Upstate NY schools - Bard, Skidmore, Ithaca

mini
Sun, 25 Sep 2011 15:40:48 +0000

Whitman is a great place, more “outdoorsy” than “crunchy”, I think (though it has its preppy element as well.) A good English department, and very good in the environmental sciences. It is basically the Williams of the PNW (with the rural, drinking thing as well). Most students I’ve met love it.

Macalester (which I personally like more) is statistically very similar, but it is tucked away in a nice urban spot. Lots of international students, and international opportunities (they pride themselves on that.) More to do (Twin Cities), but much less outdoorsy, athletic, etc. And more community service opportunities as well. I’ve known students there in the sciences who also believe they received a great education.

For literature and creative writing, I still think Bard is likely to be head-and-shoulders over either. But you’ll have to kick the tires yourself.