<p>That does sound like a big trip. Hampshire, Bard and Bennington all make a little triangle though, each about an hour and 1/2 apart from eachother. I personally think it is really important to visit any college you are thinking of attending, how you feel on a campus, seeing the people, what your impressions are, whether you can truly see yourself living there for the next 2-3 years, are all an important part of the "fit" factor.</p>
<p>I looked at a couple of the schools on your list, and a few others, and while the academics were very important, visiting was invaluable.</p>
<p>Our son is at Sarah Lawrence, and was "cool" in high school, not "weird". He loves SLC, and from the friends of his I've met there I don't agree that everyone is quirky, odd etc. I agree there are plenty of students that "beat to their own drummer", but my several visits there have convinced me that there are groups that fit many different styles. Our son has really appreciated the small classes, constant interaction and weekly one-on-one meetings with professors, and classmates who are intellectually engaged and interested in their studies. You need to visit to see whether you "fit" - don't take anyone's word for it.</p>
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I want a school with an amazing fit. I want an amazing campus, fairly close proximity to a city, students with similar interests in music, film, art, or whatever. I want interaction with open-minded and still intelligent teachers, I want to discuss things in class, loose track of time in the class room
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<p>The two co-ed LACs in suburban Philly -- Haverford and Swarthmore -- would both fit your requirements. Both are about ten miles from downtown Philadelphia in gorgeous old neighborhoods with a beautiful campus. Swarthmore's is stunning.</p>