<p>thanks about bryn mawr, rhymedogg. i’ll tentatively add that to the list, as i see there are lots of co-ed opportunities with haverford and swarthmore at that school.</p>
<p>i’m sure that this will come up with most of the same schools, but i sat down with my mom and my sister and we went through what was recommended so far and what my sister liked and didn’t like about her first year and we talked about what i would like and didn’t like that maybe i hadn’t thought of. This is the list of characteristics that I’d want in a school that I came up with, and I’m hoping this is maybe a more complete list that might add some schools. </p>
<p>a supportive, family centered environment
students are happy to be there! maybe there’s some school spirit
co-ed, hopefully
lots of student faculty interaction
smallish
pretty campus
not oppressively intense academics and when i don’t have work i’m in my room by myself watching a movie
not too much drinking/drugs
good library with periodical subscriptions
good philosophy/humanities departments
high quality academics
good graduate school placements
it’s not so deserted that it’s impossible to buy things like shampoo
student activities and clubs
not an oppressive core, or a place where it’s easy to change majors or take classes outside of your major
maybe a school without a gym requirement? I saw a school where you could place out of it
a strong career center, the school helps you get internships and stuff
strong study abroad program
at my sister’s school they place emphasis on doing senior theses, and that definitely sounds like something i’d want to do</p>
<p>again, i’m sure this will come up with pretty much the same list of schools, but i just thought i’d add it just in case.</p>
<p>Bates could be added to the list. </p>
<p>Maybe Brandeis.</p>
<p>edit: I meant that when i don’t have work i’m NOT in my room by myself watching a movie. I’d prefer to be around people. I’m not sure if that was clear. Thanks so much to everybody for all the help; it’s really been great. And, Brandeis is where my sister goes. She often talks about how (not all, of course) students there are unhappy and resort to self depricating humor when discussing their school. Also she talks of it as if it is the kind of place where when one has no work, they just sit around and do nothing. I’m not sure if this is just her experience, but they are some things I’m wary of.</p>
<p>based on everything I’ve read over the past few days, Bowdoin seems (despite the fact that it would be maybe a big reach (would applying early if I end up adoring it give me an edge?) and that it’s a little farther away than I intended) like it might actually be pretty much the perfect place for me. It will definitely be one of the first schools I visit this summer to confirm what I like about it and I will bring it up to my guidance counselor at the beginning of next year, as well as all the schools that were suggested. I’m so thankful for everyone’s help. This site has trully made my college search process so much easier and I will recommend it to all of my friends who are still struggling with the process and underclassmen that I know. Thanks so much!</p>
<p>Applying early might help.</p>
<p>Bowdoin is a special school. I really like it, along with several other similar instititutions, such as Amherst, Carleton, Davidson, Grinnell, Haverford, Middlebury, Pomona, Swarthmore and Wesleyan. I am not a big fan of Williams though.</p>