<p>My son has narrowed his decision to either Vassar or Skidmore, and is having a hard time choosing. He wants to study Psychology/Sociology/Philosophy/Religion, loves being part of drama productions (particularly tech/stage support), would like to be involved with student radio, and enjoys playing in and working with student bands. He loves the Vassar campus, feels that Vassar is the stronger school academically...thinks the Skidmore food and surrounding town are better, and that it is easier to get to Skidmore from the southeast. We are looking for something more on the dorm life/community, and anything that you would see as significant points in favor of one over the other. Thanks for your help!</p>
<p>I haven’t been to Skidmore but I toured Vassar this weekend. I would agree on the food, was unimpressed. Poughkeepsie isn’t the best college town, but there are some decent stores/restaurants there, and most students say there isn’t much reason to leave Vassar (and they may say that because there’s nothing to do in Poughkeepsie, but I think there is some truth to saying that there is a lot to do on the Vassar campus). Socially, Vassar seems pretty strong. The dorms seem to do lots of fun stuff/parties.</p>
<p>Not trying to talk you into Vassar since I haven’t seen Skidmore, just offering another perspective. I personally would go with the stronger academics since there aren’t too many negatives for Vassar.</p>
<p>My D2’s second choice school was Skidmore. She did an admissions interview and felt very positive about the school.</p>
<p>I would still opt for Vassar. They are similar schools but Vassar is much more well known.</p>
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<p>Are you talking about flying? Because you have to drive past Poughkeepsie on the Thruway before you get to Skidmore when coming from the south.</p>
<p>@susgeek: I was talking about flying. Assume fly to Albany for Skidmore, and then either fly to Stewart International for Vassar or come up from NYC.</p>
<p>I would base it on the campus community rather than the town or the food! It’s not like Saratoga Springs is New York City or something. The caliber of the students at Vassar will be on a completely different level than those at Skidmore. I think that the vibe will be different as well, even though both are known for strong arts programs. Is traveling another hour from the airport (if that’s what it is) really the most important factor here??</p>
<p>Regarding your son’s curricular interests, I think he’ll find an interesting fit at Skidmore - sociology, psychology, theater and radio are all well-covered there. Regarding the towns, Saratoga has a wonderful downtown and a level of community sophistication stemming from 150 years as a high-end summer destination (horse racing, performing arts center, gilded-age casino). </p>
<p>Saratoga is also part of the Albany capital region, and so is part of that larger community with the associated resources. While I’ve spent little time in Poughkeepsie, my sense is that it is somewhat isolated because it’s a little too far from NYC or Albany.
Albany airport is covered by all major carriers with reasonable frequency, whereas Stewart has struggled to maintain even limited service.</p>
<p>My son graduated a year ago from Skidmore. He got a fine education there, though one of his majors was far inferior to the other; too many adjunct instructors. Saratoga Springs is as fine a college town as one could ask for; they appreciate the students, embrace them and their families, and take good care of them! I was generally impressed by Skidmore’s faculty and students. Food was good, and d-hall is attractive and open for long hours. Progressively more flexible living arrangements as students mature. A lot to draw students to remain on campus. I sensed a great deal of mutual support among students.</p>
<p>The flight schedule from Albany generally involves very early morning flights, I have in mind – a 7am flight to a major hub. But at least one is moderately close to the airport. Amtrak also serves Saratoga Springs, which makes it possible to get to Boston, too.</p>
<p>Drama and performing arts are very strong at Skidmore.</p>