<p>I think you’ve already figured out that no one of these schools is a perfect fit. They almost never are. You, like almost everyone else will be forced to compromise something. Fortunately, you have a lot of great choices.</p>
<p>I think your best FITS would be at Carleton or Oberlin. But… </p>
<p>CARLETON: Mucho points for an academic environment that is as rigorous, serious, and stimulating as one will find anywhere coupling with a social environment that is just as plain downright HAPPY as one could hope to find this side of Nirvana. About 10% of the student body is Asian. On a campus as color blind and clique-free as this, I doubt you’ll even notice you’re a minority (no one else will). Downside is weaker music ensembles than you’ll find at much larger universities (or Oberlin). Lots of opportunities though for for-credit chamber play and for-credit private lessons with a high quality adjunct staff tripping the 40 minutes over from Minneapolis or St. Paul. </p>
<p>OBERLIN: I think you’re selling academics there short. I’d argue they’re as strong as you’ll find at most top universities. For students outside the conservatory, music does, admittedly, mostly take the form of self-initiated ensembles (LOTS of ensembles). Still, music is everywhere. It saturates the campus to a degree found at few other places. This is a very liberal place with lots of those two vices (and probably a few more) you tell us you avoid. Still think a non-drinker and non-smoker can find a niche here. Certainly, along with Wes and Vassar, one of the most liberal options you’re considering.</p>
<p>That said, I’d vote to also keep Wes, Chicago, and Grinnell in the running (all obviously offering different strengths and weaknesses). Oh yes, and one more:</p>
<p>NORTHWESTERN: Maybe a surprise entry here as the relative giant among small schools. But Northwestern’s size and diversity, given the compromises you’ll have to make given your particular interests, may work to your advantage. This is not a school with one specific type of kid on campus. Lots of engineering and science-math nerds, lots of future film stars (just ask them), lots of fraternity life (about a third of campus) but also lots of residential colleges and I-want-to-save-the-world independents. The fact you can’t pinpoint one “type” on a campus this large and diverse may allow you to have your cake and eat it too. And look at SESP (School of Education and Social Policy). Small school within larger school. Smaller classes. Looks up your alley of interests.</p>
<p>Smile. Wish everyone had these choices.</p>