<p>I would go to Carleton, Grinnell, or Wesleyan. To me, they have the best balance of the things you seemed interested in (areas of study, type of people, traditional LAC exp, etc.) Try to visit them, if you can.</p>
<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>
<p>Despite the fact that URoch is strong in sciences, it sounds like you want a well-rounded education. And like one of the users above me mentioned, out of the colleges you got into, Northwestern and Wesleyan are best known for this. I would go for one of those. Good luck! College is great!</p>
<p>Thanks everyone for your advice!!! I’m visiting UChicago, Northwestern, Grinnell and possibly Carleton this month, so maybe that will help me formulate a decision!</p>
<p>I may be biased, but judging by the schools you are interested in and what you liked/disliked about each of them, I think Wesleyan would be a great fit for you. I was also looking for a diverse, intellectual, laid back (in some ways but not others) environment, a non-“Average Joe” student body, a good music department, a place where I could enjoy myself without smoking/drinking, and a good “name”, and I chose Wesleyan. Feel free to message me if you’d like :)</p>
<p>I think you may find Oberlin too “out there”, but who knows. All of them seem like great choices and great fits for you!</p>
<p>I am so confused, are you Asian? Or are you just keeping tabs on the asian populations at each school? haha…</p>
<p>on another note, I would visit UChicago, but I think you might find that (although there is not much partying – which is a plus) it is full of a lot of people who are very grade-oriented, success-oriented, and in “conservative” about life (not necessarily politically) </p>
<p>I, personally, would choose Wesleyan just because it seems to have the best balance. And Wes is DEFINITELY not too liberal. I got the feeling there were many, many different types/groups of students there, some being very leftist, but some also being somewhat privileged/naive. </p>
<p>and I agree that you are selling Oberlin’s academics short. Oberlin is on the same level as the other schools you are considering, academically, I just feel as though it has a very different educational environment than the new england LAC’s do – it’s less competitive. I think of all the schools Oberlin is the most socially conscious and politically active, but not to a “scary” degree. I think there you will find people who are learning for a REASON, not for grades or something else, but people who truly think about things. Oberlin will probably change you the most of all the schools – it just depends if that is something you want. Plus, a lot of students select Oberlin over other “more prestigious” schools simply because it has such a unique, specific niche (the Con, the liberal and socially aware student body) that most people who hear you are going to Oberlin assume that you chose it over other competitive LAC’s (which a lot of people do)</p>
<p>haha I am asian and I guess because Oberlin was generally laid-back, I was under the impression that the academics were not as rigorous as say, UChicago. lol But I heard that you can get by easy at UChicago as any other place so it really all depends.
I’m visiting Grinnell this friday and UChicago/Northwestern next weekend! Is anyone going at those times?</p>
<p>Just wanted to say that I think Oberlin would be a great fit for you.</p>