<p>I'm from the UK and I'm looking to apply to US schools, but I come from a relatively low income family without the funds to travel and visit. What, in your experience, is the atmosphere like at the following colleges? Input from current students/prospective students who have visited/parents welcomed!</p>
<p>Amherst College
Barnard College
Brown University
Colorado College
Connecticut College
Georgetown University
Hamilton College
Harvard University
Haverford College
Ithaca College
Middlebury College
Occidental College
Pomona College
Smith College
Swathmore College
Wellesley College
Williams College
Yale University</p>
<p>It seems like you have a strong preference for small (mostly) very selective liberal arts colleges. I don’t have an immediate recall of the US News rankings but I think the top 15 and a few outliers make up your list. Realistically, with 2-3 exceptions, this list is one of extraordinary American colleges. The one criteria that can’t be quantified is “atmosphere”. So you really need criteria that can be quantified – like majors, locations, intern opportunities, etc. I encourage you to think that way and leave atmosphere for someone else to quantify. What is it that you are looking for – in detail?</p>
<p>For the universities, Harvard and Yale are surely different but at some level they offer the same opportunities. Brown and Georgetown have very distinct cultures. Once you’ve clarified what it is that you are looking for academically, post graduation and career-wise re-ask your question on the CC forums specific to those universities.</p>
<p>Find a way to visit at least some of the colleges on your list. If nothing else a visit will help you clarify what it is that you need to consider in making an eventual decision should you be accepted to two or more of the colleges on your list.</p>
<p>A great resource is the Fiske Guide to Colleges. It gives you a lot of information about the “vibe” of the college, not just statistical info (although that is there as well!).</p>
<p>I suggest you ask a different question. Tell us what kind of atmosphere you are looking for, and folks can suggest possible matches. What is your potential academic major, or at least areas of interest. Are you artistic, scientific, laid back, goth, hipster, etc.? Are you looking for a small, intimate college campus, or a huge sprawling university with lots of diversity in student population? Do you envision a small classroom with engaging professors, or large lecture halls filled with hundreds of students?</p>
<p>I’d suggest that you get your hands on a couple of college guide books (I happen to like Fiske and Princeton Review but there are many others) and do some reading up on the schools.</p>
<p>Financial aid is a massive concern for me as I will need a substantial amount. Unless I’ve made a mistake, I believe all of the schools on that list have need-based aid for internationals, however limited.</p>
<p>My next target is the research some more Western schools, so I’ll definitely take those suggestions into account!</p>
<p>Hi Fournotetune, I’m an intern at Occidental College’s Office of Admissions! Most students at Oxy would tell you that our atmosphere is relaxed, yet especially concerned with issues of social justice. Living in LA, life at Oxy can be centered around city happenings if you’re the type of student who chooses that…But overall, Oxy doesn’t have a “set” lifestyle; I can honestly say I have never felt pressure here to act or be a certain way. Our atmosphere is open and accepting of all people Hope that answers your question.</p>
Hope that answers your question.</p>