<p>Help! My daughter is struggling with her college decision. After deciding against Tufts, Wesleyan U., and Hamilton College, she has narrowed it down to Clark University v. Colby College. Clark University has offered her a sizeable merit scholarship, she wouldn't have to take any loans. Colby has offered need-based aid, but loans would be a necessity. She wants to major in biology, and is a serious student who likes to have fun BUT doesn't smoke or drink and doesn't want to be at a place where not smoking or drinking mades her a freak/social pariah. She has been asking for information on substance free dorms, but not getting a lot of response.</p>
<p>Does anybody have an opinion about the relative merits of the two schools? Or about being in debt versus being debt free? Or about the party atmosphere at either school and substance free dorms? Any help would be much appreciated. THANKS!</p>
<p>Can't help too much but we have visited some of these schools for a current junior. We appreciated the urban touch to both Clark and Tufts. The academic flavor to Tufts was obvious. Clark seemed to appeal to those interested in a wide group of peers and Hamilton seemed more homogeneous and definitely not urban. I think I would put Clark and Tufts in group along with Wesleyan and Hamilton and Colby in another. An often quoted idea but not necessarily backed up is that small LAC's in remote locations are spots for lots of drinking. Cold weather seems to add to that. Take those comments any way you please.</p>
<p>Colby has other things to do for kids who do not drink or smoke. My friends say that those who look for the party scene will find it at Colby, but one won't be an outcast if drinking is not ones thing.</p>
<p>Colby students tend to be outdoorsy and athletic, so there are other non-alcoholic options.</p>
<p>I am a Colby student, so clearly I am biased toward Colby, but perhaps I can offer a bit more info about Colby, if not Clark.</p>
<p>I have lived in a substance free dorm all 4 years (I'm a senior), and it's been very pleasant. There is no stigma attached to it, and there are many activities arranged by the substance free dorms for people who choose not to drink. There is certainly a party scene here, but not everyone takes part, and it is perfectly fine for those who do not.</p>
<p>Also, I am not a science person, but I have many friends who are, and our biology program is supposed to be very good. I have heard good things.</p>