LACs: Bates vs. Colby vs. Whitman

nyreader
Sun, 11 Apr 2021 20:57:25 +0000

S21 interested in English, CS, and maybe film. Would maybe like to be on the west coast after graduation, but just a guess. Only applied to LACs, and happy to be rural after growing up in NYC. Definitely likes outdoors (hiking, kayaking, skiing, climbing, etc.). Would prefer warmer climate, but not deal breaker. Money not an issue (but, see below, $60k is $60k). Smart, quirky, non-partier, introverted but wants to meet people. Also wants to play in bands (jazz, symphonic).

Bates College: Likes focus on community and impact. Seems more open to quirky kids. Doesn’t mind Lewiston. CS seems pretty limited. Film is combined with rhetoric.
Colby College: Likes CS structure, film program. Likes Waterville more than Lewiston. Impressed by dynamism (art museum, arts center in Waterville, etc.).
Whitman College: Has $15k/year in merit aid. Hasn’t been to visit (debating whether to go). Has spent time in Washington but in mountains and along the coast (very different). Great music program (but he doesn’t want to major). Nervous about rising admit rates, dropping yield.

On the waitlists at Bowdoin, Davidson, and Hamilton, as well. Bowdoin is #1 choice (great town, Digital & Computational Studies major). Not sure that Davidson or Hamilton beats out what he already has. Already declined other offers/waitlists (got waitlisted at six places).

Inclined to turn down Whitman without visiting because the “gap” between Bates/Colby and Whitman just seems too big, but not sure if that is parental obsession with status. REALLY not sure how to pick between Bates and Colby, though waiting for Colby’s admitted students events (virtual) starting next weekend.

Welcome any thoughts.