<p>Hey, I'm looking for some schools, (safeties, good fits, and reaches) that have at LEAST 3000 students, preferably 4000+, and have somewhat quirky student bodies. I don't want a big greek school or a big party school. I want a school where kids have fun, but I'm not super into parties or drugs... I just like to hang out and relax with friends. I want a school with similar students... (if one exists, ha). I'd love to stay in New England. I might venture as far as Pennsylvania, but I live smack dab in the center of new england, and I don't want to drive more than 5-6 hours TOPS to get to school. I hate long drives. =)</p>
<p>I have a 3.83 unweighted GPA. I've taken the most rigorous course load at my school, plus I've taken courses outside of my schools, (like online APs)</p>
<p>I am very involved in community service and I hold a lot of leadership positions at school. I'm also involved in a few sports and I've a had a steady job for years now. I've done some internships as well... so I've got some good ECs... nothing stellar, but I'd say they are pretty solid. I am interested in the humanities... perhaps in history or english or psychology. </p>
<p>Suggestions? I'd really appreciate it. It seems the only schools that I've found that fit these criteria and have the "nerdy", laid back kids that I'm looking for are top colleges that I might not have very good chances of getting into. But I really don't want to settle for a party, greek dominated, small school where I don't feel I'll fit in well.</p>
<p>If you’re willing to look at a slightly smaller college (2000 students or more), then I can make some suggestions - Clark, Skidmore, Hamilton, for example.</p>
<p>Thanks… I visited Skidmore, and I didn’t love it, but I thought it was alright. I also visited Hamilton, but it was a little on the small side for me, and I could be wrong, but I’ve heard that its a big drug school, which isn’t something I’m necessarily looking for. I’ll definitely look into Clark though. Thanks for the suggestions!</p>
<p>Keilexandra- I definitely love Tufts. It’s certainly a reach though… (the only kids at my school who get in literally have 4.0s or at least like a 3.95… so my 3.83 is a little low… but I have a harder schedule than anyone at my school ever has had, so IDK). I haven’t looked much into Rochester, but I think I will. It’s been suggested to me more than once. </p>
<p>University of Vermont
SUNY-Geneseo
SUNY-New Paltz
University of Rochester
Syracuse University
Wesleyan University
Connecticut College (a little smaller than you want)
Vassar (maybe too small)</p>
<p>ca87-
Tufts may not be “quirky” in a normal sense, but I felt like there was enough diversity for me and everyone seemed interested and interesting. Also, greek life didn’t seem to dominate the campus and I didn’t feel like I was surrounded by preppy gorgeous people. The kids in general, (although it doesn’t seem totally fair to generalize) seemed a bit geeky and really open to new people. I felt like I could fit in, and I liked that. It also is the perfect distance from home for me and I love Boston, so that’s a plus.</p>
<p>I agree with SUNY New Paltz in terms of a quirky, down to earth and diverse student body and they have good depts. in the majors you are considering. Not much greek life either.</p>
<p>I’ve never visited Tufts, but it feels more quirky to me than schools like Colby, around the same level of quirkiness as Hamilton. The OP sought “somewhat quirky” but wanted to “hang out and relax with friends.” Without other indicators, I’d be hesitant to recommend Oberlin/Wes-type quirkiness. Actually, if the OP liked Tufts for those reasons, I think s/he is looking more for a “grounded”/“normal” school than for “quirky.” Brown is also a good choice, although obviously a reach.</p>