sammielue21

I visited Hampshire last week -- I really, really should have before I applied -- and basically hated it. The campus is ugly, I didn't like the idea of 75% of the student body having single rooms, the student body seemed so far off from what I'm like... It just all-around turned me off. I really dont' know if I can see myself there for the next four years of my life. But they gave me a great financial package -- I will have no loans when I get out and head off to grad school. But I don't know if I can rationalize going somewhere that I dislike so much.

Then there's Wells -- they gave me a scholarship as well, but not as much as Hampshire. The atmosphere is more me, but it's still not ideal. And yes, I realize that no college will be ideal but Wells seems to be an extension of high school. It's tiny -- like, it gives a new name to small liberal arts. Everyone knows everyone, but it also has the extension program with Cornell and Ithica...

And Bard. Their financial package is ridiculous. I don't know how they think that we can pay that. $90,000 in loans?!! We asked for another review, but I doubt anything is going to change. But Bard is the school that I can see myself fitting in the best at. Academically, it may not have the same opportunities -- Hampshire with the five college consortium and Wells with Cornell and Ithica -- but it's the best fit.



So. How much does atmostphere matter? Is it worth going into grad school with sky-high loans? Probably not. But is it so insignificant as to overlook it completetly? I don't know.

summerinthecity

Atmosphere is probably going to be the most important factor in my college decisions. I could get 90% off to Northwestern because my dad's a prof but I don't know if I could turn down UMich's atmosphere and the feeling I got when I visited there.

Hopefulfor2012

that's a hard choice- good luck! (Ans alwayas remeber u can transfer...)

jude_36

I think in terms of the education you will receive, atmosphere means nothing. But in terms of your happiness and the whole spectrum of the college experience, atmosphere can mean a lot. Take it all into consideration, then go to Wells.

sammielue21

bumpo//. still freaking~~