bct1989

hey, im a freshman at UNC-Chapel Hill, but its simply not the place for me [too big academically and socially, too greek focused, too much like my home (im from NC about an hour away) and academically too focused on grades rather than learning/simply not challenging). i definately plan on transfering after this year, and at the moment im considering colordado college, bates, colby, hamilton, and swarthmore (although its VERY unlikely i could get in there). i feel like academically any of these schools would be what im looking for, so im mainly wondering about the atmoshpere, but heres some info about me and the type of school i think would be best for me, and id love to hear if you think bates would be a good fit (and how good of a fit it would be), or if you know anywhere else that might be a better fit. thanks so muuch for your input.

im pretty laid back, dont get too stressed out, esp about school (work). but i do take my studies seriously. i want to be somewhere that values learning, rather than simply getting good gradess; personally im not really motivated by getting an A but simply by studying what interests me (this was a big problem for me at UNC)... im trying to find a laid back atmostphere with this same approach to learning. i think im going to major in political science (theory) and english (literature and/or creative writing), so i'd definately like a school strong in one of these, and a strong writing program would be best. politically im pretty liberal, and (agreeing with Locke) feel that as long as you dont harm others, or infringe upon their rights, you should be able to do/think as you please: i definately want to go somewhere the reflects this idea; where free thinking and ideas are accepted and encouraged.

i know this is a lot, but i definately dont want to choose the wrong school for a second time. any input is greatly appreciated. thanks.

Swedefish

I think you sound like a good fit. Politics and English are two of Bates' most popular majors so in terms of your academic interests, you're looking at the right place. The campus is very liberal, but conservative students also thrive and there is a very active Republican club.

Unlike some of the other schools you mention, the college has never had any greek life and thus there is absolutely no frat culture. At colleges where frats were recently disbanded, there often remains a frat culture. This is particularly palpable in places where many alumni were members of greek organizations.

I think the best thing for you would be to visit the campuses of the colleges you're interested in. I understand this probably would be difficult given that you're in college, but it might be worth it in order to avoid choosing the wrong school again. There really is no better way to decide if a college is for you than to step onto campus and let your gut feeling guide you. Bates is big on interviews for prospects. Make sure to request an alumni interview in good time (Bates College | Transfer Students)! Sometimes, the admissions office can arrange alumni interviews in Lewiston for prospects who want to visit campus outside of the regular "interview season".

Feel free to PM if you have any more specific questions as I don't frequent this board all that often.

bct1989

thanks for your help. i actually do hope that i will manage to make a trip to the NE to take a look at these schools, esp since i was considering a few of these and similar schools last year, but i only visited during the summer, and i now see how big of a mistake that was. and polticially that does actually sound exactly the type of place i would enjoy: one that promotes personal choice, whatever that may be, so long as you dont (plan to) infringe upon the right of others, and have legitimate reasons for your beliefs. thanks again!

CuriousDad999

Of the schools you mention, I would think the fit is not quite as good at Swarthmore or Hamilton - just a hunch. May also want to take a look at Conencticut College - a little lower caliber possibly than the schools you list (but not by that much), but a good atmosphere too that could fit.

bct1989

what exactly is it about those three that makes them stand out above the others? just curious, and trying to find out as much info as possible. esp swarthmore (which i know the least about, so more info is always better). thanks for your help and recomendations, they are definately appreciated

CuriousDad999

Swarthmore is an excellent school academically - probably the top of your list. However, there is no getting around that it is fairly intense academically (and sometimes proudly so) - at least relative to the other. I would certainly not call it "layed back" by any stretch, and may not be the place for someone who may want a little lower key academic environment. It also has a high degree of activism, intelectualism, and such - again on a relative basis - which is great for some folks, and less so for other. Hamilton is also very good, but slightly more of the preppy and greek/frat atmosphere than the other (even though they have been oficially banned, I think), in IMHO. My daughter looked at several of the schools you mentioned, and found Bates particularly "comfortable" and "low key" (while still being strong academically), and that was after just having visited Colby and Bowdoin. May also want to look in to Carleton and Grinnell - great schhols, and less of the pretentiosness you sometimes find at the east coast colleges. These are just one person's opinions.

bct1989

thanks for your help. definately appreciated