<p>As a parent, my perception was music is a big deal at Oberlin. Not only in the courses, but in the social circles. Music is all over the place there. My daughter was not a major, got to take great instruction classes in her instrument. Then pooped out. But opportunities for her to play were probably all over the place. Though probably not complete access to all resources of the Conservatory.</p>
<p>My D found strong programs at Oberlin in various departments, most of them really; I don’t know that sciences were thought to be any “better” than the others.</p>
<p>Which is not to say that the college offered the breadth and depth of course selection that a large research university offers, in virtually any area.</p>
<p>Socially, I perceive Bowdoin students as being somewhat different personality types than the others. Fit with campus culture can be an aspect of some significance when considering liberal arts colleges with finite social circles, you might check into this.</p>
<p>Also, is not Bowdoin considerably smaller than the others? This would magnify not only the social issue, but also the issue of upper-class course selection in potential areas and sub-areas of interest, down the road.</p>
<p>JHU and NYU are research universities in cities, which are very different environments. They would offer far larger course selection, but larger classes and less intimate environments- for better or worse, depending on the person.
It’s partly about fit, at this stage.</p>