Small/no greek scene and neutral politics school suggestions?

<p>Please suggest schools in the Northeast or Mid-Atlantic region with less than 10,000 students, without a big greek scene, yet are not wildly liberal. My son actually is liberal, but likes to argue, so wants to have some conservatives around too. He would prefer a school that is neither overall very liberal nor very conservative.</p>

<p>We're trying to pick schools to visit over spring break. Most of the small schools that we see seem to be either conservative with a huge greek presence (Bucknell, Lehigh, Colgate, Gettysburg), or small/no greek presence and very liberal (Vassar, Wesleyan, Skidmore). </p>

<p>Wesleyan would be a reach, Bucknell a target, and Skidmore a safety. He is thinking either economics or political science as a major, and wants to be involved in theater as a non-major. He doesn't want to go to a school where the social scene revolves around fraternities/sororities. </p>

<p>Where are the schools that are politically aware, yet with many diverse political viewpoints represented?</p>

<p>I suggest Fordham University, the Rose Hill campus.</p>

<p>Middlebury College -- I know has no greek life.</p>

<p>A couple more criteria - not religiously affiliated, and a residential campus.</p>

<p>Fordham won't make the cut because of being Catholic.</p>

<p>I think that Middlebury would be too high of a reach.</p>

<p>tufts or brandeis
bates, colby, bowdoin
haverford
franklin and marshall (has greek but less than bucknell/lehigh etc. and i dont think they have seperate housing)</p>

<p>I suggest you post this question on the parents forum. You will find a reservoir of incredibly knowledgeable parents there who have been through the whole college application process, and can suggest dozens of colleges to look at. A general description of your S's stats, grades, etc would be helpful to others trying to come up with suitable suggestions as well.</p>

<p>Haverford is supposedly really liberal</p>

<p>Bowdoin and Colby are good options.</p>

<p>If politics seem to matter that much, and he likes to argue, why not try GWU or American U in D.C.</p>

<p>S's stats:
PSAT 217 (CR 80, M 72, W 65), but lower SATs (will take again), 2020 (CR 680, M 690, W 650)
Rank: right at 10th percentile after freshman & sophomore years in competitive suburban NJ hs
GPA 4.43 weighted (on a scale where A+ = 4.3, honors/AP get +1)
will have 6 or 7 APs (only score so far is 4 on US Govt), each year 5 of 7 classes either honors or AP</p>

<p>big ECs: drama (2 or 3 shows/yr), mock trial (VP this year), participating all 4 years
small ECs: JSA, some volunteering, NHS</p>

<p>Awards:
Mock trial team qualified for national competition last year, county runners-up this year, National History Day state finalist/national competition (independent research),
NHS,
expect National Merit Commended (NJ is tough - would be a Semi-finalist is most states)</p>

<p>Summers: 2 CTY classes, community college class, internship at courthouse, expect to get paying job this summer</p>

<p>If you'd consider a school farther afield I would suggest Rice -- no Greek scene (replaced by residential colleges) and a mixture of political leanings.</p>

<p>sacchi, I'd suggest that your son take a look at Williams. It's a selectivity reach, but I think your son's theater involvement would be of interest. Williams fulfills everything on his wishlist: small, no fraternities, politically lowkeyed -- most of the student body and faculty lean left, but conservatives are "allowed" to have opinions. And the theater opportunities are excellent, even for non-majors.</p>

<p>In the same ambience I'd recommend Hamilton, Kenyon, Bowdoin. I don't know that I'd characterize Skidmore as very liberal -- more arts focused than political.</p>

<p>I'd suggest that he retake the SATI, consider the ACT. Also, he should prepare and submit a performance tape, even if he doesn't intend to major in theater. These small colleges NEED actors so don't underestimate the value of that EC.</p>

<p>EDIT: In fact, I'd suggest that he put together a theater package: performance tape; resume listing classes, performances, awards and accomplishments; a supplemental recommendation from an instructor, director or mentor; a limited (1 or 2) selection of media reviews.</p>

<p>I second American University. A mix of liberal/conservative, very politically-oriented.</p>

<p>I have heard that Bowdoin is pretty liberal</p>

<p>I find dartmouth a interesting school. Though I think it’s greek scene is very low.</p>

<p>Thanks for all of the suggestions.</p>

<p>I’m afraid that Dartmouth, Williams, Tufts, and Rice might be too much of a reach for him, but worth looking into. Which of those is the easiest to get into? Maybe Tufts?</p>

<p>GW looks like a good target and American a good safety. </p>

<p>I don’t know much about Hamilton, Kenyon, Bowdoin, Bates, Colby, Haverford, and Franklin & Marshall but we’ll look into them.</p>