<p>How do you guys choose schools? SO many schools are so similar that I cannot seem to choose which ones to apply to. For example, Cornell and Dartmouth are both great schools with similar majors. I know some things such as location and size may seperate them, but in terms of other things, how do you choose?</p>
<p>I want to apply to some really good schools and see what happens. How can I narrow down on them?</p>
<p>Also, how do liberal arts schools differ? They all seem alike. Countryside or quiet location, same majors, similar curriculums,etc.</p>
<p>Really visitng the schools is the best way to see if you like the school or not, you get to see the kids talk to some people and get a pretty good idea of the school.</p>
<p>Liberal arts colleges vary somewhat according to size actually because some have consortiums (Amherst, Haverford) and some are 2500 students rather than 1600 (Wesleyan and Middlebury vs. Colby for example). Read the “vs.” threads on CC and you’ll also get some ideas. Whether LAC or university, they all vary somewhat on a liberal/conservative or artsy/funky vs. preppy scale. Read through a guide like Fiske which also gives an academic ranking that helps compare LACs and universities based on academic quality. Then do one visit early on (maybe somewhere close) to get some ideas and begin to compare sizes and other characteristics.</p>
<p>There are lots of small and large differences between ANY two schools. If they all seem to be the same to you, I fear you haven’t done much analysis. Of course the best way to compare is through first-hand visits. If visits are not an option, request all the literature you can get from schools that interest you and read all of it when it comes! Each school markets itself differently–very interesting to compare and contrast.</p>
<p>Also, mine the websites for info. For instance, I like to try to find a school’s mission statement (not always possible–Ivies, I’m talking about you), see what kind of emphasis the website has on current students and their achievements vs. the school as a whole and their faculty, and see how many photos they display of the campus and the students.</p>
<p>Ask yourself what is important in daily life–new dorms? quality of food? gym that is open to all students with clean, safe, working equipment? school spirit? access to classes at registration? likelihood of graduating in 4 years? By knowing how you want to look for, you can discern which schools meet your true wants and needs.</p>
<p>If you want friends who don’t party, you need to hang out in places where the non-partiers are most likely to be. For example, the library. After a week (or even less) you will recognize the same people leaving when the place closes (or whatever late hour you leave), and you can strike up a conversation with them. They will fall into two categories: people who were studying there (like you presumably were), and people who work there (so they can pay for their educations). Both of these categories of students tend to be more serious, and if they do go to a party, it is more likely to be the kind that you would enjoy.</p>
<p>Oh, that and claim the dorm TV on “Big Bang” night. You will end up with nerds and nerd fans for sure.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>location: i was looking at uvm v. lehigh- uvm is in an awsome town while lehigh is in the ghetto. and obviously overall location in the country is important</p></li>
<li><p>religion: i got rid of alot of good colleges like bc and fordham because they are somewhat religious schools and i want nothing to do with them.</p></li>
<li><p>atmoshphere: party school v. non-party school- both can be good but its not for everybody</p></li>
</ol>