<p>I am looking for a school that has great sense of community among students. </p>
<p>As I am looking for this, I consider # of students living on campus( it should be over 80%, or little less is ok). </p>
<p>I don’t like too small or too big schools, so I’ve eliminated many liberal arts colleges or state universitys(5000~7000 is best fit)</p>
<p>Campus size also matters, school of less than 100 acres size would be eliminated. I think size over 200 acres is very preferable.
Beautiful campus and achitectures are also highly considered. </p>
<p>Weather is important too. I have to see some snow in winter, at least few days. Besides I don’t like too many warm and sunny days like in California or Miami. I prefer some place where there is some seasonal change. </p>
<p>and regarding to location, I prefer northeastern because it’s near NY, and I heard that eastern America has more tradition when it comes to education.</p>
<p>Anyway, strong sense of community is most important part to me!</p>
<p>Please, recommend colleges! and describe atmosphere in those schools,!</p>
<p>I have to mention that I will major in Studio art, though I’ve almost never had formal training in it. art doesn’t have to be one of popular majors in that college, but if this course is not considered important in that school(like low investment in that major), it would be problematic. But I don’t want to Art schools because I want more diverse educational background of my friends in university so that I can grow as an artist and as a human being.
Anyway, any recommendations regarding this too?</p>
<p>If you don’t mind seeing a lot of snow, I have to suggest my d’s school, University of Rochester. There are about 4500 undergraduates, and about 2000 graduate students. The campus is beautiful; on our tour, a couple of people said, “This is what Harvard should look like.” D has made very good friends and there’s a very strong sense of community. Strong academics. Very strong arts scene (Eastman Conservatory of Music is parat of the University). More than 80% of students live on campus; even more if you consider Eastman’s campus along with the College of Arts & Sciences and the School of Engineering. </p>
<p>Rochester is, however, a highly selective school, so without more information, it’s hard to know if this would be a good fit for you.</p>
<p>During the past year my daughter and I visited about 20 schools , asking at least 10 students “How do you like it here?” The only schools where everyone we approached loved it was Vassar, Wheaton and The College of NJ. Based on your criteria for number of students, TCNJ should be considered (5200 students with 80% remaining on weekends). In New Jersey, its reputation has exceeded that of Rutgers and they are looking for 35% out of state. Most dorms have a washing sink/faucet in each room!</p>
<p>A school with both a medium size and a sense of community is probably going to have good sports associated with it, as I do think strong athletics help create and reinforce a sense of community that extends beyond the arena.</p>
<p>Duke? Vanderbilt? Georgetown? BC? Syracuse (super good arts)? Fordham?</p>
<p>Cookie, I’m having a hard time with the medium size, good studio art + warm & fuzzy atmosphere and a large beautiful campus. There are several LACs with excellent art departments, spacious, rambling campuses and wonderful communities, but they are all in the 1500 to 2500 student range. </p>
<p>There are several medium sized universities with good studio art but they are not particularly full of happy, friendly students, nor do they have spacious, beautiful campuses.</p>
<p>In the first category I would include Wesleyan, Williams, Conn College, Hamilton, Kenyon, Skidmore. Smith if you are female.</p>
<p>In the second CMU & JHU. Brown is close to what you’re looking for, but it’s definitely urban.</p>
<p>These are all fairly selective schools. Without knowing your qualifications it’s difficult to recommend. Your financial situation is also a factor. </p>
<p>Are you international? If yes, that affects selectivity (and aid) as well.</p>
<p>You don’t mention your SAT scores, ACT or GPA, so it makes it harder to suggest schools. You also don’t mention finances, do you want private or public?</p>
<p>From what you do say, sounds like SUNY New Paltz might fit the bill. It has a great art dept., is in a picturesque environment and has a close knit community in a funky little town. It’s not too big, with around 5,000 or so students undergrad.</p>