<p>I recently visited Bard College. Bard seemed like an amazing college, but just not for me. I didn't feel like I fit in. In other words, I didn't see me in the students on campus. It seemed a little too bohemian/hipster/artsy for my taste. Tomorrow I was planning on visiting Sarah Lawrence, but I wouldn't want to go if I am just visiting the same college but with a different name. I am also looking at Dickinson. I am interested in writing and foreign studies (I am bilingual) but I also would love to learn math and science. I do not want only an art school. I also enjoy sports and at Bard I did not really see the potential to join a club sport or even the potential to go to a sporting event. Food is also a very big deal for me. I am looking for good food. I would like to spend my 4 years at a college with good restaurants or even good options at their cafeteria, and at Bard this was not the case. Overall, I just want a friendly campus with people who I can identify with, with good food and a liberal arts education (but not too liberal). I know there is no such thing as the perfect college, but I am willing to get as close as possible. </p>
<p>It sounds like you’re just starting to figure out what you want in a college. It’s good that you’re doing this, and you’re wise to wonder if SL is Bard Redux, a campus you don’t need to visit. Why not go to the Bard or SL fora and ask people there if they can speak to the similarities/differences btw the schools? Do the same with Dickinson, and ask if people there can recommend schools they think would better fit you. (I loved Bard but my D didn’t. In fact, the Bard visit pretty much wiped LACs off the list for her, except for Pomona.)</p>
<p>Here’re my LAC suggestions based on what you’ve told me (and not on your GPA or SAT or EFC which you haven’t told us) and the time I have right now: Bucknell, Richmond, Washington & Lee, Dickinson, Lafayette, Colgate. Hopefully, you’ll get help from other CCers.</p>
<p>Bard and Sarah Lawrence are two different schools in many ways. I suggest you visit.</p>
<p>Do visit - and report back. The two schools are different.</p>
<p>Dickinson is VERY different from Bard - more similar to Franklin&Marshall, Gettysburg, Bucknell, Lafayette…</p>
<p>For colleges with a more middle of the road social and political ambiance, plus a strong focus on both the arts and sciences, good overall academics, active energetic students, I’d look at Skidmore, Hamilton, Conn College, Trinity, Kenyon, Mt. Holyoke. </p>
<p>If you’d let us know your grades/scores and financial situation we could help you narrow in.</p>
<p>muhlenberg college is the perfect school from what you described (IMO)</p>
<p>^^^ I second zobroward’s opinion, Muhlenberg sounds like a fit. Try their mushroom risotto!</p>
<p>Dickinson sounds like a good fit, based on your description of what you are looking for. Definitely worth visiting, if you get the opportunity to do so.</p>