<p>I applied to Oberlin Early Decision.
I am now looking into some other schools to prepare to apply to if I don't get accepted to Oberlin.
I am aware that schools such as Vassar, Bard, Grinnell and Swarthmore are similar schools to Oberlin however I am looking for somewhat different similarities than student atmosphere.
I absolutely love the concept of January/Winter Term and want the opportunity for independent studies that (if possible to be this picky) allow opportunities to travel within that January term. I also really like the small liberal arts sense of community but I am looking for a school with little to no course requirements. Distribution requirements are fine, my problem is that I would like to double major in either studio art and english or studio art and psychology and it seems much more manageable with at least minimal distribution requirements if any. If at all possible I would like a more creative and left wing student body.
So I guess I'm looking for schools with :
January Independent Study Terms
Minimal Distribution Requirements
Schools that offer Studio Art, English and Pyschology (preferrably a pretty strong studio art program)
Creative and left wing student body</p>
<p>If that exists outside of Oberlin please let me know!
Actually, anything is helpful if it has some of the aspects I am looking for in a college.</p>
<p>"January Independent Study Terms
Minimal Distribution Requirements
Schools that offer Studio Art, English and Pyschology (preferrably a pretty strong studio art program)
Creative and left wing student body"</p>
<p>Smith has:
January Winter Independent Study Term (my d. is going to India to study south Indian botanical medicine)
NO distributional requirements; no core requirements; 50% of courses must be taken outside the major; 1 writing intensive course (but can be in any subject) in first year.
Very strong studio arts program in a superb new facility; strong in both English and psychology
Creative and mostly left-like student body.</p>
<p>I would add Bard to your list as well. Bard has a leftist student body and a 4-1-4 academic schedule. Bard does not have any required classes (with the exception of a freshman seminar course), but they do have disturibution requirements (8 classes, I believe).</p>
<p>If you are attracted to Oberlin, then I would bet that you would also be attracted to both Bard and Wesleyan.</p>
<p>Bates' single-month term is May and I think the school would be a good option for you, though not "left-wing." </p>
<p>Other schools that Oberlin applicants often apply to are Wesleyan, Vassar, Carleton, Grinnell, Macalester, Brown and Swarthmore.</p>
<p>BTW - as someone who leans way left politically, I wouldn't make a big deal about a left-wing student body. Most selective LACs have a significant group of left-wing students and activist sub-cultures.</p>
<p>I would recommend Wesleyan, Williams, Hamilton, Skidmore for LACs with strong studio art programs.</p>
<p>Williams is the one I know the most about because my son is involved in their art studio and art history programs. They have a January Winter Study term. The first year must be taken on campus, but after that you may design your own program. The WS course options are quirky and stimulating. Williams' distribution requirements are general and non-restrictive (although they require you to take at least 3 classes in each arts/language, science/math and social studies.) Many, many students double major. Studio Art while not the largest department has talented and accessible instructors, many of whom are accomplished artists. The facilities in several media are extensive. The focus is equally on theory and process. There are three worldclass museums on or near campus. English and Psychology are also very strong.
Williams is not the most left wing of the LACs but it is definitely liberal.</p>