<p>Got into both and they've both offered the exact same amazing financial aid package. I want to study anthropology (still deciding on cultural or linguistics) with probably computer sciences. </p>
<p>My problem is this: I visited both (an overnight at Bowdoin, just a day thing at Vassar). I fell in love with the people at Bowdoin - so laid back and accepting. I felt stifled by how small the campus was. I'd never seen a college THAT small! Then I went to Vassar. The students were definitely more stand-offish, a little more "hip," etc. But the campus was the perfect size, and gorgeous. Both colleges have the same travel abroad financial options, which is a big deal. </p>
<p>My dilemma is that I feel Vassar's campus might have more resources and I'm more comfortable there, but that I'd feel more comfortable with the people at Bowdoin and in Brunswick versus Poughkeepsie. </p>
<p>A huge deal for me is grad school, too. I plan on getting my PhD. Which has a better rep/track record for grad schools?</p>
<p>I'm pretty lost, so any advice would be appreciated!</p>
<p>u posted this in Bowdoin’s page as well haha
I dont think Bowdoin is that small (~200 acres) but yes if I were u I may choose Vassar for a bigger campus (which is more suitable for your major). Vassar campus is 1000 acres, 5 times as large as Bowdoin’s
Plus, they have a huge lake x</p>
<p>This past Tuesday I overnighted at Vassar. I had an awesome host who gave me the chance to mingle with lots of different people/groups. I can’t comment knowledgeably on grad school placement, resources, etc. at Vassar, but I’ll say that the people I talked with there were some of the most friendly, laid-back, interesting and kind people I’d ever met. They asked me questions and seemed genuinely interested in my answers; they let me in on their (seriously hilarious) jokes; they introduced me to people who were just walking by. I asked one group if Vassar was the kind of place where a freshman could start up a conversation with an upperclassmen they’d never talked to before, and have it not be weird at all - and all of them said yes. Some were more outgoing/hip/[insert trait] than others, for sure! Maybe one or two of them could have even qualified as standoffish towards me, the awkwardly smiling prospie. But every one of them was a person I would have loved to spend more time with. </p>
<p>Just wanted to share my perspective re: the student body as another admitted student. I hope it was helpful. So much good luck with your decision! :)</p>
<p>hi I am (just) a Vassar mom, plus I have no info about Bowdoin. But my kid’s been at Vassar just under a month, and the kids are SO nice I’m amazed. My “child” (not always the most socially comfortable person) has already made good friends, is having a fabulous time going to all the parties, many with funny themes, and has told me that everyone is highly approachable. He recently told me that he can go up to upperclassmen and, to quote him, “everyone is nice in SOME way.” He is also amazed at how well he is being treated by all teachers and administrators. Again, not comparing to any other college, but just on its own, there is a VERY friendly vibe in general at Vassar. I would not call the kids standoffish or necessarily heavily “hipster.” (and we visited Sarah Lawrence, so we know what standoffish hipsters look/act like!(he did not apply there!)) The campus is lovely. And, although this may not appeal to you, when you are in Maine you are in Maine, but when you are in Poughkeepsie you are a 1-3/4 lovely train ride down the Hudson River to Grand Central Station and everything New York City can provide for a day trip. So on a Saturday morning you can read by Sunset Lake but by 8PM you can be going to a concert in Manhattan (I understand that this costs money, though, believe me). </p>
<p>I don’t know about grad school admissions, to compare to Bowdoin’s, but I do know that Vassar graduates are in a VERY good position to get into graduate schools and have a very high grad school admission rate. </p>
<p>Also, you speak of ED. The Vassar admissions people stressed ED as a way to increase your chances significantly, and this is, in fact, what my son did.</p>
<p>Good Luck. I’m sure that wherever you go you’ll be fine!!!</p>
<p>There are times when a parent writes a review so eloquently there’s little to add. DMelanogaster’s review being one of those times. Suffice it to say, my daughter, too, is a freshman, and her experiences mirror those of DMelanogaster’s son. With the advantage of hindsight, I could not be more thrilled she chose to apply ED to Vassar.</p>
<p>Good luck with whichever college you choose.</p>
