<p>I just finished my first year at the UR and part of me regrets not going to a small liberal arts college. I am considering transferring out to a LAC with really smart class sizes and more emphasis on the social science and humanities. I'm looking for schools with quirky, laid back students. I really want to avoid preppy as much as possible (although I know it's inevitable that some schools will have some of everything). Any suggestions on small LACs? I've heard schools like Oberlin and Carleton would fit my taste, but one thing that's to say stats wise is that I didn't take a foreign language in HS for three or more years (only two) which would (I feel) automatically disqualify me from the more competitive schools. I also hear transfer rates are lower in general for most schools so that's to be accounted for. Thanks!</p>
<p>You probably need to describe your intended major and a lot more about your profile/needs to get any meaningful feedback. </p>
<p>I’m still not too certain what I want to major in yet. HS stats: GPA: 4.0. Rank: 1/365 (something like that). Lots of ECs/all that jazz. SATs: 1950 superscore. CR 600, M 660, W 690. (something around there). Didn’t take subject tests (poor decision). Not so hot on ACTs so I’d like to bank on SATs. College GPA: 3.64/4.0 Dean’s List both semesters. I tried out cognitive science and didn’t quite like it. Now trying out comp. sci. and I like it a bit more, but I don’t know if I’d be passionate about it in the future. </p>
<p>I’m currently looking into Earlham, Beloit, Denison, Lawrence, and on the more “reach” end, Bard and Carleton. I think because of the lack of foreign language from high school, that excludes me from Grinnell and Oberlin. Any thoughts on these schools? What’s the study body like? I prefer collaborative students that are laid back, but are still very intellectual, self-driven, and passionate. Basically smart but not super competitive (which Rochester fits as well, but like I said, looking for just another environment overall). </p>
<p>Ohio Wesleyan University
Centre College
Allegheny College
Colorado College (not U.Colorado-Boulder)
University of Puget Sound</p>
<p>You do realize that most of the places on your list tend toward the upper middle class? More laid back sure but restrictive in another way.</p>
<p>You could also consider Hampshire. Best of luck.</p>
<p>You ask for feedback on the schools that you list. Many small liberal arts colleges have become a lot more diverse and have many of the characteristics that you are looking for. I know quite a bit about Earlham, which does foster a collaborative rather than competitive atmosphere. I believe that also they are known for doing an excellent job educating the students that they get rather than being the most competitive to get into, which would mean that you would have an excellent chance at being accepted if you would be a good addition to the community. As with most schools, you will find driven students and you will also find some which are not. It may take a bit but you can probably find a community that fits with you.</p>
<p>@Lergnom, I feel that unless one applies to many large public schools, many small, private schools attract the upper middle class population, which is inevitable. I know that I’m going to encounter various kinds of people at every school and I am okay with that as long as the majority is not preppy. I know that Rochester is not and I love that about it, but that is a criteria I have for myself for any school. </p>
<p>Also, if there are any rising sophomores at UR out there reading this, what did you think about your first years’ experience. What majors are you and what classes did you take? What did you think about class sizes and what did you think about the professors? Was Rochester everything you expected it to be. (I know no college experience will ever be completely perfect, but for the most part, if you could do it all over again, would you still have chosen Rochester?) Thanks everyone! </p>
<p>I think both Earlham and Beloit would meet your criteria. I dare say that Denison and Lawrence tend to attract a more mainstream student, overall (at least more mainstream than Earlham and Beloit). </p>
<p>Given your desire, I would also look at Marlboro and Kalamazoo and think that either one of these schools would be sufficiently intellectual and non-competitive to meet your requirements as well. Frankly, Earlham, Beloit, Denison, Lawrence, Kalamazoo, Marlboro – all will provide the motivated student with an intellectual challenge in a generally non-competitive environment. However, one school may be a better match for a particular student. </p>
<p>Thank you @icemaker. More facts about me if it helps: I would say in HS I particularly enjoyed math and writing. While things like analyzing literature weren’t my strongest points (and I was rather shy when speaking up in class), I think the small class sizes will challenge that and help me improve and foster. That is what I’m really looking for. I think the big class sizes, while it was temporarily nice not to get called in, was really doing me a disservice down the line (and of course, I myself am the one at fault and I cannot blame others for my struggles). However, I think that being in the small environment will help me challenge myself. I want to be well rounded and very close to professors, not be intimidated by them. I want to learn for the sake of learning.</p>
<p>Have you looked at the 40+ colleges in “The Colleges That Change Lives” book? Many who are looking for a small school with similarities to what you want find their fit in one of these.</p>
<p>My guy is a rising Junior at UR and absolutely loves it there. The larger class sizes (esp for pre-med stuff) doesn’t bother him and he’s gotten to know all (or almost all) of his profs by visiting them during office hours. This fall he’s gotten a research position in his first choice lab. He doesn’t regret his decision or want to be anywhere else. He’s very involved on campus and has a nice peer group.</p>
<p>But no school is for everyone, that’s a given. Both my oldest and youngest have chosen LACs. Oldest just graduated from a very small Christian LAC (Covenant in GA) and is now gainfully employed using his business major (yeah!). Youngest will be starting Marine Science at Eckerd College in FL, so no feedback yet, but he’s looking forward to it.</p>
<p>I also know students who have loved Wooster (OH).</p>
<p>I know people who love Earlham. How do you feel about distribution requirements. Uof R has hardly any-- just the 2 clusters and writing, right? Bard has a ton and some of the others you write about have quite a few. It may be something you want to consider.</p>
<p>At least some of the upper level classes at U of R look quite small. It may depend on the dept. </p>
<p>I think I would be okay with distribution requirements. Not necessarily core requirements though. </p>
<p>I’m looking at Sarah Lawrence as well. Any thoughts? </p>
<p>Bump? </p>
<p>I think I’ve narrowed down my list to one/two reach school and a couple safeties. Grinnell and Macalester? being the reach and Beloit/Kalamazoo being the safeties. What do people think about Beloit vs. Kalamazoo. Or does anyone have suggestions on other safeties other than these two that fit the bill? </p>
<p>A little more about me: I’m very passionate about social justice. I’m looking into something with anthropology/sociology. Love to learn languages, especially Chinese and Spanish. Definitely want to study abroad. I’m a very accepting person and would thrive in a liberal campus. Quirky students - bring it on! I want an environment where not knowing your major and set career goals is okay. As in, few people would ask me what my major is, and say, “What in the world are you going to do with that major?.” Just people who like to learn a diverse mix of things. I’d prefer a surburban/urban, but with Grinnell, Beloit, I know that’s not an option and that’s okay. </p>
<p>Thanks!!!</p>
<p>So… what makes you think those of us on a U Roc forum would have intimate knowledge about these other schools?</p>
<p>I’ll admit to being stymied as to why you’ve opted to post here - it makes no sense to me.</p>
<p>Isn’t it too late to transfer to another school for sophomore year? </p>
<p>My vote: Kalamazoo. Best wishes. </p>