<p>based solely on anectodal information, while Portland is a much better college town than Poughkeepsie, Vassar has a much more balanced culture and lifestyle. I’ve known a few kids who have transferred out of Reed saying that kids studied all the time and had or took no time to do other things. Music is a perfect example. Vassar has a strong performing arts culture, but Reed does not–again based solely on what kids have told me.</p>