<p>There’s probably no real reason to pre-screen any of these schools. Just apply, see where you get in, then decide which one fits best. Why eliminate the chance to go to the best school for you based on someone else’s perceptions? Visit once you get acceptances.</p>
<p>My D goes to Hamilton and I tend to disagree with the above description - one of the big things at Hamilton is the pre-orientation session they have for freshman, Adirondack Adventure. You arrive a week early and head off for an adventure in the woods that you select, from a 90-mile canoe trip to an easy set of hikes or camping. You can also do community service work or take an academic class. The cross-country trails turn into Nordic trails once the snow flies, which is does early. Like many of the NESCACs, the Outdoor Club is the biggest club on campus.</p>
<p>The only school in your list that seems to stick out is Skidmore - good school, but you’re way overqualified compared to the average admit. Unless there is a compelling reason to go there or it’s just a safety, it’s not quite on the same level as the others, but you probably knew that.</p>