My family and I are planning a college tour trip and have time for a couple more schools. My dad suggested looking into Bowdoin, Bates, Colby, Middlebury, and Skidmore. What are the academics, social scene, and general “vibes” of these colleges?
I can’t offer anything on the Maine 3 as D20 ruled them out for distance and we didn’t visit. Midd is an absolutely gorgeous setting, a typical NE college with acres of rolling green and a charming small town. We found students to be friendly and outdoorsy. The school is definitely very strong in languages and has several foreign language houses. There is also a great art museum on campus. Skidmore students tend to be a bit more artsy. The academics are interesting because several students double major in subjects that are totally unrelated. The campus is a mix of some classic style buildings and some more modern spaces, which is an interesting look. The city of Saratoga Springs is terrific with tons of shops and restaurants within walking distance.
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Thanks!
My D graduated from Bates last year. She had a great experience. It has a friendly, collaborative atmosphere. It’s generally regarded as the more arty Maine NESCAC. Kids are a good mix of laidback, outdoorsy, urban,
nerdy, preppy, jock-y, and everything in between.
The professors are excellent and love working closely with their students. My D is still is touch with several of them. She had so many interesting classes. Bates has a great study abroad program. There are excellent events on campus, and students regularly get off campus to explore Portland and other parts of Maine.
Bates has consistently high numbers of Fulbright winners. Nearly all students are required to do a senior thesis, and for many kids, the project becomes part of their resume because it requires many hours of work and research. The career center is very helpful (my D got an amazing job directly due to career center.)
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If you haven’t done so already I’d suggest you get your hands on some good college guide books such as Fiske, Insiders Guide etc. and read up on the colleges.
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That’s great to hear about Bates!
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I do have the Fiske book and thought this would be an interesting way to get some other prospects.
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Do you know what you would like to study?
Yes, I’d like to major in philosophy with a minor or dual degree in economics or political science on a pre-law track.
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Any questions, just lmk.
You can have a look at the pinned posts on the Bates forum, which will give you a very good perspective on Bates. Bates College - College Confidential Forums
As general advice, for those interests you may want to consider a public policy major, which relies on the fields of political science, economics and philosophy for its foundation, and which emphasizes practical approaches to complex issues.
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I’d say Skidmore is the most artsy followed by Bates. Midd, Bowdoin and Colby fill out the other end. BUT with that said, the NESCAC 4 have way more in common with each other than not and the differences between them have gotten watered down over the years… Most students at any of them would probably be happy at any of the others. They all have pretty tight communities, lots of outdoors offerings, and a large % of student athletes. Several have short-terms. If you are going to Maine, it’s easy to see all 3 of the BBC schools – which I’d recommend. .
They are all fun to visit - great excuse to enjoy Northern New England and Saratoga (arguably the best town of the 4.)
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Can you afford any of these schools while taking on no debt at all for your first four years of university?
I can tell you quite a bit about Brunswick if you have specific questions. We toured Bowdoin twice and liked it but did not like what the NPC told us. If you do visit, I would personally recommend that you walk up the street from Bowdoin (it should be obvious which street) and get yourself a gelato.
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I have run the NPC for every school, and thanks for the gelato recommendation 
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Middlebury College has the largest number of students. Great location. Reasonable drive to Burlington, Vermont (Univ. of Vermont & Lake Champlain). Train from NYC to Burlington, Vermont opening up soon.
Skidmore is artsy & is located in a beautiful town = Saratoga Springs. Very LGBTQ friendly.
Bowdoin College is near the coast of Maine. Excellent school. Feels like an advanced continuation of an elite prep boarding school experience.
Colby is changing from the ultimate preppy school with lots of drinking to a school with more options for students.
Bates is academic & better described by others with more recent experience.
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Could you describe what “advanced continuation of an elite prep boarding school experience” means? Would that create social divides on campus?
My remark was intended as a compliment to Bowdoin College. I often make this statement as New England is home to a lot of elite prep boarding schools. Some graduates of these elite prep boarding schools want to continue their intimate, close-knit experience, while others are ready for a larger, more diverse university experience.
Social divides can occur at any small college environment. Many report a social divide at Middlebury College between athletes & non-athletes.
My only advice is to focus on safety/target schools. If your odds of admission to Middlebury or Bowdoin, say, are remote, skip them. Or at least, make sure you visit more target/safety schools than reaches. Reaches are super easy to identify. Safety schools, where you would be happy to attend can be harder.
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I’m in 9th grade right now so it’s hard to tell but I think these schools would be high targets. I have a couple of safety/low matches I would be happy to attend so that is not an issue.
Okay, thank you for explaining!