I am grateful enough for being accepted into both colleges and need help deciding between the two. I am interested in completing research for think-tanks or becoming a policy analysis. I am wondering which college’s program will allow me to become a stronger applicant for grad school or more likely of getting my job right out of college.
Info about me:
I have a laid back personality and really love writing research papers.
I enjoy meeting new people,but would like a close group of friends.
I like having a close relationship with professors.
I enjoy the outdoors.
I want a hands-on and research-intensive program.
Majors:
UCSB: History of Public Policy
Hampshire College: Policy Analysis and Development (self-designed)
Other Questions:
Is Hampshire prestigious on the east coast?
What are the local employment and research opportunities at the respective colleges?
Thanks in advance.
I can tell you that Hampshire is neither prestigious nor particularly well-known on the east coast. Many people view it as a “dirty hippie” (not my word choice) school. UCSB definitely wins on the prestige front.
They are just two very different experiences so you need to focus on the program and experience and how it works for you. It does sound like Hampshire is a good fit for you. I won’t think much of anyone who uses or repeats the phrase mentioned above and wouldn’t think twice about that opinion. The Hampshire Sr year research is pretty unique and you can attend classes in the 5 college consortium. (A very interesting person I know attend H and took classes at Smith and UMass.) However there are a lot of people who have not heard of many of the small liberal arts colleges. This isn’t unusual since they graduate only a small class every year and don’t have a football team. But better employers will be familiar with the type of education you get at a selective LAC. In CA especially UCSB is going to be more well known, however.
I agree with BrownParent. The name the other poster used is obnoxious and most people on the east coast do NOT think that way. I’d say that among those who know–and who are qualified to comment–Hampshire is known as a LAC with an alternative curriculum. Hampshire students are known to be very bright and quirky–typical of students who go to LACs. As for prestige, everyone has their own opinions. Hampshire is an excellent college but only for those highly motivated students who like its self directed curricula. If that describes you, go for it.
That does sound like me. I’ve started talking to students on both Facebook groups and I think I vibe better with Hampshire students.