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Bennington College

How this student rated the school
Educational QualityA Faculty AccessibilityA+
Useful SchoolworkA- Excess CompetitionA
Academic SuccessA+ Creativity/ InnovationA+
Individual ValueA+ University Resource UseB+
Campus Aesthetics/ BeautyA+ FriendlinessA+
Campus MaintenanceB+ Social LifeA
Surrounding CityB Extra CurricularsB
SafetyA+
Describes the student body as:
Friendly, Arrogant, Approachable

Describes the faculty as:
Friendly, Helpful

Female
SAT1360
Quite Bright
Lowest Rating
Surrounding City
B
Highest Rating
Faculty Accessibility
A+
She rated most things higher than other students did.
Date: Aug 29 2008
Major: Art & Design Department (This Major's Salary over time)
I am going to be a Senior this year and while I am looking forward to graduating, and living in the "real world", I am already dreading the thought of not being at Bennington any more.

The first year can be very difficult, as I think it is at many schools. Getting used to living away from home, making new friends, adjusting to the independence, etc. Perhaps the level of freedom, both academic and personal, afforded at Bennington makes it even harder for some people. I have heard this is particularly true at all "alternative" schools because there is less structure and first year students are treated more like adults than at other schools. Freshman tend to flounder a bit, looking for where they fit in. This is when people tend to drink too much, hook up too much, etc. People also seem to worry too much about what their concentration is going to be and whether they will make it academically. Those who make it through that period though are rewarded with excellent professors, Field Work Term experiences worth their weight in gold, and very, very good friends.

Socially, Bennington is a very close community, which can at times can feel a bit too close, but now that the end is near, I realize how much I have gone through with all of these people, the experiences we have shared, and I know that I will continue to know many of them long after school is over. They are a part of my life now, my family, and extended family. There are many different kinds of people on campus and many things to do for such a small campus. There are fun theme parties and some cool traditions. There are always student performances going on, lake paran for swimming, movies and restaurants in town.

I have found the academics at Bennington to be exciting and challenging. The professors really encourage you to expand your thinking, make connections between the disciplines, and to really learn HOW to learn. Because of the small classes, and small school in general, we have very close relationships with professors and, because they are all professionals in the fields in which they teach, they have proven to be great connections for contacts and jobs. I have also taken a couple of classes at Williams College (right down the road) and have found that really added to my experience with some more traditional classes.

For those of you thinking about attending: Bennington is not really a big party school. There is of course some partying, but mostly the students are hard working, creative, interesting people. Most are planning to go to graduate school, and so are pretty serious students. We, of course, have our close friends, but everyone is really pretty friendly with eachother. Bennington IS a small school, but if you like the idea of living in a house with 30 of your closest friends, of coming in to the dining hall and knowing there will always be someone there you know to sit with, of having classes with many of the same people then it might be the school for you!

Last, the campus is BEAUTIFUL!! I will really miss it!

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