I think our D21 should consider Bates. It doesn’t fit some of the things she thinks makes a school “fit” her like warmer weather and the possibility for Greek life and big school spirit. BUT after seeing how her brother is enjoying Bowdoin and knowing she really wants the LAC experience, I think we are going to visit. It’s also a plus for her to be near him and she’s told us that. The thing that makes me hesitate is that she will find her people there. S19 has found it very easy because he’s an athlete. She is not. In fact, she’s a dancer and many LACs really don’t have outlets for that for her. She’s trained preprofessionally as a ballerina but recently has decided to give them up. She’s on the dance team at school which is pretty intense jazz and hip hop.
I think she’s going to have to give up something in her search. Bates is close to big bro, will have good food and nice dorms (which have moved up in importance after seeing S19’s experience) and will give her the close knit community and small classes she wants.
Any opinion on whether a midwestern suburban girl can fit there? She likes the ideal of diversity but, to be honest, she will need to see some kids there like herself. No one from our school has applied to Bates in four years which makes this tough. I think she would have to go ED to not get waitlisted.