<p>i find such questions so obnoxious- but i am utterly torn. any thoughts/insights on the comparison of the 2 schools?</p>
<p>But I did graduate from Vassar '86. Absolutely hated most of the experience because I was not quite hip or liberal enough. If you are hip, have money, and despise convention, you will love Vassar.</p>
<p>Carleton is very isolated, with the big local attraction being the Mall of America. Students are in a bubble, and they love it. Many hate to leave the good friends they have made over their 4 years. Carleton also does well with Med School admissions. It is not very diverse. </p>
<p>Vassar is diverse, with many kids from NYC and the suburbs of east coast cities. Because many students come from suburban northeastern schools, you know the average income and wealth of the parents will be high. Students will also be edgier, more sophisticated, and if not brainer at least more prepared academically on average. Several movie stars send their kids to Vassar. Vassar has few required core type courses, and students do visit other colleges and travel to Boston and New York. The political climate is liberal. Students I know like Vassar. It all depends what you want in terms of a campus environment.</p>
<p>I just completed freshman year at Vassar. Damaris missed something very important - Vassar is notorious for its bubble! However, its reputation is more scathing than reality. Poughkeepsie is not very nice, but you are unlikely to feel stuck on campus. If you are liberal, friendly, and easy-going you will probably like Vassar. If you are unsure of exactly what you want to do in life, you will feel right at home at Vassar! I enjoyed my first year very much and do not regret my decision to go there (over NYU, Wesleyan, Skidmore...). What are your interests?</p>