Trying to find a college that's different

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Here’s my dilemma:</p>

<p>I may be picky and idealist, but I have a few seemingly mutually exclusive wishes, I guess you could call them, in mind while looking for colleges. Is there a college out there in this gigantic world where:</p>

<pre><code> 1) There isn’t an excessively heavy drugs, sex, and alcohol scene (yes, I know that most, if not all, colleges will have one, but it would be nice if one could have a social life while still refusing to participate in it; especially considering I won’t even turn 21 until I graduate from college)

2) There is no majority political orientation and the students generally have an open mind to varying religious and political orientations (I guess this ties into diversity as well)

3) The students aren’t unnecessarily academically competitive (meaning the students don’t slit each other’s throats to get an A)

4) The students are still smart and focused on academics, but with a mind that there are more important things like family, friends, and interacting with the world

 5) The course load isn't easy by any means but doesn't strike terror or overwhelming stress into the hearts of its students?

</code></pre>

<p>Could anyone help me?</p>

2

<p>What are your scores like? What would you like to major in? How are your finances for colleges?</p>

<p>My guy is at U Rochester and loving it… I’ve asked him essentially about all your questions over the past few months (not specifically for you, but just in assessing what things are like…):</p>

<p>1) Yes, most colleges have this unless you pick some Christian schools, but even at those, it can still be there - it’s just more clandestine. At URoc, it’s there, but my guy isn’t interested in that scene and still has a life. He’s quite happy and has many similar-minded friends. It will, however, depend some on which hall you get assigned. He chose a non-smoking hall with substance-free as his second choice. His roommate chose substance-free as his first choice. I think the two are on a hall of “overflow” substance-free folks as it’s not a substance free hall, but many on there choose not to do those things. They are NOT all religious (Christian, Muslim, whatever). They merely prefer other things. Some on the hall do party, but they go elsewhere. Those parties tend to be on other halls. Whatever college you go to, consider substance free as a housing choice.</p>

<p>2) This definitely applies here. They are a diverse group of freshmen from all over the world, of all political persuasions (with many who aren’t into politics), and several religions (or none).</p>

<p>3) They certainly aren’t cutthroat. He’s in study groups for all of his classes and they root for each other.</p>

<p>4) I didn’t ask him specifically about this, but he’s gotten involved with local schools via ASL (American Sign Language) - something totally new to him there. He also keeps in touch regularly, so I feel family is still important to him. He has great grades and studies, but studying isn’t the only thing he does.</p>

<p>5) The courseload certainly isn’t easy, but he’s not terrified of any classes. He might have been when he started simply because it was new, but he’s not now. He’s quite enjoying himself and is expecting to start with research next semester. (U Roc is a research U - great for those interested in research of some sort. If you’re not, it may, or may not, be the best choice.)</p>

<p>I suspect you could find similar minded folks at many decent colleges out there. You might want to stay away from heavy Greek schools or known strong political schools.</p>

3

<p>What are you majoring in? How are you grades/SAT’s ? What region are you looking at and what is your home state??</p>

4

<p>In reply, my SAT’s are relatively high–2110 overall, 10 essay. My ACT’s were better, though; 33 composite, 11 essay. My GPA is 3.9 unweighted, 4.3 or something weighted. I’m intending on majoring in biology, neuroscience, or bioengineering-- some sort of biological life science. I live in Oregon, and I’d love to stay here or at least on the west coast, but I understand that there really aren’t that many opportunities for what I want to do here in Oregon, so I’ve been looking at a lot of California schools.</p>

5

<p>If you are female and are looking for a tamer social scene, look at women’s colleges. There is still some partying, but it is generally quite a bit less than at co-ed colleges.</p>

6

<p>Not a lot of schools that offer bioengineering as a major on the west coast (16) so that helps narrow your list -
[College</a> Navigator - Search Results](<a href=“College Navigator - Search Results”>College Navigator - Search Results)</p>

<p>If you add in some of the “neuro” majors that list is still small (25) -
[College</a> Navigator - Search Results](<a href=“College Navigator - Search Results”>College Navigator - Search Results)</p>

<p>Start by looking into those schools for ones that have the other factors you are looking for.</p>

7

<p>You should look at Lewis and Clark and Willamette. The only criterion they probably fail is in diversity of political opinion.</p>