Where would you go? Amherst vs Bowdoin vs Others?

Chance Me / Match Me!
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<p>"Yes, I echo your experiences, although Swat was significantly friendlier than Vassar
when it came to housing and non-traditional issues. It was a bit odd going to college fairs and prospective student receptions. Admissions reps were definately surprized, although many did point me in the right direction. At a few (Vassar, Emory & Hamilton), I was prepared for the attitude towards a non-traditional applicant, but was truely not prepared for the superior attitude. Vassar, especially, was a bit hard to take. "</p>

<p>That shocks me. I was accepted to Vassar BUT I absolutely agree with you. I ended up not going (and ended up at Penn) because their housing dept was so rude and unaccomodating to me (and my live-in girlfriend) regarding housing that they basically said "sorry, but you'll have to live in a dorm and she'll have to find a place to live. Other wise you'll have to try and get an apartment." This was AFTER they told me they had off-campus housing for non-traditionals. I freaked out in their housing dept. They didn't like it and I stormed out. Now I don't think much of Vassar (and Poughkeepsie was quite the crap pile).</p>

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<p>Sara: ED'd at Amherst.</p>

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<p>Enviroman:</p>

<p>My Vassar experience began with a phone call, where I asked a few questions about being a non-traditional applicant to the school. One of the Admissions higher ups called me back and spoke to me in a condescending manner. I chalked it up to a bad day. </p>

<p>My second call to Vassar, 6 weeks later, was not much better. Lots of labored breathing and huffing on their end because I asked questions about housing. They said IF I get accepted, then they could better answer my questions, since admission is seperate from the housing office. Never mind that I would not apply, if that question was not answered.</p>

<p>At a college fair, here in the Northwest, the attitude was that a non-traditional student was not as competative. That is until she looked at my info card (showing I was in the top 25%ile, statistically). The admission reps behavior changed, asking me if I had any questions. And, yes I would be able to live off-campus, if I absolutely had to, as Vassar is generally residential campus. The college strongly discourages it. Also said I needed to take my SATs again, after the admissions office said that it would be unnecessary. </p>

<p>Then, finally, another call to admissions. Nope, I would have to live on campus. Ask, whatever gave you the idea that we would not require you to live on campus?!</p>

<p>I think the only good advice that Vassar gave me: since Vassar is sooo selective, they would suggest having alternate plans, especially given my non-traditional application. Plus, some attitude. That did it.</p>

<p>I looked at Vassar because someone suggested it, but I felt like they did not need my application, or appreciate the time I took researching the college. Maybe because I'm older, I have a harder time putting up with that kind of behavior. I vote with my dollar, and Vassar was not worth it.</p>

<p>The other colleges (Bowdoin, Middlebury, Amherst, Haverford, Williams, Swat, Conn C, CWRU, Trinity U, Colgate u, etc...) were friendlier and answered my questions reguarding non-traditional issues, as well as more typical applicant questions.</p>

<p>:)</p>

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<p>you have a good shot at swat since they are such stat-whores. Out of all the schools you listed, I like Bowdoin the most, followed by Haverford. Amherst and Williams are pre-professional city.</p>

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<p>Enviroman:</p>

<p>Yep...I agree with you to an extent. My top schools were or are:</p>

<ol>
<li> Amherst (though I have been shakey on this as of late) </li>
<li> Bowdoin (tie), Haverford (tie), Middlebury (tie)</li>
<li> Swarthmore</li>
<li> Oberlin (tie), Colgate (tie), Colby (tie), Williams (tie)</li>
<li> Connecticut C (tie)</li>
<li> Trinity U (tie), Case Western (tie)</li>
</ol>

<p>I do have other apps that were completed, or almost complete when I scratched them off my list, but the above are the schools I like most.</p>

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<p>i'm not sure if I asked, but why no Unis?</p>

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<p>Blaineko,</p>

<p>I found my reasons for transferring from a larger uni to Dartmouth to be very similar to yours, and I found it to be the most amazing of experiences to be in the smaller more focused environment. Good luck? Oh yeah, after visiting Vassar for a weekend I really strongly recommend it.</p>

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<p>good luck I meant!</p>

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<p>Slipper, you obvoiusly didn't read the discussions BlaineKo and I had about vassar... ;)</p>

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<p>dude/girl</p>

<p>i dont know if u know this, but ur from Hawaii. Thats really far away</p>

<p>U can get in wherever u want.</p>

<p>P.S. Can i visit u in Hawsii since were tight now?</p>

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<p>Enviroman:</p>

<p>Just like the more intimate nature of the smaller schools, especially the LACs. :)</p>

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<p>I dunno, I used to think the same thing, Blaine. But, at Penn it feels intimate in my dept. And I get all of the benefits of being at a huge research uni (employment contacts, internships with the best companies, etc). 75% of the classes here are under 20 kids!</p>

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<p>Enviroman:</p>

<p>I did actually look at UPenn, but since Haverford, and Swat are on my list, I figured that I could cross register at UPenn...that way, I get the best of both worlds. I do like Philly. An ex-gf went to UPenn, then to a Pharm D program in Philly as well. UPenn also has an amazing crew team. I've been to The Head of the Scukyll {sic...I never spell it right. :)}, and South Street is always crazy...especially at Halloween.</p>

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<p>The wait is getting to be a drag. :)</p>

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<p>yep....17 days 4 hours and ....i need to get out</p>

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<p>So do I...:)</p>