I think Bates is part of a list called ‘little ivies’ and Hampshire is part of the ‘CTCL’….Very impressed with our Hampshire visit b/c the people were seriously interesting and engaged while also being laid back and comfortable types. Bates was lovely and friendly but bland in comparison and had a pre-professional feel w/o the eccentrics. The Hampshire campus was worn compared to Bates but they’ve since added new buildings. Also loved the western Mass. vibe and opportunities within the larger academic scene of the Pioneer Valley. i’m impressed with the list of Hampshire grads who exhibit discipline and creativity and have also met a few who follow more traditional paths including one M.D. who treated and connected with my son. Not sure whether these people are heavy pot smokers or connect with old money, they mostly just seemed sincere and smart. My kids eventually matriculated to other schools but I trust they would have found a tribe and wonderful relationships at these two as well. Truthfully, I’m glad we did not know of CC during this process. We had to trust our instincts and visits and in the end it’s all about your kid being able to navigate the possibilities. These next four years go by so quickly! Best wishes moving forward, really, it’s all great!
Yes, my son is still agonizing over Hampshire or Bates. Whether to do “passion” or “common sense and career.” Obviously, some Bates kids have quirky passions and some Hampshire kids care about their careers, but overall, they’re very different schools. We have one more visit scheduled this weekend (to Cornell College, which is another CTCL school,) and then he’ll have to make a decision. I don’t think that Cornell College will compart to the other two, but the “one class at a time” thing is very appealing and they gave him a ton of aid.
I think Iowa is going to turn him off after Amherst, though. The five-college consortium is a huge draw – you can go to a small college and get the benefits of a big one at Hampshire!
Hampshire is one of the CTCL. There were some schools previously in the guide that were removed because they became too selective, but Bates was not one of them.
You bring up an interesting point @Meaganmm . I don’t think it’s an either/or choice between the two schools. There is a ton of creativity and passion at Bates, just as surely as there are kids at Hampshire who have common sense and know that ultimately, a meaningful career is the goal. I really think both colleges will allow him to explore passions and prepare for his future. One of the chief benefits of the LAC is that students are able to explore interests. It really might come down to fit.