Hello! I’ve narrowed down my acceptances to these schools, and I’m pretty torn. I’m interested in evolutionary ecology (which would just be the ecology and evolution sector of the bio major in both schools) with career goals probably being something academic.
It really comes down to the social scene because when I visited Bowdoin, I really liked it, but It didn’t seem like home. I toured Wesleyan just the other day for Wesfest and it was the most terrific student body I’ve seen! To put it short, everyone was some kind of freak. It was awesome!
I’m trying to figure out which school will have the best balance between a social scene for weirdos and a good education in EEB.
If anyone thinks they have something to say about either I’d love to hear it. Thank you!
Wesleyan or WashU?
@eurypterid6 your title says wash U. Is that a mistake. You can change it to Wesleyan…or I can do it for you!
Oh yeah I meant Washu, I was just using Wesleyan as an example of a school I liked but ultimately am not really considering
Washu - I understand the confusion though
Have you visited Wash U? What was your thought there?
And if you really liked Wesleyan, why isn’t it an option?
Still confused - was everyone a freak at WUSTL or Wesleyan?
It doesn’t sound like you love Bowdoin.
Is one more affordable to you than the other ?
If you prefer WashU that is perfectly fine. Bowdoin is a great college but it is quite small (even for a LAC) and if you don’t feel like it is the right fit, it is fine to move on. WashU is an excellent school as well.
Congrats on the acceptances!
Wash U s not Wesleyan, but there is more diversity there than there is at Bowdoin.
I’m curious why people think a school less than 2000 is too small. That’s still a lot of people. especially since it is smart people who worked hard to get there. Why would you not like them? Experiences, outcomes, and satisfaction at small LACs is really high. I’m tired of the assumption that small schools are TOO small. Do people generally have more that 2000 friends?
I said Bowdoin is “quite small” – nowhere did I say Bowdoin is too small. In fact, I know many happy Bowdoin students and alum. That said, I do think fit is particularly important for LACs.
If you loved spending a day at Wesleyan, I’m confused as to why you’re not considering it. You can get a phenomenal education in ecology/environmental sciences there (have you checked out the College of the Environment and what a linked major might entail?). Of the three schools, it seems like Wash U is the odd one out.
I agree with you. But the funny thing is that when I went to Unigo to see what Bowdoin students say about their school, their biggest criticism is that it’s too small. Go figure.
The other concern I’d have with Bowdoin is that the OP didn’t feel at home there, but did at Wesleyan because “everyone was some kind of freak”. While Wash U is not Wesleyan, it’s larger size makes it more likely that a freak can find his/her people there.
You sound to me like someone who should go to Wesleyan. Why go through these mental gymnastics about which non-Wesleyan school can give you the most Wesleyan-like vibe? It is just the ranking issue? I actually think it’s admirable how Wesleyan just does it’s thing and doesn’t try to game its way up the rankings. It’s a top-notch school and everybody who knows colleges at all knows this. If you found a school where you love the vibe, and it’s strong in your academic areas of interest, buy the sweatshirt and be happy.
If you like the social scene (and werdos) at Wesleyan, neither Bowdoin or Wash U has a similar one. Maybe Bowdoin is more similar, but barely more IMO. What were your next closest two that you eliminated, and why?
Actually Bowdoin has a lot of preppies. I wouldn’t put it anywhere close to Wesleyan. Just my 2 cents.
I mostly agree.
I actually thought that you made a good point. I just thought I’d balance it with a strong contrasting statement. Both can be true. Bottom line is that your point about Wesleyan was right on.
I hope OP comes back and explains - is Wash U even in the picture??
Perhaps they’re looking at a rank - Bowdoin being higher and that’s the trepidation?
Perhaps Bowdoin is a better price?
Hopefully OP will come back and say why there’s even a decision to be made vs. already having been made based on visits.