<p>Hello.. I was told to re-post this in the Parents forum to get more hits? So I'm trying it out.</p>
<p>I am a senior (girl) in high school now. I really love the education programs that Sarah Lawrence and Hampshire offer... I am very into writing intensive environments and interdisciplinary study. I want to go into something within the natural sciences; evolutionary biology, herpetology, paleontology, animal cognition.. not sure yet, but something along those lines. </p>
<p>I am 100% aware (or as aware as a non-student could be) about both education programs. I have visited and am/have interviewed at both schools. I do know that Sarah Lawrence isn't the most social school ever -- I am totally ok with that. I live close NYC so I love the location. I also really like Hampshire's campus and the Amherst area from what I've seen.</p>
<p>What, or appears that, Hampshire has over Sarah Lawrence, is the variety of classes. But Sarah Lawrence seems to be more academically rigorous. However, this is from a visitor's POV. </p>
<p>As of this moment, I prefer Sarah Lawrence (I want to go so badly!) Hampshire is my 2nd choice. But I was just wondering if any current or past students could dish out anything regarding their experiences at either of these schools... academically, socially, etc. And also, more importantly, any advice or info on the admissions process for these schools.</p>
<p>I’m going to make things harder for you – if you want a writing-intensive environment with a lot of flexibility in the curriculum, I think you should add Hamilton to your list. </p>
<p>I think it is early in the game to decide. You should apply to both schools and make your decision in the spring among the colleges that accept you. If you are applying for financial aid, your decision might be made a lot easier by disparities in the financial aid package.</p>
<p>I agree with calmom: At this point, you don’t need to decide which school you prefer. Come Spring, the decision might not be yours to make; it may be made for you.</p>
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<li><p>I agree no need to decide between Hamp and Sarah Lawrence now. They both sound like good choices for the OP.</p></li>
<li><p>W/re Hamilton, my completely un-preppy nephew (small town public school, child of hippie parents who split before he was born, mom spent much of his boyhood on public assistance) just graduated from there after completing a customized, interdisciplinary environmental studies program. He loved it and it was great for him. The atmosphere there is probably somewhat more mainstream and less arty than at SL or Hamp, but it’s a matter of nuance, not black/white. Said nephew’s Hamilton girlfriend is as arty as they come (and smart, and very impressive, too), and I have no sense that either of them felt marginalized at Hamilton.</p></li>
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<p>Both SLC and Hampshire are wonderful schools in great locations.</p>
<p>I’d also have to agree with emm1 re: Hamilton – It’s light years away from what you’re looking for.</p>
<p>However, if you want to add to your list, I’d definitely encourage you to take a look at Bard. They have a very creative, writing intensive curriculum. That said, while the area is quite beautiful, it is also quite isolated.</p>
<p>In terms of Hamilton, I looked it up, and it doesn’t seem to really be the place for me… and no, not because it is preppy, haha. Can you tell Im picky?</p>
<p>And yes, I do of course realize it does really depend on where I get accepted. I just wanted to know if anyone had some inside info etc. I’m too in love with SL to stray too far from it, though. I’m applying EDI.</p>
<p>We found that Bennington had the most in common with Sarah Lawrence. The location is more rural of course, but beautiful (and there is a January term in which many head to the city!). It is very worth looking at for anyone who loves SL.</p>
<p>Hampshire’s academic model is quite different from either SL or Bennington.</p>
<p>D is at Hampshire, looked at SL and found it too small for her. Nice thing about Hamp is that you can take courses at all 5 colleges of the consortium - Amherst, UMass, Mt. Holyoke, Smith and Hampshire. Right now she has 2 at Smith, last year 2-3 at MoHo. Great offerings and variety and the Amherst/No Ho area is wonderful for college students.</p>
<p>I don’t think you can go wrong with either SLC or Hampshire. Just based on what you’ve written here, if I were your advisor, I’d be totally comfortably with you going ED at Sarah Lawrence. You sound like exactly the kind of candidate they’d love to have. Good luck.</p>