<p>Taking my s to visit in a couple of weeks. He is concerned about a quote in one of the college mags that said "Skidmore is tolerant of everything and everybody...unless you're conservative." He is openminded (for his age)and a nice kid, but leans a bit to the right. Would he feel uncomfortable at Skidmore? Knowing that most colleges are left leaning, is Skidmore radically left of the norm?</p>
<p>John Ashcroft spoke at Skidmore in April. It was a controversial visit, but it shows that great lengths are taken to expose students to conservative views. I hear that Skidmore is very liberal, but after my year there, I would say that people (at least my friends) are more indifferent than radically liberal and don't care enough about politics to make a conservative feel uncomfortable.</p>
<p>S1 is going there (actually starts in London) in the fall. He is a big, small town, nice young man who is slightly to the right politically. I found everyone there to be incredibly nice and just loved everything about Skidmore. S2 is a Junior this year and Skidmore is at the top of his list. I actually think colleges are looking for a well rounded student body, not all clones saying the same liberal things. I say give it a shot. I bet he falls in love with Skidmore. Let us know how it goes!</p>
<p>hopefulbob & jollymon,
thank you both for your thoughtful replies. we're now both much more excited about the visit. will post thoughts upon return.</p>
<p>I am taking my D there for a visit in July. Can anyone share their opinions or experiences about the science programs there. She is interested in majoring in Biology or Exercise Science. We originally shyed away from Skidmore because we thought it was too "artsy," but it sounds like they are really trying to emphasize the sciences more.</p>
<p>We are going to visit this summer. Any suggestions on where to stay nearby? Thanks.</p>
<p>All the hotels will be expensive over the summer, but Saratoga is a great place to visit (any time of year) - especially during the summer. We love the Residence Inn which is less than 5 min from campus, and has large rooms with kitchens. There is a Hampton Inn being built one block off of Broadway (the main shopping/restaurant street in Saratoga Springs) that will be ready for occupancy in mid August I believe.<br>
Check out Saratoga</a> County Chamber Of Commerce: The Official Saratoga Springs NY Online Guide! for other places in the area.
(My daughter is heading into her second year at Skidmore - we've spent a fair amount of time up there both while she was deciding and since she's been there).</p>
<p>Just got back from our visit (son & daughter). I loved it, unfortunately, they felt it was too artsy. The tour spent most of the trip in the art, music, theater buildings and art museum. This was the kiss of death.
We all agreed that the campus was beautiful, the kids we encountered were smart and friendly and Saratoga was lovely. They just had a primal feel that it was not a good fit. I still disagree, time will tell.
By the way, don't make your decision about Skidmore based on my two knuckleheads. It is a great school with everything I'm looking for in a college:
size, academics, student/faculty ratio, reputation, surroundings and physical beauty of the campus.</p>
<p>braincramp--thanks for your insights. may i ask if you saw any other schools and if your kids liked others over skidmore? we are visiting skidmore on monday--</p>
<p>newken1 - yes, their favorite to date is Lafayette with Colgate, Bucknell, Fordham and Loyola (md) trailing, in that order. Planning on visiting Gettysburg and American in the very near future. I, too, liked all of the above schools but feel Skidmore should be on the list in the top 4.
You will love Skidmore and I'm sure if my kids go there they'll have a fabulous experience. Good luck.</p>
<p>On the artsy side, Wheaton (mass), Connecticut College, Bennington, Sarah Lawrence, Bard, Vassar, Goucher, Hampshire. Also like College of Charleston.</p>
<p>brain</p>