<p>My son is considering LACs and has narrowed it down to Wesleyan, Hamilton and Bates. Now he needs to decide which to apply ED. They all sound great but after researching them from a distance (as well as brief visits) the factors become overwhelming and it's hard for him to compare. Is there anyone who is familiar with all three schools and who could provide some unique delineating characteristics of the schools? While you would probably want to know what he is looking for, I don't want to lead the discussion. I am seeking top-of-mind thoughts about how the schools compare.</p>
<p>I think location is the biggest delineating factor. Of the three host towns, Clinton (NY), Lewiston (ME) and Middletown (CT), Middletown probably has the healthiest economy; the biggest complaint is that it closes down too early. Hamilton is located at the top of a steep cliff and the one road that leads downtown can be slippery in the winter. Bates and Lewiston don’t seem to mix at all.</p>
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Why does he need to pick one to apply ED? If he does not have a clear favorite I’d suggest he apply RD and give himself months to sort of which school he prefers … 6 months is a long time for high school students. In this case I would especially suggest not applying ED as, in my oipinion, the 3 LACs on the short list are not particularly similar among the 25+ top LACs in the northeast (PA and up) … give him more time to figure out which he likes best.</p>
<p>Wesleyan does have a slightly better academic reputation than Hamilton and Bates, but all three are fantastic schools. Wesleyan and Hamilton are wealthier than Bates, if that means anything to you. Size may matter - Bates is 1,700 students; Hamilton 1,900; and Wesleyan 2,800. All three are small in terms of absolute size, but there is quite a difference relatively speaking. Wesleyan is going to have winters that aren’t as bitterly cold (though still snow, etc…). Not sure about Bates and Hamilton, but Wes is need-blind and has an open curriculum.</p>
<p>As 3togo said, only go ED if it is a first choice. ED shouldn’t be viewed as a ticket that can be used to boost admission chances and must be used somewhere. Stronger applicants and recruited athletes typically ED, hence the higher admission rate. ED may give a small boost (by showing so much interest), but certainly not as much of a boost as the 40% ED vs 20% RD acceptance rate for Wes may dictate. </p>
<p>What is your son thinking of majoring in?</p>
<p>His interests are in political science, pre-law and international relations.</p>
<p>Also, he is a recruited athlete, hence the ED.</p>
<p>Is he an international student?</p>
<p>No, but close: midwesterner</p>
<p>Ha! Lol. :)</p>