Experiences with Colby, Wesleyan, Vassar

[Anonymous]

DD is all in on the humanities as a prospective History and Anthropology double major, and these are her top choices. She's really interested in schools that emphasize the humanities over the latest STEM craze (AI/CS centric schools like Pomona and Swarthmore are not for her). How would you compare these schools for resources in these majors and do you have any personal experience with the student bodies?

[Anonymous]

Lol “the latest STEM craze.” It’s called the 21st Century.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Lol “the latest STEM craze.” It’s called the 21st Century.

I didn't know the humanities all died in the 21st century. No more news, advertisement, entertainment, or politics anymore I guess. We must bow down to the AI ceos who want to replace us all with computers and aren't even sure they want the human species to continue living (Peter Thiel).

[Anonymous]

As a general comment on anthropology programs, those at colleges with distinct anthropology departnents tend to be stronger than those at colleges at which anthropology and sociology form a single department.

Personally, I'd include Haverford and Hamilton in this appealing mix.

For clarity, note that anthropology is a social science.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As a general comment on anthropology programs, those at colleges with distinct anthropology departnents tend to be stronger than those at colleges at which anthropology and sociology form a single department.

Personally, I'd include Haverford and Hamilton in this appealing mix.

For clarity, note that anthropology is a social science.

I didn't include Haverford and Hamilton, so I don't know why you brought them up. All of these schools have distinct anthropology departments, so it sounds like you just wanted to promote these two random schools, which isn't helpful.

[Anonymous]

Tufts, Kenyon, Grinnell, Oberlin

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Tufts, Kenyon, Grinnell, Oberlin

This didn't answer my question.

[Anonymous]

For a student like your daughter who is fully committed to the humanities—especially with a focus on History and Anthropology—Colby, Wesleyan, and Vassar each offer compelling but distinct experiences. Vassar stands out with its deeply ingrained liberal arts ethos and strong historical roots in progressive education; it's a haven for humanities lovers, with robust History and Anthropology departments and a student body that leans artistic, intellectually curious, and socially engaged. Wesleyan brings an interdisciplinary edge, pairing its strong humanities with a slightly more experimental, free-spirited vibe; its open curriculum and thriving arts scene attract independent thinkers who like to forge their own academic paths. Colby, while often associated with its environmental and global studies programs, has invested heavily in the humanities in recent years, with new faculty hires, research opportunities, and funding for the arts and social sciences—though the campus culture leans a bit more traditional and outdoorsy compared to the other two. All three schools provide rich academic resources for a double major in History and Anthropology, but for a student seeking a culture that lives and breathes the humanities, Vassar and Wesleyan might feel more like home.

I'd go with Vassar, due to its Institute for the Humanities and amazing resources to give a recommendation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a general comment on anthropology programs, those at colleges with distinct anthropology departnents tend to be stronger than those at colleges at which anthropology and sociology form a single department.

Personally, I'd include Haverford and Hamilton in this appealing mix.

For clarity, note that anthropology is a social science.

I didn't include Haverford and Hamilton, so I don't know why you brought them up. All of these schools have distinct anthropology departments, so it sounds like you just wanted to promote these two random schools, which isn't helpful.

Prickly

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For a student like your daughter who is fully committed to the humanities—especially with a focus on History and Anthropology—Colby, Wesleyan, and Vassar each offer compelling but distinct experiences. Vassar stands out with its deeply ingrained liberal arts ethos and strong historical roots in progressive education; it's a haven for humanities lovers, with robust History and Anthropology departments and a student body that leans artistic, intellectually curious, and socially engaged. Wesleyan brings an interdisciplinary edge, pairing its strong humanities with a slightly more experimental, free-spirited vibe; its open curriculum and thriving arts scene attract independent thinkers who like to forge their own academic paths. Colby, while often associated with its environmental and global studies programs, has invested heavily in the humanities in recent years, with new faculty hires, research opportunities, and funding for the arts and social sciences—though the campus culture leans a bit more traditional and outdoorsy compared to the other two. All three schools provide rich academic resources for a double major in History and Anthropology, but for a student seeking a culture that lives and breathes the humanities, Vassar and Wesleyan might feel more like home.

I'd go with Vassar, due to its Institute for the Humanities and amazing resources to give a recommendation.

Chatgpt

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a general comment on anthropology programs, those at colleges with distinct anthropology departnents tend to be stronger than those at colleges at which anthropology and sociology form a single department.

Personally, I'd include Haverford and Hamilton in this appealing mix.

For clarity, note that anthropology is a social science.

I didn't include Haverford and Hamilton, so I don't know why you brought them up. All of these schools have distinct anthropology departments, so it sounds like you just wanted to promote these two random schools, which isn't helpful.

Prickly

Honest and clear. I came with a proper question. Answer or go advertise elsewhere.

[Anonymous]

Hamilton is nowhere near the caliber of the others.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a general comment on anthropology programs, those at colleges with distinct anthropology departnents tend to be stronger than those at colleges at which anthropology and sociology form a single department.

Personally, I'd include Haverford and Hamilton in this appealing mix.

For clarity, note that anthropology is a social science.

I didn't include Haverford and Hamilton, so I don't know why you brought them up. All of these schools have distinct anthropology departments, so it sounds like you just wanted to promote these two random schools, which isn't helpful.

There's more to anthropology than what was written above. For example, anthropology is a discipline of four subfields, so a student looking for a school for anthropology should be certain that its department offers her subfield(s) of interest. Regarding suggestions and information you do not seek, there's no need to interpret them cynically when you can simply ignore them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a general comment on anthropology programs, those at colleges with distinct anthropology departnents tend to be stronger than those at colleges at which anthropology and sociology form a single department.

Personally, I'd include Haverford and Hamilton in this appealing mix.

For clarity, note that anthropology is a social science.

I didn't include Haverford and Hamilton, so I don't know why you brought them up. All of these schools have distinct anthropology departments, so it sounds like you just wanted to promote these two random schools, which isn't helpful.

There's more to anthropology than what was written above. For example, anthropology is a discipline of four subfields, so a student looking for a school for anthropology should be certain that its department offers her subfield(s) of interest. Regarding suggestions and information you do not seek, there's no need to interpret them cynically when you can simply ignore them.

Yes, you stole that exact line from the Vassar website. At some point, you need to stop trolling.

[Anonymous]

Those three can all work for a student like your daughter. Colby is preppy, Vassar and Wesleyan are artsy. Take your pick.