I am a student trying to decide whether to ED to either Bates or Connecticut College in a few months. I like both a lot and think either would be a good choice for me so I would appreciate any advice. I am looking for an environment with nice, non-competitive, but academic students with a preference for the outdoors.
Demographics:
• US Citizen / NY Resident
• Male, non-underrepresented
Intended Major(s)
• History, Anthropology, Psychology
Cost Constraints / Budget
•Luckily I am in a position where my family can support my college education
GPA, Rank, and Test Scores
• Unweighted GPA: 3.96
• SAT: 1500
Awards
• Eagle Scout
Pros and Cons
Connecticut College
Pros:
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I am neurodivergent and have terrible anxiety (it takes me a LONG time to do homework at a high level & I could never have done the SAT without extra time) I get the feeling that I might do better in a less stressful academic environment like Conn
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I REALLY like their Connections program. I am super interested in their Museum Studies courses which Bates does not have
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I was able to visit their campus over the summer and it is gorgeous and I liked the students I chatted with + the environment seems way more nurturing and supportive
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Their history dept seems stronger to me? At least the professors seem more interesting to me
Cons:
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Lack of outdoor recreation when compared to Bates. Conn has a decent location in New London, but I like outdoors stuff a lot so I feel I would be sacrificing that if I went to Conn
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Not as prestigious. Not sure if I would be as challenged academically? Is there something about Conn that makes it so much worse that it is rated 20 spots bellow Bates? They seem similar enough to me.
Bates College
Pros:
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Stronger academically? At least from the students it draws
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Great food
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Their outing club is a major part of student life + I have heard really good things about how kind the students are there
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Access to outdoors for a weekend day trip
Cons:
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Not as excited about their academic offerings, their history dept does not stand out to me as anything special
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Their anthropology department only has three professors? Seems very understaffed
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Worried about location. 5-6 hours from home, no train access like Conn. I also do not like winter sports at all so I do not think I would enjoy the snow.