My daughter is currently a senior and considering UVM, Syracuse, Wesleyan and William & Mary as her top pics. Altho we originally thought she would be a fit for Skidmore, Vassar, they felt sedate/quiet and now we have moved to see that larger schools seem to have a more vibrant social scene. She likes the artsy, collaborative, LGBT friendly aspect of Wes. Curious if Syracuse/UVM has pockets of that as well. She is an A- student with 33 ACT (about 8 APs) and excellent ECs. We loved the crunchy, laid back vibe of UVM but curious if it would feel rigorous enough for her? She would be undecided liberal arts and sciences possibly environmental science. We both loved the vibrant vibe at Syracuse, but when we mention it to some they say… oh thats a crazy Greek “bro” culture. Its appealing to give her some room to grow at a larger university tho.
Link to poster’s previous thread which has more info: D seeks funky, liberal college w/high student life score [NY resident, 3.8 GPA; undecided, possibly environmental science, journalism, art]
My son is at William and Mary and additionally considered Wake, Elon, UVa, UNC. My daughter also graduated WM with Biology and Environmental Science/Policy Degrees. Happy to answer any questions about WM. Feel free to message me.
Rochester if you are already thinking Upstate New York.
SUNY Binghamton.
Miami of Ohio? I think of it as broadly similar to William & Mary.
University of Denver maybe? They have a pretty flexible Geography and ES department, and fantastic location:
https://science.du.edu/geography/academics-advising/undergraduate-programs
My artsy, LGBTQ+ Wes kid loved UVM for the reasons you describe; it was a likely that he would have been very happy to attend. We also have friends with kids there who like it a lot and seem to find it engaging. The honors program seems like a nice way to find a smaller community and some lifestyle benefits (dorms, registration priority, etc.). My understanding is that environmental science is strong there. And they give merit, which makes it even more appealing.
Thank you great suggestions
Fabulous intel thanks!
How would you describe the social scene at Wes? Fairly vibrant, parties etc?
SUNY ESF connects with Syracuse. My son is a second year at Cuse and yes he is a frat dude. However, he also sings, has done 9 musicals, plays flute, guitar, and piano. Several of his friends are LGBTQ identifying. He is learning about new cultures, religions, and customs (he grew up in a very white midwest suburb). And he got a 35 on his first and only ACT (36 in science).
Loyola New Orleans is a smaller school that leans artsy but shares space with Tulane next door (similar to Cuse/ESF).
This is great thank you! Your son sounds like a renaissance man! Love it and speaks to a well rounded community there. Thanks!
Full disclosure, my kid has been there only two weeks. But he has been so busy and seems to be having so much fun. Vibrant is definitely the word I’d use to describe it! Parties, drag bingo, lots of fun. But also lots of work! He’s definitely adjusting to that. 
Thank you for the intel… glad he’s having fun!
Kids there do mostly stay on campus and yes greek life is pretty big. Sadly many kids who rushed did not get assigned a frat/sorority their freshman year. But there are tons of activities that don’t involve drinking and frats as well. Orange After Dark puts on fun get togethers every Thurs, Fri, Sat (the big frat party nights). There’s student led music and theater groups.
@NiceUnparticularMan suggested Miami of Ohio, which is a fine school, to be sure. But if your student is repelled by “Greek ‘bro’ culture,” be aware that Miami of Ohio’s nickname is “Mother of Fraternities.”
Good point!
“Crunchy laid-back vibe” should be an option on the FASFA
Vassar? Oberlin?
Brandeis.
Haha
Has your son been to any of the Film Series showings? I don’t know which is more fascinating, the movies themselves or the lines of students strolling home through a moonlit CFA, discussing what they’ve just seen.