Wellesley vs. Vassar vs. Smith vs. Middlebury

Colleges & Universities A-Z Wellesley College
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Hey there! Looking for advice on which college to attend. I was admitted to several colleges, but as it stands Wellesely, Vassar, Smith and Middlebury are my top choices (still waiting for Brown and Reed-- but I’m assuming I won’t get into Brown).

About me: I’m interested in politics, international affairs, but also documentary film-making/photography and conceptual art. I think I’d like to go into journalism in the future. Extra-circulars I do are interning at a social advocacy law firm where I take photos/make videos, president of my Model United Nations team, diversity club, and queer-straight alliance. My biggest concern with this process is finding a school that is academically rigorous, while not overbearing. Yet, I don’t want to go to a school that is a liberal echo-chamber. Although I identify as a democrat I want to go somewhere that my views will be challenged, and do am afraid of “PC” over-censorship. I’m not sure if I’d actually go to Middlebury, I’m really not preppy at all (listen to indie music, dress alternatively, etc.) and feel as though I won’t fit in there. I’m also a lesbian-- but as I understand it all these schools are pretty accepting. I love Wellesley for its academics and the shared intellectually curiosity, but do worry if even there its too preppy or if the rigor dissuades people form exploring the arts. I like smith and vassar but worry they both might be liberal echo chambers where my intellectual growth my be limited.

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Your intellectual growth is not going to be limited by any of these schools. My D says Wellesley is not preppy at all (although a lot of kids do come from prep schools). She says there is no way to escape the rigor. The arts are respected and they even have an art museum on campus. You should look through the course browsers of all of the schools and see what appeals to you. CAMS (Cinema Arts and Media Studies) is a really popular department. Studio art is smaller but it’s still there. Distribution requirements include the arts. You’d probably fit in very well being socially conscious, interested in politics and international relations. There are many opportunities. PC is heavy handed (my impression). D says if you say anything conservative people will challenge you on it and be a bit judgy. There are a FEW Republicans, however. That might be true for most of these schools though. Can’t comment on the specifics of other schools. Congrats on having such a fantastic set to choose from!