<p>Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful reply, D’yer Maker. I think you really hit the nail on the head in analyzing my apprehensions.</p>
<p>I guess I should have voiced some of my actual concerns about Wesleyan, just to be more clear: Offerings in the College of the Environment/ES department seem a bit scant with regards to my particular interests (food systems and urban development); the lack of socioeconomic diversity concerns me (on my tour, my guide made some offhand remark about just charging anything you want to your student account so your parents can pay for it–which would not be a reality for me) financial aid sounds inconsistent, at best; I’ve heard the party scene can get a bit out of hand (read: the Sex Party, which I guess has now been toned down and renamed “Ultrasound”); I’ve heard getting into classes is often a problem in the departments I’m most interested in (Psych, Science in Society, English, Film, ES); and I’ve also heard that many professors are not as accessible and open to developing relationships with students as admissions materials makes them out to be. </p>
<p>That said, I really did love my visit to Wes and the majority of people whom I met. I got a really good vibe from the place, which is something I’ve never felt when visiting schools before. I also really dig Wes’ product image, if you know what I mean (countercultural, artsy, political, intellectual but also down-to-earth and relaxed); though I’ve heard differing opinions on how much Wes really lives up to this reputation (naturally, of course…everyone has their own singular experience). </p>
<p>Edit: Upon re-reading my second paragraph, I see that I used the phrase “I’ve heard” like ten times. So maybe someone in-the-know can chime in and tell me whether or not they think “I’ve heard” correctly!</p>