It was hard getting a feel for the student body at these schools because I toured them during the summer.
I want a school with a close knit and collaborative community, very liberal leaning, it can be preppy (for many of them are), but the more diverse of a student body the better (e.g. mixture of preppy and artsy types)
Also want a lively residential life and small class sizes where discussion is encouraged. Strong study abroad programs as well.
What are your thoughts on the best fit? Reputations of the schools I’ve seen? More info on them? Anything will help.
Colgate offers a couple of advantages: it’s located in one of Forbes’ “America’s Friendliest Towns” and has committed to a new Center for Art and Culture. However, I don’t disagree that it would not meet your other criteria and that it would not be your best choice.
Nothing about what you wrote indicates Colby, at least as a college you would specifically like. It’s a very nice school though.
Bates could work well for you.
Vassar and Wesleyan will have liberal feels. Vassar may seem, but won’t necessarily be, particularly artsy.
The current Hamilton reflects its history of having once been coordinate with the progressive Kirkland, and in principle should suit the balance you are seeking. Residence hall choices here are particularly diverse.
Your visits will be important. You will see aspects to all of your excellent choices that may not be apparent from your research. After you have made your initial visits, plan overnight stays to your favorite few if possible.
Just a quick update about what is going on at Colgate…
The Center for Arts and Culture project which was approved for a Village of Hamilton site (within a few minutes walking distance from the campus) is now being rethought for a site on campus. The idea may well be to locate it near the Dana Arts Center, Ryan Studio Center and Little Hall (Art and Art History) and design a new performing arts
center to accompany it. We shall see how these ideas pan out under the leadership of President Brian Casey (ex Depauw Univ pres) who takes office next month.
Current projects that are live and well include the Class of 1965 Arena, accommodating 2,100, which opens in September. This is a close to $40 million new home for our men’s and women’s ice hockey, and also for our men’s and women’s teams in soccer and lacrosse. Bear in mind that Colgate is Division 1, unique among the elite LACs on your list.
Benton Hall, the 18,000 square foot center for career planning, starts construction in 2 months. Due in late 2017, this addition to Colgate’s beautiful campus by Robert Stern will be located on the Hill between Merrill House (faculty club) and Olin Hall (biology and psychology).
I hope you visit these campuses to see and experience their vibes for yourself.
Thank you for this input!! Additionally, I want to know what the main differences between Bates and Hamilton are. For sure they are both great schools.
Bates: Hathorn Hall, compact campus (133 acres), former mill town Lewiston, centralized dining, Puddle Jump. Admission tougher for their female applicants. Excellent admission yield. Test optional. ACT score middle range 28-32.
Hamilton: Adirondack feel, brutalism, large campus (1350 acres), overlooks village of Clinton, access to suburban amenities, diverse dining/social spaces, varsity streaking team. Included on lists of most beautiful schools. Test flexible. ACT score middle range 31-33.
@apple23 I am incredibly fair when it comes to location, but I think you would be in the minority comparing southeast Maine to that part of NY State. I love NY state but there is nothing in that area that would compare to Maine, including the 2 hour trip to Boston and 30 minute trip to Portland for city oriented things. Skiing, hiking, the coastline…not a fair fight IMO to that part of NY State, which is just sort of bland. Bates has it own island with beach about an hour from campus, 30 miles away.
Location also depends on where home is for this student. For us, Hamilton location is much better because it is 6 hour drive from home vs. 12+ for SE Maine. Just really depends.
I would have to agree that Bates has a much better location than Hamilton. That part of NY state is far removed from interesting things and is incredibly cloudy and grey. Utica and Syracuse don’t compare in any way to Portland or the coastal towns close Bates. Clinton has a charming feel but its tiny with only about 1.000 residents. Hamilton is too far from real sking to make it viable. Sunday River is only a hour from Lewiston. Also I didnt realize Bates was so close to Boston. 2 hours is nothing for a weekend.
