Flying out to visit Brown. We have 3 days to see a few more. Any recommendations?
Tufts, Northeastern, Harvard, MIT, BC. all within an hour so drive/train.
Universities abound in the area, but Brown may nonetheless be at least equally similar in spirit to Wesleyan and Vassar. Connecticut College would be a moderately selective, and nearby, option. If part of Brown’s appeal resides in its flexible curriculum (and you would like to avoid the Streetlight Effect), venture to one or more of Amherst, Smith (if gender appropriate) and, the still more distant, Hamilton.
The above suggestions would depend on whether you will be planning additional trips to the Northeast, of course.
Definitely Wesleyan if you think Brown looks good. It’s also very competitive these days (Hamilton’s Lin-Manuel Miranda is an alum). I also agree with Smith (all female) and Amherst. Smith is in Northampton, a great college town. Amherst is a classic New England LAC campus in a little New England town (also the home of U Mass). Both are part of a five-college consortium (with Mount Holyoke, Hampshire, and U Mass Amherst) that offers some expanded possibilities. Brandeis is also a possibility, which seems at least somewhat similar in vibe to Brown. It’s in a suburban New England town outside of Boston. Wellesley is another all female school with a stunning campus, also in a suburban Boston town. Good luck and have fun!
I’ll add about Wellesley: we know someone who graduated in a recent year. They took several classes at MIT/Harvard and had numerous friends at MIT.
@Meedy, Vassar is very similar to Brown. It’s common for students to apply to both. I agree that you should consider visiting Amherst, Smith and possibly Mount Holyoke. Vassar is only 2.5 hours from Amherst. It’s a beautiful drive. Just don’t speed, especially on the Taconic State Parkway.
If you are visiting (and are qualified for applying to) Brown, I echo the suggestion to see see some combination of Amherst, Wellesley, Wesleyan and Vassar.
@Meddy What is the major? Fit/location preferences and stats?
@CrewDad I find that to be a pain in the neck drive. If you’re going out to Amherst go to the five colleges consortium. Do rental cars have EZPass options for Massachusetts?
You could add in more Boston colleges if we know your major.
Edit on my phone. Oops. The Brown to Amherst drive is a pain in the neck. Not Amherst to Vassar. Read that wrong.
Seriously, police are all over the Taconic Parkway, and the surrounding woods provide lots of great hiding spots.
D18 responds with an emphatic, “No”, to all girl schools and she is undecided as to what her area of study will ultimately be. Open Curriculum schools are very appealing to her. It sounds as though Brown,Wesleyan and Amherst are doable on this trip. Any suggestions or comments on the travel route or towns to stay in? Also, Any advice since we are planning on flying in/out of Providence, which do you drive out to next? Amherst or Wesleyan?
I’d say Brown to Wesleyan to Amherst. Stay off I-95 between Providence and Middletown, or at least use Waze. It can have very heavy traffic. You might might by Northampton when you are visiting Amherst. You’ll probably exit the interstate there anyway, and it’s a neat town, and larger than Amherst. It might be nice to see if Amherst is a possibility since the consortium might be a consideration.You can maybe stay there for your Amherst visit.
@Meddy Brown to Wesleyan is easy. Rt. 95 south then 9 north. You are going to pass through New London so you might want to stop at Conn College. Less than two hour drive. Where are you staying for the Brown visit? TF Green to Providence is maybe 20 minutes. And it is a low stress airport. While in Providence you might want to check out RISD. Brown and RISD coordinate. Eat at College Hill restaurants on Thayer St for the full college experience.
@TTG Why would you stay off 95 from Providence to Middleton? Just don’t go morning or afternoon rush hour. Most of 95 from south of Providence ~Cranston to Mystic, CT is traffic free usually.
Most of this drive will be like driving on a highway that runs through a forest.
Hotel Recommendations in Providence? Also, which is the easier drive back on a Friday evening? Wesleyan to Brown or Amherst to Brown? Or should I say, less of a nightmare? 8-|
Several times I’ve hit lots of traffic going through New London on I-95, although I think the construction is finished there. I had a nightmare drive on I-95 through CT this summer from NY border to New Haven. I’m not a local but am through there a couple of times a year. I’d trust @gearmom if she’s a local but would still advise consulting Waze. I agree Connecticut College would rate a drive-by if you’re going through New London.
OP, I don’t think it would be bad from Amherst to Brown on a Friday evening. I don’t think Mass Turnpike is typically too busy from Springfield to Worcester, and then you’re heading down into Providence. As noted, I’m not a local but am in that area a lot, including college visits, for kids and my own work. As an FYI, some people (mostly MA drivers) refer to MA drivers as Massholes.
I would try the Omni in Providence which has a sky bridge to the Providence Place Mall if you want something nice-ish.
I would avoid Amherst (which feeds like it is in the middle of nowhere) to Brown because you’ll hit Boston traffic and something always goes wrong from me on that route.
Wesleyan to Brown is easier but since TF Green is 20 minutes south of Providence and really in Warwick, I would consider staying in Mystic Conn. From Wesleyan you would take 9 south. Then 95 North, drive through New London then hit Mystic. Wesleyan to Mystic is about 45 minutes. Mystic to TF Green is about 45 minutes. Mystic has an historic seaport, shopping village, aquarium and restaurants. If not just stay at an inexpensive airport hotel in Warwick.
@TTG Yes, hate driving through CT to New York. They never finish construction especially on the New York side of CT. She’ll be fine with a RT 9 entrance or exit point.
@TTG :)) on the Massholes comment. Waze sounds like a must have there. Will remember this. Thank you!
@gearmom Just curious – if Amherst feels like “the middle of nowhere” to you, then how does Williamstown feel ?