Hello, I’m planning on double major psychology and social work. These are the 2 LACs that has social work majors. Can anyone give me some insight about them? Which one do you think is better or more well-known?
Thank you.
Both are well known although each better known in its neck of the woods.
These two have very different vibes. Tell us more about how you like to socialize.
I’m an international student. Skidmore seems to be friendly and St. Olaf has more students from my country so I think I’m fine with both.
I would say St.Olaf has much less alcohol use than the average college. You may want to check, but their campus may be dry. That appeals to a lot of students who choose it – it is a bit unusual. It also can be a turn-off to others who are looking for a more traditional “party” scene.
Skidmore may have slightly more than average – or average for the northeast – students who partake of recreational substances. It certainly doesn’t mean everyone does or that you would have to to be happy. But if these are the two you are comparing, that could feel like a stark difference.
Is there a way you can connect with anyone from your country who is there? Because you are interested in that community, its norms may matter more to you.
1 Like
St Olaf is much closer to an international airport. Both are remote, both are cold (and then some).
Skidmore is in Saratoga Springs, which is only 20 minutes north of Albany. While not a major city it isn’t exactly the backwoods either.
While it’s fair to say Skidmore isn’t in an urban location, it’s certainly not ‘remote’.
And Saratoga Springs itself is always active and full of people. It’s about the nicest college town I’ve seen.
1 Like
This is not a true statement. According to Mapquest, St. Olaf is 38.3 miles from the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Skidmore is 30.5 miles from Albany International Airport. So Skidmore is the one that is closer to an international airport.
As far as remote is concerned, it’s relative, all depending on where you’re coming from. Albany is the Capitol of the 4th most populous state in the country. Saratoga Springs is part of the Capitol District metro area, which has a population of almost a million people. It is the 63rd largest metro area in the country.
1 Like
Wow! Very different vibes and very different college communities. Will you be ok in sub-zero temperatures in MN? The winters are worse in MN. I know both places fairly well. A friend has been on faculty at St Olaf for 30 years. I think St Olaf attracts mostly student from the Midwest. It is very well regarded in the Midwest. The community is very friendly and welcoming. If it were up to me, I would find more programs and a very down to earth vibe at St Olaf. It has one of the best music and choir programs in the world….not only in the US.
https://wp.stolaf.edu/choir/
Fine.
But out of Albany can you get a direct flight to many countries except Canada? I’d give up the 8 miles closer to get a direct flight any day. MSP is a big airport with lots of direct flights to many places. In fact I flew from Albany to MSP many years ago and I don’t think it was a direct flight.
The OP should check flights from nearest airport to either place if that’s the tiebreaker.
2 Likes
LOL MSP is a real international airport. The word “international” is much-abused. We live in a town serviced by an “international” airport- a designation it gets due to its weekly flights to the Caribbean in the winter.
2 Likes
Deleted.
Deleted.