<p>Barring the possibility of getting off UChicago's wait list or maybe getting into Carnegie Mellon, I will likely end up at one these colleges in the fall. So I was hoping you guys could help me out with my decision. So some info about me: I'm African-American living in a large city in Arizona so diversity and the mingling of races is pretty important. My EFC is about $1000-$2000 and I received generous packages from Skidmore and BU. I'm stilling waiting for Smith, Whitman, and Bard to complete my financial aid since I sent the business farm supplement thing late. And SLC gapped me at $!2,000 but I'm going to try to appeal. I'm interested in studio art, creative writing, economics, and architecture (yes I know none of these have a B.ARCH). And I intend to go to grad school afterwards but I might work a couple years beforehand. Maybe get a dual MBA/MFA. Right now I'm pondering the idea of career as a creative director, an architect, or a writer. I'm kind of all over the place. Oh and I got into the CFA at BU but I originally applied for the CFA/CAS double degree. Anyways, I think I'm pretty aware of the great things these schools have to offer, so here are my concerns.</p>
<p>SMITH: 1) Women's school. I'm straight and I have mostly female friends and while I love them, it would be kind of nice to have more close guy friends. I see it as a plus and a minus since everything would be specifically catered to women and the whole empowerment thing is wonderful but I'm worried that since I am a shy person it would be even harder for to meet guys as friends and possible dates. Also I'm not sure if people in Northampton are open to interracial dating? 2) I don't know how strong Smith's art, writing, and economics departments are in relation to the other schools. 3) I did not get a STRIDE and worry that internships/research positions would be in short supply because of this.</p>
<p>WHITMAN: 1) The whole diversity thing. There are 24 African-Americans in the class of 2015. The school is 74% white. 2) It is very isolated. Ive never lived in a small town. My best friend goes to a university in a town of about 60,000 people and she absolutely hates it and goes to Wal-Mart for entertainment. Granted she has had a difficult time making friends, so she is transferring. And I know theres many outdoor activities and I love hiking and camping, I just dont know how well Id adjust. 3) I dont know how good Whitmans art department is though my interviewer told me it is pretty strong. 4) I dont know how good career services are, in relation to Smiths great career services and alumni network. But I did read they have a 50% alumni giving rate. 5) Im worried that the Greeks segregate themselves from the rest of the community. 6) Im worried about grad school placement and how well respected it would be outside of Washington.</p>
<p>BARD: 1) A few people from my school plan on going here, and I kind of wanted a fresh start - trivial, I know. 2) Its in a forest. Literally. And that wouldnt worry me that much if I didnt think I wouldnt mesh well with the student body. 3) Everyone seems to bring up the hipster population when discussing Bard, so it makes me think this is the majority of students. And while I wouldnt identify as preppy or conservative certainly liberal and maybe a comfortable free-spirit style Im not hipster. 4) Again, diversity - of both race and interests. It would be nice if there were more scientific majors. 5) Dorms supposedly arent very nice or the food. 6) Theres not much of an athletic community, though itd be nice to run around the rural campus. 7) I might have to do a second thesis if I double major. 8) Art classes are hard to get in to? 9) Job prospects might be better at the other schools.</p>
<p>SKIDMORE: I applied to most of my schools because I saw unique opportunities/curriculums at each of them but for some reason, I cant recall the unique attributes of Skidmore. </p>
<p>SLC: 1) Worried about the possible lack of community here. Most say that it empties out on the weekends to go see friends in NYC. I dont have any friends in NYC. 2) Financial aid, of course. 3) The no grades thing might negatively affect me in grad school admissions. 4) Job prospects, though the alumni seem really accomplished. 5) The animosity between the locals and the students. 6) I keep hearing the art department is good, but then some say its bad? 7) Am quirky enough for the student body?</p>
<p>BU: 1) The school is too big. I dont want to feel like a number the way I did at my high school. And I think I might do better in a smaller environment due to my introverted personality. 2) I only got into CFA and not the double degree program. 3) The lack of campus. 4) I have other interests beside art and I dont know if Im ready to commit to a BFA program. 5) Will I find other self-identified intellectuals in the most unpretentious way possible compared to the other schools? 6) When I had my Vassar interview and I asked about race relations on campus, he said that it was great and that he hadn't seen much racism unlike BOSTON. That isn't my personal opinion on Boston since I've never been there, just a concern.</p>
<p>[Also posted on the Smith board]</p>