<p>I just decided to apply last minute. It was always on my list, but I decided that it might be too small. However, as I begun looking up my other choices, I decided that I might want a more liberal, hippy-ish school. I have gotten accepted to all of the school I have applied to so far. (Wooster, McDaniel, Allegheny, ect.)
I am vegan, an environmentalist, a women's rights activist, a LGBT activist, a musician, and am interested in graphic desgin, fashion design, history, sociology, women and gender studies, environmental studies, creative writing, and astronomy.
I want to be in an quirky environment of people who want to learn and make a difference in the world. (I would like to study abroad)
Would I be happy at Earlham?</p>
<p>I have 2 kids that have and are going. One is a vegan and they offer a variety of vegan and vegetarian foods.<br>
I will definitely say that the students are rather quirky one road his bike from N Mexico for the start of school). It’s a very community oriented food with a lot of international students. Since it’s Quaker, everyone uses their first names including the teachers and even the president of the school. There are a lot of groups there for various causes, a lot of involvement in the community, a very accepting population and no one cares if you drink or not or whatever. It is hippish and a very liberal student population. Of course you’ll have just normal kids, jocks, partiers, but it will be hard to find a conservative there. The administration and the teachers have open door policies and will help you whatever it is. My dd even asked one of her teachers the best way to study for his tests. They offer environmental science and study, women’s studies, a good fine arts department and they even have a peace studies program. It’s not perfect, but most schools aren’t. I do have to say that both my kids applied to the same schools you did (except for Allegheny) and Earlham was both their first choices. What’s really nice is that they’ll send you a very personal acceptance letter. We all love it.</p>
<p>Just reread your post and you sound like a perfect fit</p>
<p>You should probably apply and then visit if you have not already. I think you would find it to be exactly the environment you are looking for. Fashion design might be a stretch, but then again a place like that is supportive of student pursuing their own interests. Earlham is a great place for people who appreciate the subjective factors that make a great learning environment to prepare for a fulfilling life. Some of the objective measures they may be a little behind on, but it looks like they are addressing those (physical plant improvements, and admitting a few more students so that they can fill out what is offered).</p>
<p>I agree with utzybuzzy; you sound like the kind of student who thrives at Earlham (and yes, that acceptance letter is a keeper!). And I agree with maffdad; go visit if you can.</p>
<p>In terms of your academic interests, women/gender studies and environmental studies are strong programs at Earlham. They also have a good art program, and Earlham is small and personal enough that you might be able to work in some graphic design and even fashion design as part of your work or even as your individually-designed capstone project. In general, Earlham offers a true liberal arts education, where you are encouraged to explore to your heart’s content. Classes are very small, which means that you can really delve deeply into a subject, and challenge yourself and others. </p>
<p>The study abroad program is well-established and active, and two-thirds of Earlham students take advantage of it. (They also have off-campus study within the US). My daughter went to China last year and had an amazing experience. Check it out: [Off-Campus</a> Study | Earlham College](<a href=“http://www.earlham.edu/off-campus-study]Off-Campus”>http://www.earlham.edu/off-campus-study)</p>
<p>Vegan, environmentalism, womens/LGBT issues – I can’t think of a more supportive environment for all of these than Earlham. The other two posters pretty well sum up the culture. For your musical interests, the Music program has an impressive array of opportunities which are open to non-majors, everything from a women’s chorus to a truly amazing gospel group to Jazz Ensemble to Rhythm Project.</p>