<p>I'm a junior in high school and I have a list of ~15 colleges that I'm considering, but I want to narrow it down a little (but if you have suggestions to add to the list, that's good too. xD)</p>
<p>I want an LAC that is intellectual, with classes that are decently difficult but where I'll still have time to join a large variety of clubs and activities. Classes that emphasize discussion. Quirky is definitely a plus. I want to major in International Relations or Global Studies or something of that sort. Warm climate would be nice, but I'm used to winters so that's not quite as big a factor. I'm not very much into drinking or partying. Also, an orchestra that's open to non-music majors would be a bonus. I've looked into all of these colleges, particularly the ones at the top of the list, but I want CC's opinion.</p>
<p>Pomona
Macalester
Reed
Middlebury
Hampshire
Bryn Mawr
Hamilton
Wesleyan
Anherst
Swarthmore
Williams
Carleton
Bowdoin</p>
<p>The top 3 are the ones I like the most so far, but I'm not really sure about any of them.</p>
<p>You should really look at Tufts University.
Also, I live really close to Macalester and have done summer camps there so if you have questions regarding the campus/area feel free to ask me. (:</p>
<p>Well, what’s the campus like? I go to summer camp in Minnesota every summer but all I’ve ever seen of the Minneapolis/St. Paul area is the airport. I know it’s in the middle of the city, but do you know if there’s also a lot to do on-campus? Also, I’ll look into Tufts, thanks. =)</p>
<p>Edit: I’m also looking for a school that’s on the smaller side.</p>
<p>I think Tufts sounds perfect for you.
Right now it’s my top choice, although I’m applying to Macalester as well. (:</p>
<p>And I absolutely love Macalester’s campus. There’s an abnormally large squirrel population (for whatever reason) and the grass is super green and lush. None of the dorms could be considered “far away” - I stayed in Bigelow Hall and to get to the other end of campus it took maybe 7-8 minutes although I’m not the fastest walker. And this might not mean anything to you, but you can walk around barefoot and not worry at all about stepping on sharp/gross things. xD
Aka it’s also a very clean campus.</p>
<p>It’s in a really nice area; not in the super busy downtown area where there are honking cars and stuff, but just the right distance so it’s away from some of the noise. There are some really good restaurants within walking distance, a Tea Garden, a Jamba Juice, a bread/pastry store, etc.</p>
<p>I’m sure there’s plenty to do on campus, although as my camp wasn’t during the school year I didn’t get to witness said events.</p>
<p>I’m not really interested in Bard. I don’t know why, it just doesn’t appeal to me. Also, my mom went to Simon’s Rock, and it’d be nice to distance myself from her, I guess?</p>
<p>Most of the schools on your list are very competitive, a few of them super selective. Do you have the stats for these schools, GPA, test scores,etc? Also, is financial aid an issue?</p>
<p>If grades and money is not an issue, I think Reed, Macalester and Wesleyan are good fits. I might also look at Kenyon and Oberlin, both great matches for your interests. With the exception of Pomona, you do not have any “warm climate” selections. Davidson might be a possibility.</p>
<p>As a parent of a current student, I can speak a little bit about Pomona. It is a great school, the one thing I have been most impressed with is the professors and how available they are to the student body. Last year in a particular tough class for my DD which was out of her comfort zone, she met with the professor two or three times a week for the additional help. As a result her toughest class wound up to be her most rewarding of the year.</p>
<p>Pomona sets up sponsor groups for the freshman students. You are paired with a roommate of like values and part of a larger group of about twenty kids so you start the year off with a social group. Whether you choose to participate in the group later on or find friends to hang with outside the group is up to you.</p>
<p>These sponsor groups are created within a framework of three categories; sub free, sub optional and I guess no option would be party normal. This is based on what you request on your forms you fill out.</p>
<p>Classes are small and intimate. With the added value of the consortium you can take classes at the other colleges. You can also eat at any of the other colleges and the parties and activities are usually open to all Claremont students. So even though you are attending a small LAC, it feels like a much larger school.</p>
<p>I’m pretty sure my stats are good enough for all of the schools on my list. I’m involved in a variety of ECs and I have straight As in all of the hardest classes at my school. PSAT scores last year were great, we’ll see how they go this year and how I do on my SATs.</p>
<p>I’d say Reed is a warmer-climate school, no? At least, warmer than where I live now, although I know it’s rather rainy there.</p>
<p>That’s part of what I really like about Pomona; I’ve heard a lot of good things about professor accessibility and small class sizes, and I like the idea of being able to take classes at the other Claremont colleges too. The sponsor group concept sounds intriguing.</p>
<p>I’d say that Pomona is probably my top choice right now, but of course I’m still keeping my options open and considering everything.</p>
