortable for you. Plus, the availability of self-scheduled exams can relieve pressure. But then again, it could feel too much like what you are trying to avoid.
Grinnell – again, high achieving kids, but on our many visits, it did not feel competitive or intense. Both my kids sat in on classes and met with faculty, and found it to be a very warm, supportive environment. While lots of music will come to campus, I don’t think there is strong local music scene.
Hoping back to the NE/Mid Atlantic to suggest Sarah Lawrence – we know several kids there who the seminar and project based learning, and are often in NYC for music.
Wesleyan maybe? If female maybe Mt Holyoke.
Hampshire. Very laid back from all I have heard, but part of the 5 college consortium so you can take classes in many different settings.
Lewis & Clark sounds perfect if you’re willing to consider the west coast.
Are you planning to major in writing, or are you interested in another humanities field? That may be something to consider in your search. You can find good programs in English at many colleges…strong classics or East Asian studies programs, not so much.
I highly recommend Oberlin and you sound a lot like my daughter who is a first year there. She is intending to major in creative writing and maybe Japanese. She went to a top private school in the DC area and wanted a college that had strong academics without the stress culture that came with many of the schools she could have been admitted into. Oberlin has no fraternities or sororities and the sports are not the focus, though I know people who are athletes say it’s a wonderful and supportive environment for them. A few things my daughter loves about Oberlin - the music scene is amazing and people are always playing instruments, there are pianos in every dorm and they are used a lot, the town is cozy and has a good number of shops and restaurants without being too big, the ExCo or experimental college offers over 25 classes each semester and you can do everything from sock monkey making to beginning Korean to tap dance. Oberlin is full of laid back but incredibly bright people so it could be a great fit for you.
I’m happy to answer any questions you may have.
Is there is middle ground? I would not recommend places like Hamption and Sarah Lawrence without visiting as they are very alternative. Also, you may have to pay full price/ lose out any scholarships you may have at current school. I don’t think Sarah Larence and Hampton meet full need.
Wheaton College in Norton Mass. They offer 100+ majors and minors and high-quailty academics w/out a stressful competitive culture and no Greek life but some sports. It’s a hidden gem, in our opinion, after doing extensive research. The atmosphere at Wheaton seems very supportive and focuses on love of learning and pursuing different interests. My D has similar mental health challenges + learning disabilities but works extra hard and does well. She’s strongly leaning towards Wheaton, but waiting to hear from Mt. Holyoke, Smith, American, Pitzer, Scripps and Lewis & Clark. We’ve heard that Mt. Holyoke has good services for students w disabilities. It’s likely more rigorous than Wheaton, so not sure re stress level; we’ve heard mixed messages about that.
Thanks for all your suggestions, everyone! I’m planning to major in history and English, or possibly sociology instead. I’m particularly interested in South Asian history, but it’s difficult to find strong programs in that area, so I’m willing to sacrifice it if necessary.
If suffering from depression & anxiety, do you think that the weather affects your mood (SAD–seasonal affective disorder) ?