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Hi,
Can anyone give me some insight on Skidmore College. Is it reputable? Is it well known? Does a degree from Skidmore carry any weight with employers? I'm a student in Canada trying find some information on this school. I checked the website but I want to know from others what this school is about. I'm also considering Depaul (Chicago) and Penn State University. Thanks.
Dave

By Reeses (Reeses) on Friday, July 04, 2003 - 06:06 pm: Edit

Anyone an alumni from here? I have some questions

By Elazar (Elazar) on Sunday, July 06, 2003 - 07:37 pm: Edit

My father went to Depaul.
I here Skimore is pretty good. I'm interested in the art program that they offer. I'd like to here more about it, also.

By Raywood (Raywood) on Friday, October 31, 2003 - 10:55 pm: Edit

My boy goes to Skidmore. He likes it a lot. Says the social life on campus is wonderful. Had a 3.36 GPA/1240 SAT. The interview with the admissions department helped, I think. Financial aid is tops: they meet 100% of what's called "need" (the difference between the cost of going to school and what they calculate the family contribution to be.)
He finds the academic environment stimulating, students and profs. Some courses are very demanding, but it's not the kind of school where you have to study all the time.

By Thedad (Thedad) on Saturday, November 01, 2003 - 02:00 am: Edit

My D liked Skidmore a lot on paper. It was the very last college she dropped from her application list.

By Antigone (Antigone) on Sunday, November 02, 2003 - 05:05 pm: Edit

how is the skidmore campus?

By Stratocastahguy (Stratocastahguy) on Sunday, November 02, 2003 - 05:06 pm: Edit

Raywood, was your S's gpa weighted or unweighted?

By Lilpopers (Lilpopers) on Saturday, November 08, 2003 - 09:08 pm: Edit

I am also looking into it now b/c I found out that first year students are eligible for a program to London which I think is really cool.

By Mdell (Mdell) on Sunday, November 23, 2003 - 11:25 pm: Edit

I'm also interested in their art program. It looks pretty good, but I'm hoping it's not one of those departments with 12 people in it.

By Sooky6 (Sooky6) on Tuesday, November 25, 2003 - 11:14 am: Edit

Art dept typically has 50-70 majors per year, totaling close to 200 on campus at any one time--but MANY students at Skidmore are artists and take classes while majoring in other things. Its one of the largest and most active majors on campus...there are two art galleries, and one of the most progressive art museums in the Northeast (the Tang).

By Antigone (Antigone) on Thursday, November 27, 2003 - 09:42 am: Edit

I saw pictures of Skidmore's campus though and it didn't seem too impressive to me

By Sooky6 (Sooky6) on Tuesday, December 16, 2003 - 11:01 am: Edit

Visit...its a beautiful setting. Not Gothic or colonial, but beautiful nonetheless! I was really struck by how new almost every building was...so you don't get the ancient feeling of other schools, but it feels very light, bright and, well, new.

By Thedad (Thedad) on Sunday, December 28, 2003 - 04:30 pm: Edit

My D wound up applying to Skidmore after all, her seventh and final app. Any more comments from Skidmore students or parents of same would be welcome. It's one of two schools that D applied to that we didn't visit.

By Efilsiertaeht (Efilsiertaeht) on Sunday, December 28, 2003 - 05:47 pm: Edit

I LOVED Skidmore. I want to do theatre, and it has a fabulous theatre program... the campus is beautiful... and the people seem like they're great. If I hadn't gotten into Stanford, and not gotten into Dartmouth regular in April(course I don't have to do that now), that's where I would be going next year, hands down.

By Sooky6 (Sooky6) on Wednesday, December 31, 2003 - 09:45 am: Edit

Thedad, its really a shame that you didn't get to visit. I could comment all night, but if you or D have questions email me (its in the profile). I remember that she is a dancer, and she'll be among friends. Saratoga is a dancer's dream as well -- the New York City Ballet resides there in the summer, there are performances throughout the year at the Dance Center and the National Museum of Dance is downtown. If you can visit in the spring, you should make every effort to!

By Thedad (Thedad) on Wednesday, December 31, 2003 - 07:30 pm: Edit

Sooky, thanks for the input. I don't know that she'll get to visit in the Spring...over the break, the orchestra is going to Vienna and Prague.

We'll have to see where else she gets in.

I'll try to e-mail you next year. Right now, I gotta run.

By Thedad (Thedad) on Monday, January 12, 2004 - 12:03 am: Edit

Sooky, D and I went to a "Skidmore Preview" party today. D thought it would be okay if she went there but neither the students nor other applicants knocked her socks off. One of her comments was that it seemed "mighty white," she's used to a fairly diverse campus. Four of the five students were from private schools...just checked PR's THE BEST 351... and Skidmore has 40 percent overall from private schools, a higher average than many schools.

Skidmore does seem to offer some good opportunities in the performing arts but altogether in comparison to the other school's on D's list it's what you would expect from a "Safety."

By Marinakitchen (Marinakitchen) on Thursday, January 15, 2004 - 02:14 am: Edit

skidmore...hmmm....skidmore....hmmmmm....


cow! moo moo! plop


ploplop.

By Skidkid (Skidkid) on Thursday, January 15, 2004 - 05:47 pm: Edit

Hi... I just saw this site cause my brother was using it... I am a student at Skidmore so I thought I'd see what is being said about it. This my first year there and I like it a lot. The campus is beautiful and all the programs are great, especailly business and arts (both performance and visual)... but really all the areas are top notch. It is very white, but not any more so than most schools of its caliber .. that is the top small private liberal art schools. I actually was surprised with how diverse the school really is. Not only in terms of race and ethcnicity, but also in regards to financial status, family income, and such. It is a great place - very beautiful atmosphere and very warm, cozy feeling!

By Thedad (Thedad) on Thursday, January 15, 2004 - 07:43 pm: Edit

Skidkid, I was flipping through PR'S BEST 351, looking at the seven school's on D's list and how they ranked in some of the interesting "Top 20" lists in the front of the book. I saw that Skidmore is ranked #1 for marijuana usage. Any comment?

As for ethnic composition, PR says that black/Hispanic/Asian is 12 percent at Skidmore, 21 percent at Vassar, 17 percent at Middlebury, 18 percent at Trinity, 21 percent at Smith.

By Thricealady (Thricealady) on Thursday, January 15, 2004 - 10:06 pm: Edit

I'll comment on that one. 71% of students report being white/Caucasian, and about 10% do not report ethnicity, so its anywhere from 75-80% or so white I'd guess. The HEOP program in NY state brings many black/Latino students from NYC, and they form a very active "bloc", that is very visible on campus. Asians make up most of the rest.

What characterizes Skidmore for me (I graduated in May, and I'm now helping my cousin with her search) is the way that the arts pervade the campus, the way athletics might pervade others. seems like EVERYONE either performs, paints, or regularly attends events at least...artwork is plastered on every square inch of the campus from the dining hall to classrooms and even bathrooms!! And this spirit of independence and creativity makes us different and proud. Wherever there are creative people with money, there will be experiementation with drugs. It certainly exists, but the social atmosphere is incredibly welcoming, never exclusive, always about good conversation over beverages and music. No hazing, no frats, no tailgating, no sexual intimidation in my experience, and my friends from other schools marvel at the way we all head to the same places for parties and shows, and everyone seems to "know your name". People smoke, people don't smoke, your choice. I never felt pressured to do anything I didn't feel like (and people's pot costs too much to be pushing it on others.)

The people here are bursting with energy, like to try new things, incredibly talented at what they do...I just look around at my class I've known for four years and can't believe I'm so lucky to know many of them. We call ourselves the "most diverse bunch of white kids" around--and there are truly ALL types! And I think that the arts (in its broadest sense) hold us together the way Greek life or athletics hold other student bodies together. Its the "glue" here, even for people who have never played or performed, etc. My professors were amazing and so supportive of our academic and creative endeavors. We blend into the community really well, and I feel like I've become a citizen of Saratoga as much as a student here. Its a wonderful place to be, and I'll miss it alot next year. . . .

Basically all the rankings and stuff are nice for "guiding" your search, but you have to experience this place to have any idea about it. I wrote it off at first when I was looking, but it hit me like a Mack truck when I visited, and that was it!! Middlebury and Trinity both struck me as very cookie-cutter--but Vassar and skidmore are very similar in alot of ways (Saratoga over Poughkeepsie did it for me there).

skidkid glad you had a good semester, good luck to ya! Its quite a journey...

By Skiddieskiier (Skiddieskiier) on Friday, January 16, 2004 - 03:13 pm: Edit

Skidkid and thricealady good to see some action on this board!! I lurked here a bit back when I was applying. I just finished my first semester at Skidmore, and I absolutely love it. . . I transferred from NYU, turned them down the first time around but I made a mistake. Thrice, couldn't agree with you more...I have met amazingly talented people in every corner. I was one of those kids who loved LS1 too! I could go for some more grade inflation (haha)...academically it has been tougher than I expected but two of my professors in particular have become like mentors already.
Saratoga and the skiing up here are awesome too (not so far to killington!) I felt so welcome from the beginning. People can be a little crazy...seems like everyone is just a bit "off" which appeals to me(!!)


-KC

By Thricealady (Thricealady) on Saturday, January 17, 2004 - 09:46 am: Edit

Right on skiier...

I loved LS1 as well. I stayed in the area for an internship after graduation while I apply to grad school. Can't manage to leave just yet.

By Skidkid (Skidkid) on Monday, January 19, 2004 - 12:32 am: Edit

Thedad, I don't know how the report that... basically, if you want to find marijuana... I'm sure you can ... I know of friends who smoke so I know that it exists. However, I dont smoke and I know many of my friends don't ... and I have not really come across it.. So I would be hardpressed to say that it is really a "problem" here at all. Quite simply, if you want it - you can notice it and find it, if not - you don't.

By Thedad (Thedad) on Monday, January 19, 2004 - 12:58 am: Edit

Was just curious. D isn't into the drug scene any more than the Greek scene...if it's a dominant recreational form, it wouldn't be her cuppa.

By Thricealady (Thricealady) on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 12:14 pm: Edit

My first Skidmore party was a totally overwhelming experience. It was probably 300 people at a huge house a mile or so off campus, all over the lawn. music playing, people standing, sitting, and talking. basically a whole bunch of people catching up on the their summers, etc. they were so open, and friendly and normal. and it was pretty much like that all the way thru. if you like music, nice people, eating burritos and standing around talking, you'll like social life at Skidmore. I'm sure there were people that did/had drugs that night, but unless you were walking around asking for some, you didn't know or care. It not like people are hallucinating and tripping out of their minds. They are having fun. So, that's the "dominant recreational form". concerts, parties, clubs downtown, etc.

By Thedad (Thedad) on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 02:40 pm: Edit

This is why this forum is better than even the blurbs from books like PR's THE BEST 351.

Thanks.

By Lisangel99 (Lisangel99) on Monday, February 02, 2004 - 10:17 pm: Edit

Hi all, I am a freshman now at Kenyon College and I am strongly considering transferring to Skidmore. I have several questions;

1. I am interested in English/Environmental studies and was wondering if the programs are strong in those areas? Are there literary magazines that people are involved in?

2. One of the main reasons I am leaving Kenyon is because the people, I find, are not as friendly as the admissions office played them up to be. I am also more liberal politically than many people here, and find that if people are not apathetic, they are often close-minded and I've noticed several instances of complete intolerance. What are the kids like at Skidmore, generally?

3. There is NOTHING to do on campus at Kenyon if you do not enjoy the drinking/frat scene. What do Skidmore kids do on weekends? Is alcohol/pot prevalent or necessary to have fun?

Thank you guys in advance! This is a really hard time for me--I thought Kenyon was my PERFECT match. I couldn't have been more in love with any school than Kenyon. It's amazing how things change once you actually live here. I just want to make sure Skidmore will be better.

By Thricealady (Thricealady) on Monday, February 02, 2004 - 11:16 pm: Edit

Whats up Lisangel. I'll talk more about Skidmore...1. English is the largest and probably most prestigious department in terms of faculty, it is excellent in all respects. If you can visit a class, do so...I recommend Catherine Golden, Terrence Diggory or Barry Goldensohn especially. Environmental studies is popular too, and the classes are very small. Last time I was there I watched a girl present her thesis on watershed preservation in Saratoga, based on research she did with her professor over the summer. don't know much beyond the people I know who've done it and enjoyed it.

The lit magazine, Salmagundi, is active. English majors are more competitive on a campus that is known to be laid back...there is intense competition for writing/poetry prizes and spots on editorial boards of the magazine, but its easy to contribute.

Saratoga ROCKS!! Yeah, people drink. And some even smoke pot (see post above). But everything there is to do in town, from awesome restaurants, theaters, live music, #bowling# (very popular), karaoke...i had alot of wild nights without drinking (well, maybe one!). Breakfast at the all night place on broadway, playing pool, hanging out on campus, productions, gallery openings, fashion shows, concerts....alcohol and pot are prevalant, but there are lots of other things to do, and lots of people party without drinking -- without the formality of the frat infrastructure, there is less pressure to drink because there are no guest lists, pledging, etc-- and NO ONE IS KEEPING TRACK. It may take awhile to figure this out, but its true. I used to study until midnight, get dressed, and go hang out downtown from 1-3am, regularly, just chilling and talking to people.

I can't tell you if Skidmore will be better for you, but it is certainly less isolated than Kenyon, with more off campus opportunities and a more lively surrouding community. to me, it meant lots of interesting people and experiences inside and out of the classroom!! creative, wonderful, bright, friendly people abound. I wouldn't trade my experience for the world.

GOOD LUCK!

By Carolyn (Carolyn) on Tuesday, February 03, 2004 - 09:31 pm: Edit

Great answers Thricealady - My daughter is increasingly interested in art as a potential major so I'm sure we'll be taking a look at Skidmore in the future. Do you know anything about the class sizes for studio courses?

Also, how is the geographic diversity at Skidmore - would someone from California fit in or is it mainly people from the northeast?

By Thricealady (Thricealady) on Wednesday, February 04, 2004 - 09:59 am: Edit

There are many from all parts of the Northeast, and a sizeable chunk from outside, but you find that kids from outside the NE come from certain metropolitan areas: Atlanta, Chicago/Minneapolis, Denver/Seattle, LA/SF, some Miami and Kansas City. No one cares where you're from, but there is a degree of sophistication to the students...they are cosmopolitan in their tastes. Some of the kids who are from far away did a year or more at Eastern prep schools, too. Its a very welcoming student culture, without the kinds of social barriers that exist elsewhere--everybody lives, eats, and works together in the same spaces, takes the same core curriculum, etc.

I took two studio courses, fiber arts and drawing, and they were around 15 kids I think? The equipment intensive ones like fiber, photo, and ceramics are capped off small...drawing/painting are somewhat larger, but they always include peer critique sessions so you have to have it small enough to make that meaningful. Most students at Skidmore take a studio class at some point, so the department is very lively and full of people at different levels. There is some amazing talent and diversity of medium and technique...if you visit be sure to see the Tang and the student art gallery in Case and exhibitions in the art building.

By Carolyn (Carolyn) on Wednesday, February 04, 2004 - 01:35 pm: Edit

Thanks Thrice - In looking at schools for art, my daughter and I have been surprised to see that at many schools studio art classes tend to have 30 or more students in them! She knows from her own experiences with high school art classes that once a studio class gets close to 20 students, the quality of instruction goes down so this is important to her.

But, anyhow, your comments about Skidmore are much appreciated. I do think we will have to give it a close look!

By Skiddypoloplayr (Skiddypoloplayr) on Wednesday, March 17, 2004 - 01:04 am: Edit

Nice Skiddyskier - I'm a senior at Skidmore AND I live in Killington... although I'm a little sick of the snow right now. It's exactly 1.5 hours away from Killington, provided you take exit 17N on the Northway and know where you're going.

Skidmore is wonderful; it's beautiful, Saratoga is one of (if not THE) best college towns (ever!) and the people (for the most part) are awesome. It has a great theatre department - Alma Becker & Carolyn Anderson are amazing. We also have a new instructor, named Will Bond, who is training students (including me) in Suzuki acting. He trained with Tadashi Suzuki and Anne Bogart and is a member of the CITI group (very prestigious acting company that has traveled all over the world.)

the ED department is alright - I'm an ED major. here's what I'll say about it: you learn a lot, but many of the professors can be difficult b/c they're very pretentious and think they know everything about their field.

I'm also an English minor. The EN dept is stellar. Victor Cahn, Regina James and Suzannah Mintz are possibly the 3 most intelligent people I have ever met. We have a wealth of EN dept. experts - where else could I find a world renown expert on Bram Stoker's Dracula? (Prof. Phyllis Roth) or an expert on Dangerous Liasons? (Prof. Regina James) If you do go to Skidmore, take Mintz's Milton class & James Les Liaisons Dangereux (sp?) class and anything and everything Victor Cahn teaches.

as for being the #1 for pot; here's my take (and I don't smoke - neither cigarettes nor marijuana): i've been offered pot, but i have never been forced to take any, and i've never been looked down upon b/c i didn't smoke. people here respect your choice not to smoke. As far as availability, as someone said before, if there's a will, there's a way. Campus safety has been trying to cut down on drug use on campus and recently helped local police with a drug bust that left some students incarcerated. However, campus safety isn't run by geniouses - they're not exactly the brightest crayons in the box.

courses aren't that big - I have about 8 people in my Suzuki acting class, about 25 (biggest class that I've had besides LS1) in my childrens lit. class and about 15 in my makeup class.

if you have any more questions, post and i'll try to check back in later.

By Thedad (Thedad) on Friday, March 19, 2004 - 07:52 pm: Edit

Today my D received a "likely" letter from Skidmore saying that she was going to be admitted later this month and inviting her to join the Honors Forum, extending an offer of Honors housing, etc.

By Sac (Sac) on Friday, March 19, 2004 - 08:31 pm: Edit

Congrats. She's racking them up!

By Sooky6 (Sooky6) on Saturday, March 20, 2004 - 12:49 am: Edit

Polo, I was in the orchestra with Victor Cahn...talk about a Renaissance man...that guy is unbelievable!! Murray Levith was in it too, what a treat.

My all time favorite was Bill Fox in Sociology. He was the first lecture I had, in LS1...I had this feeling like *So THIS is what they've been talking about!* We are still in touch...I've never seen a person so energized by learning. He's got a little bit of mad scientist in him, in the best way possible. Perfect for LS1! I was lucky enough to get Ralph Ciancio just before he retired from the English department, for American Lit...And I still hear Tad Kuroda's voice (American history) whenever I think of the Civil War.

My parents are building a house in Saratoga, so I'll have a free place to stay at last when I visit. Enjoy your last few months!!

By Sunshine916 (Sunshine916) on Saturday, March 20, 2004 - 03:17 pm: Edit

hmmmmmmm what do you people know about Skidmore's Porter Scholarship?

By Lisangel (Lisangel) on Sunday, March 21, 2004 - 08:57 pm: Edit

Hey again guys.. thanks Thricealady for your advice above. I sent in a transfer application to Skidmore last week and will be visiting sometime in April. What is your experience with political activism/awareness on-campus? I seem to be getting mixed reviews--some I hear it is a very liberal school with a "deadhead" atmosphere, and then from others I hear it is politically apathetic with rich girls from long island dominating the school. Do you find people are accepting? Liberal? Apathetic? I'm sure it's also an individual experience but as I've learned each school does have a specific culture. THANKS! and i'm looking forward to visiting in a few weeks!

By Sooky6 (Sooky6) on Sunday, March 21, 2004 - 10:53 pm: Edit

The Greens are active (they brought Ralph Nader while he was running,...something tells me this won't happen this time around!), and of course the college Dems, who have had an ongoing feud with town politicians who have tried to remove the polling place on campus because Skidmore students actually have tilted town elections ---> Democrats when they are very close, as they have been in recent years. (A Skidmore professor was until this year the mayor of Saratoga, and professors run for many local offices.) There is alot of interest in both local and state politics. We had an active group for Bradley in 2000 and traveled to NH to knock on doors during the primaries. There were pretty frequent protests/actions over treatment of workers -- e.g. outsourcing cafeteria food, unionization, living wage.

There are always subcommunities, no matter how small the school, and Skidmore is no different. There are apathetic students and very active students, and neither group defines the community, just add to the mix. Students tend to be very immersed in whatever it is they do, athletics, theater, music, art -- or politics. You'll find those people and get involved if that's what you're interested in.

Sorry Sunshine I don't know much about the Porter scholarship except that it is a great honor extended to few, a big chunk of money and research opportunities. I imagine they've put you in touch with some current Porter students? If not I'm sure they would in a heartbeat if you ask. . . I have a few friends now in medical school/PhD in sciences if you want an alum perspectives, you can email me.

By Sunshine916 (Sunshine916) on Thursday, March 25, 2004 - 11:03 pm: Edit

check your email Sooky! thanks a ton.

By Bluexcow (Bluexcow) on Tuesday, March 30, 2004 - 09:44 pm: Edit

can someone tell me more about the pro's/con's about skidmore?

i'm seriously considering skidmore. vassar threw me a curveball by accepting me so i'm going to get an ulcer trying to decide.

skidmore was very, very generous (i would only have to pay $4,000/yr). i'm waiting for vassar's fin. aid package.

so any help would be greatly appreciated!

By Riverwave (Riverwave) on Thursday, April 01, 2004 - 06:23 pm: Edit

I am going to Skidmore next year, but I have a friend who has been accepted and is now trying to decide whether or not to attend. She is very religious (Catholic) and pretty hard-core Republican. She says she is trying to become "more liberal". Would you reccomend somewhere like Skidmore for her, or do you think she would be shocked by how liberal it is?

By Sooky6 (Sooky6) on Thursday, April 01, 2004 - 08:23 pm: Edit

That's a tough one.

Depends on her personality. She will certainly not be typical in either belief...there are very few regular church goers at Skidmore, and few outspoken conservatives (they tend to lurk around to avoid conflict.) Why is she interested in Skidmore? Is she an easygoing person willing to listen and learn? There are communities of faith on campus (Newman and Christian Fellowship), but they are small. Will this be enough?

In certain departments there is a strong liberal slant, particularly towards feminism, multiculturalism and deconstructionism. You can't avoid these areas at Skidmore because of the core curriculum. . . so how does she feel about that?

I'd say go to Accepted Candidates days and see how it feels...

By Riverwave (Riverwave) on Thursday, April 01, 2004 - 09:14 pm: Edit

Thanks, Sooky
I'm not really all that sure what she wants. She seemed to pick colleges that people she knew were looking at, but she is going to an Accepted Candidates day, so I'll see how that goes. I'll pass your information along to her.

By Songman (Songman) on Friday, April 02, 2004 - 10:33 am: Edit

Hey BlueXcow if you don't go to Skidmore can my son have your fin. package? They offered him nothing! They think we are wealthy! HA that's a joke! Did you get accepted to Vassar?

By Bluexcow (Bluexcow) on Saturday, April 03, 2004 - 03:30 pm: Edit

is skidmore his first choice? it was a 30,000 skidmore grant, which was double the grants i got from other colleges, and then the rest was work study, federal loans/grants and the like.

but skidmore's dean of admission wrote me a little message that said "your wide range of interests and skills and your strong background in volunteerism make you a perfect candidate for vassar. i hope to see you in the fall". it was very cute.

i think you should have your son call up the financial aid office. i don't know if parents usually do that, i would think it would be kind of annoying to the fa people. i plan to do that with vassar. also if similar schools with the same reputation have given him more money, tell them that.

i did get accepted to vassar. but then i just got a letter saying that i haven't sent in everything. so now i must wait some more.

By Marissa515 (Marissa515) on Saturday, April 03, 2004 - 04:21 pm: Edit

hey, can anyone tell me if they know if you can get scholarships once you are in the school?
i REALLY like skidmore.. but my parents REALLY dont like the price. my stats are above their mean... is there ANYWAY i could get money? ahhhh i hate MONEY!

also does anyone know how psychology is it at skidmore? i heard that its pretty strong

By Jrstudent (Jrstudent) on Sunday, April 04, 2004 - 02:33 pm: Edit

Hey Lisangel. Did you visit Skidmore yet. I too am thinking about it. What did you think? Did you do an overnight -- who did they put you up with?

By Songman (Songman) on Tuesday, April 06, 2004 - 11:11 am: Edit

BlueXcow- yes skidmore as of today is his first choice! We can only afford $20,000 a year not $42,000. He is not happy and I guess we were novice parents regarding this whole process. We do plan to appeal as he really wants to go to the Skidmore. Meanwhile Wheaton.MA offered him some money...and UMASS/Amherst is in our budget. It is a dilemma for sure......oh well our daughter is in 7th grade and we will try to be well informed next time around.....For you though I don't know about Vassars rep vs Skidmore. I have heard that they are both good schools but that Vassar is more political/activist than Skidmore...at least in the circles run with.

By Boatboat (Boatboat) on Tuesday, April 06, 2004 - 12:56 pm: Edit

which is a better school....Connecticut College or Skidmore?

By Jasmom (Jasmom) on Tuesday, April 06, 2004 - 01:50 pm: Edit

My son was accepted at Skidmore. One of his top picks, however they offered less $ than any other college. We called Financial Aid. Person my husband spoke to indicated no room for negotiation. Good luck! Let me know if anyone is successful at appealing the aid amount.

By Songman (Songman) on Wednesday, April 07, 2004 - 10:28 am: Edit

jasmom- Thanks for the info.We will let you know .We are visiting the school on monday.....we are not wealthy and we (as a family, three generations in this country)paid a heavy price to get to this point. I am sure your family did also....

By Arcanius (Arcanius) on Sunday, April 11, 2004 - 12:56 am: Edit

Carolyn - hope the ePodunk site is good to you, has helped me a lot. That said, I'm looking at Saratoga Springs as a viable place to live; require terrain, open space, employment, and affordable housing. Will be moving from Bloomington. Any help?

Arcanius

By Songman (Songman) on Tuesday, April 13, 2004 - 02:30 pm: Edit

Went to Skidmore to visit open house for accepted students. My son was accepted so we wanted to check it out further hoping that he can come to a decision on the 4 colleges that accepted him out of the 7 he applied to. Students this is a parent perspective so take it with a grain..ha!

The campus is certainly located in what appears to be a nice town-Saratoga,NY- Old Victorian homes line the main street and the shops are upscale somewhat. The architecture to the campus is a blend of modern, 1960's brick look and would give it a B as some areas just were not clean or neat...We saw two dorms they were ok. Dark in hallways not as nice as some other schools but hey it is a college dorm.

One gets the sense that creativity does abound around this campus. As a former hippie I thought" hey this is where all the hippies disappeared to" The mode of dress ran from some grunge (if they still use that word)- to a notch below prep. Didn't see much prep at all. Maybe prep dress is dead? Or I am too old and grunge,skater stuff is prep? Saw several athletic types who seemed to enjoy being in this hippie like environment. hmmmmmm big athletic fish in small athletic college pond? Of course what I know about Skidmore's athleteic program is minimal so that is my opinion which could be dead wrong...... All the students were polite and direct, honest and sincere in some random discussions we had regarding the college. The admin planned a nice day for us. The highlight was a professor that dressed like I did 30 years ago, but was obviously very intelligent and he gave a sample lecture to accepted students and parents. If even 1/2 of the prof's at Skidmore are like this professor ,I would like to go back to college! Again creativity could actually be felt at this college , not like the other colleges that attempt to pitch that they are creative. I felt it here...and heck I am a stuffed shirt,white collar old foagy that was always a frustrated musician ,but took the business route to make a buck!

They had several students on a panel that for first time at one of these college functions actually appeared to be "the regular" type of student. Instead of hyped up over achievers. They were all honest and direct especially to the accepted student question as to whether or not Skidmore was the "reefer madness school according to the Princeton Review?". (or some question about reefer?)I don't think the admin appreciated this question ,but they handled it well.

They seem to have all the facilties and resources that a student would want or need. There seems to enough activities on and off campus in order to prevent boredom. What really struck me about this school is that (to a business guy like me)the students seemed to enjoy being creative,proud of their majors and exuded an enthusiasm for the arts. They did not appear to be delusional regarding making arts careers fit with the real world of making a living, etc. They appeared to have connected the dots ,that even in the arts or with a creative career, that nothing gets done or funded until one of us business types promote or funds it... Their career choices or goals seemed to be based in reality? Remember we spoke to students that were off the tour path. Smart kids IMHO.....Meanwhile the school requires a course in economics and statistics in order to graduate? Maybe this is why? Either way... I felt that this college actually lives up to its motto! And Skidmore's is "Creative Thought matters"

By Sooky6 (Sooky6) on Tuesday, April 13, 2004 - 11:35 pm: Edit

Songman, very astute observations. You have the student characteristics nailed. Glad you had a good visit. The key is that creativity is pervasive across disciplines -- its not a bunch of actors and painters, though these areas are more visible than at most LACs.

By Weenie (Weenie) on Wednesday, April 21, 2004 - 11:23 am: Edit

Wow, this is an intersting forum!

My son and I visited Skidmore last week. Unfortunately, we had the MOST bizarre families on our tour! It sort of skewed our perception of the place. Well, any way, that's another story.

Overall, I liked Skidmore. I liked the fact that the kids seemed really engaged in stuff that wasn't all drinking-related (i.e. frats, and that "It's so boring here" attitude). They were enthused about the play that was going on that weekend!

My son was concerned that maybe it was TOO artsy. The only other school he has toured is Bucknell, so there was a contrast. However, he plays trumpet and wants to be able to play in college (not as a major though). Other than that, he has no idea what he wants to do!


So what I'm wondering is, Does Skidmore have a strong enough reputation in areas other than the arts? Is there a good enough mix of kids there?

By Songman (Songman) on Wednesday, April 21, 2004 - 01:42 pm: Edit

Good reputation in writing/English also. Yes we did get the feeling that it was artsy....but practical in their approach. We also did not get the feeling that a bunch of lazy kids are sitting around all day and drinking latte's discussing the evil aspects to capitalism. What struck us was that some areas of the school were not tidy.......UMASS/Amherst a large state school that has 4 times the students than Skidmore has was cleaner than Skidmore is. Just a silly observation for what it is worth.

My son may not go as he did not receive any awards(the claim they do not give out scholarchips directly from school funds only need based aid)and the tuition is way over the top for us as our EFC is too high according to FAFSA.....nice school though and it is his number one choice today. Tomorrow it will be Kenyon and the next day Skidmore......Help save us parents!

By Weenie (Weenie) on Wednesday, April 21, 2004 - 02:44 pm: Edit

Interesting about Skidmore not being especially clean...I thought the same thing! Maybe they're spending their money on other things? My son will also look at Kenyon, as both father and grandfather are alumni. I had sticker shock there too, and would certainly need some sort of serious financial aid. I have no idea how any of that works yet, though. Son is a junior.

By Songman (Songman) on Wednesday, April 21, 2004 - 03:01 pm: Edit

Weenie- well all I can say is read everything you can on these boards about fin aid- we were clueless and now my son is in a dilemma.....what I learned so far is do your homework and if you pick a school like Kenyon or a 2nd or third tier school (private) go with early decision.They award money and give most of it to the early decision crowd. I am sure some could dispute this point. There are always exceptions. Also apply to your best state school and get as early a decision as you can there too.They have grants and a kid we knew got all 4 years paid at UMASS/Amherst and it was not for need! It was merit money! Check all this out before filing FAFSA. Once the FAFSA goes to the schools you are labeled wealthy.This assumes your income is over 100,000 a year.. then you will spend all your time defending the FAFSA and you get away from the real point at hand. As we all know in most suburbs or near big cities $100,000+ a year is not wealthy and some would debate if this income range is even middle class. That is another thread though..visit as many schools as you can now! or at least your short list.

We wasted time in Maine with Bowdoin, Bates and Colby only to discover our son didn't like the state of Maine.....I know this sounds like overachiever, looney tunes stuff.....But if you and your husband can visit the schools as your D will have to spend all her time with SAT"s AP's and all that.... visit and get catalogs and read every word! We should have started this in 10th grade. We did not know the extent of the work involved! By the way. Our friend's son was lazy so he picked Bucknell early decision....was all over the admin office and everyone involved. He got in and threw all the catalogs away to the other 9 schools that he and his parents were going to look at. The kid said " all these schools are the same and I am not buying into all this craziness" Wise student no?

By Sooky6 (Sooky6) on Wednesday, April 21, 2004 - 03:38 pm: Edit

Weenie funny you say that bc its the exact reason I went to Skidmore--to play French horn but not major in music (I chose American history). The dept was perfect for me bc of the plentiful talented musicians but very low competition for groups, because we basically created groups out of whomever was present that semester...so I could play as much as I wanted (or didn't want) depending on my schedule. My younger brother graduates this year and has played trumpet there the whole time while majoring in econ and playing a varsity sport (and studying abroad). this flexibility and breadth is a hallmark of the place.

the top departments are English, art, biology, and business, all of which are very high quality.

By Songman (Songman) on Wednesday, April 21, 2004 - 04:48 pm: Edit

Say sooky6! my son plays French Horn....so are you playing in the Skidmore symphony or did you? Or the local one that Skidmore has an arrangement with? What did you like the most about Skidmore,the least?

From a parent's point of view $42,000 per year is a hefty sum....He likes Skidmore and Kenyon the most of his list of acceptances ,but Skidmore is the most expensive of the four schools he was accepted to....do you feel it is worth every cent? thanks for any info you can provide....

By Sooky6 (Sooky6) on Wednesday, April 21, 2004 - 06:38 pm: Edit

does he really how funny!! I'm still close friends with my horn teacher there, who has mentored my brother as well as a brass coach. I was a finalist for the Filene scholarship, but went anyway when I didn't win. I played in the orchestra all 4 years, as did my brother (just finishing up this semester). It was fabulous. Skidmore sends students to the Schenectady Symphony, but the skidmore orchestra itself is excellent as well. It was a thrill, and I miss it. I also did quintets and brass choirs, solo performances, pit orchestras, etc. It was a smorgasbord! Musically it was great for both my brother and I, who love playing (music was main EC for both of us), but love many other things too and want balance. It was important to both of us that we be able to participate to whatever level we were comfortable, and it worked out really well. the Filene family funds great guest performers and visiting musicians, and the scene is as lively as it is in theater or visual arts.

Most, I can't really say...I guess I'd say the students I met there. They were remarkable then and as an alum its fascinating to see what they end up doing in the world. The faculty relationships...Saratoga....the creativity that you picked up on when you visited. I was sucked in academically from my first semester, and it never stopped. Least? ...the core curriculum was a pain at times, but it also forced me to take some great classes I wouldn't have taken otherwise...but I would have liked more flexibility.

I know its an awful lot of money. I was fortunate that my parents were able to pay (thanks to an inheritance, bless her heart in heaven...). My parents, having sent two kids there, couldn't be any happier about their investment. I'm sure there are other parents that would have built their dream house with the money and sent us to State U! I was a big fish in a small pond at Skidmore and really grew up there, and my brother was similar. I don't know much about Kenyon, but a young woman my age who works in Alum Affairs at Skidmore went there and loved her experience. She decided she wanted to work in development at a liberal arts college because of her experience at Kenyon, and loves working for Skidmore now because she is out there supporting the cause of liberal arts (hopefully increasing our ability to provide better financial aid for people like you!!)

I know I am biased, but I think that you just can't compare the quality of education at places like Kenyon or Skidmore with UMass. Many of the building blocks are there at large universities, but the attention you receive and the opportunities you have to play a role in the community are unique at LACs. I'd wouldn't be where I am today without it, I'm 100% sure.

You can email me (in profile) if you want. I am truly sympathetic to your situation (I can see myself in the same place in a few years...)

By Thedad (Thedad) on Wednesday, April 21, 2004 - 07:57 pm: Edit

Hmmm. As a side note here, my D also plays the French horn...but she's not going to Skidmore.

She was accepted to the Honors Program but fwiw Skidmore offered the worst financial aid of the four schools she was accepted at. (Songman, she was also 4 for 7.)

By Sooky6 (Sooky6) on Wednesday, April 21, 2004 - 08:30 pm: Edit

My conductor used to say it says alot about a kid when they choose to play the horn as a 10 or 11 year old and stick with it. Its very difficult early on and the rewards don't come until later...but the parts you get are amazing. It takes alot of sensitivity and maturity to play well (if I do say so myself.)

By Thedad (Thedad) on Thursday, April 22, 2004 - 01:37 am: Edit

I'll pass that thought on to my D. She's really blossomed with it in just the last year. One wonders what she'd do if she practiced a lot...no help for it, academics and ballet suck all the time. She has a private lesson once a week and practices maybe two other days. Of course, during the week she has French horn two periods a day, band *and* orchestra.

By Songman (Songman) on Thursday, April 22, 2004 - 11:24 am: Edit

Thedad- I called Skidmore and they reported that they do not give out merit awards at all? They claimed that all their awards are need based only . (that excludes our family). The fin aid officer went on to say that "skidmore has 4 scholarships (Filene etc)and that's it". Well next time we will be smarter. I should have asked about the size of the school's endowment. You live and you learn. In a way,not to place blame, but I wish the GC has provided some guidance as to the schools that might provide a merit award? Why? They accepted our son and they could have accepted someone that would be able to pay the bill or qualify for aid.....I am sure they will fill his slot maybe with the wait list?

Sooky6- thanks for your comments....

By Sooky6 (Sooky6) on Thursday, April 22, 2004 - 12:00 pm: Edit

Does seem that your GC should have made that clear...best of luck to you Songman!!

By Songman (Songman) on Tuesday, April 27, 2004 - 11:22 am: Edit

My son is sending in the "will not attend" notice to Skidmore. oh well......he is not happy and we all learned a lesson here as a family.

By Thedad (Thedad) on Tuesday, April 27, 2004 - 11:55 am: Edit

Songman, where is your S attending?

By Songman (Songman) on Tuesday, April 27, 2004 - 12:39 pm: Edit

Ansered on another board - Parents forum- help decision time! UMASS/Amherst

By Songman (Songman) on Tuesday, May 25, 2004 - 01:49 pm: Edit

That is -Answered on another board- ok time to refresh Skidmore's tab

By Songman (Songman) on Thursday, June 17, 2004 - 12:24 am: Edit

bump

By Travelr (Travelr) on Thursday, August 19, 2004 - 07:50 am: Edit

Hello all...I happened upon this forum, which I find very informative. I am a Skidmore alum and would be happy to answer any questions-I feel it is necessary to have input from that vantage point.

By Travelr (Travelr) on Thursday, August 19, 2004 - 08:07 am: Edit

My experience with Skidmore was an overridingly positive one. I had been at a very conservative boarding school in the NE, for which Skidmore was certainly a "fringe choice." If you were REALLY liberal you went to Vassar or really, really liberal Sarah Lawrence.
I also applied to Conn College, Hamilton, and Bowdoin. I was accepted to the two former, and rejected from the latter.
I chose Skidmore because I needed a new perspective: I had been surrounded by predominantly wealthy WASP type A's all my life. I loved the fact that you could socialize in a more creative manner, frats did not interest me, and I found the core cirriculum well-rounded.
When I arrived at Skidmore, I discovered that the constituency was still, largely, upper class, white, prep school kids, there was more diversity than I had ever experienced: jewish, black, gay, and public scbool students. I did visit my friends at "peer schools" and also found Skidmore students to be very sophisticated and mature. Instead of doing a keg stand on a Saturday night, a Skidmore student is more likely to have a picnic on the Green with someone playing guitar (although there is plenty of the keg scene, if you want it. Just no hazing).
I saw little to no pot at school. I was an econ major, German minor and I thoroughly loved both programs. I am remiss to say I did not take an art course at Skidmore, but did appear in several plays.
Finally, Saratoga is hard to beat as a college town. The region has so much to offer.

By Tagran86 (Tagran86) on Sunday, September 19, 2004 - 10:04 pm: Edit

I was wondering if anyone here could judge what my chances might be...

It won't be that painful...

SAT I : Math 710 Verbal 750
SAT II : Ecological Biology 700 US History 720 Writing 730
ACT : Composite 32 (99th Percentile)
PSAT : 1600 composite 234 NM semi finalist as thus.
APEURO: 4
APUSH: 4
AP BIO: 5
AP STUDIO: School doesn't offer class, but I took exam anyway 5

Top Honors in National Latin Exam (Gold) all 4 years. (Not many people do this).
Placed Second, Second, Third, and 7th in the nation at National Junior Classical League Convention (3000-4000 People)
Placed 8th, 4th, 1st, and 3rd at Ohio Junior Classical League Convention (c. 1000 People)

All A's Freshman year
A's and B's Sophomore Year
A's and B's Junior Year
Probably A's and B's senior year.
(All of my A's were in AP Classes, the B's were in Honors Classes, I've always taken the hardest classes offered.)
GPA : weighted 4.04 unweighted...3.7? Not sure exactly
Rank: 10/121 (will be around 6/121 when graduating)

Signed up for AP US GOV (4?), AP COMPAR GOV (4?), AP ENGLISH (5?), AP CHEM (4?), AP CALC (5?), and AP VERGIL (4/5?) for next year.

President of the Art Club
Lawyer in Mock Trial
President as well as other offices in big Latin Club
Varsity Chess since 8th Grade
Tennis for 3 years
NHS Senior Year
Teen Counseling Senior Year
One on One counseling Senior Year
Mock Trial Senior Year

Did A Mural in our local park for community service, one planned for new school.
40 Hours for mural.
40 Hours for teen counseling.
20 Hours for one on one.
20 Hours political campaigning.

Really good RECs including one from painting professor at Centre College.

And most importantly, an excellent portfolio, praised at National Portfolio Day by colleges as well as professors at various other colleges. It got a 5 on the AP Studio Art exam--and I'm going to school for Art, so this is a huge part of my application. I did Studio Art my Junior year, and so I still have a couple months to refine my portfolio for portfolio day in the fall.

So what do you think? Skidmore has a great and extensive art program. Having a liberal arts college where roughly a fifth of the students are art majors is a great situation for me. Can I get in? I'm hoping I have a fairly good chance, but then again you never know.

By Thedad (Thedad) on Monday, September 20, 2004 - 01:49 am: Edit

You should be one of Skidmore's top candidates, I think.

One of the biggest knocks on Skidmore, as you can see reading between the lines of Travelr's post, is that it's not very diverse. It was the "whitest" college of any that my D applied to (and it was her safety) and the sense we got from the local Skidmore meeting/presentation was that it has a lot of not-quite-first-tier students from prep schools.

The arts and performing arts classes sound phenomenal.

By Sooky6 (Sooky6) on Monday, September 20, 2004 - 08:24 pm: Edit

If you want to study art in a broader liberal arts environment, you'll find many, many kindred spirits at Skidmore. They have rejected/waitlisted students that I've interviewed with similar stats, but only because they weren't our style. An excellent portfolio counts for alot. Good luck