Skidmore College
Reviews

Not Looking to Stay for 4 Years

It was far too similar to my high school experience. It runs mostly identical to a private high school. I don't want to spend 4 years hear and if I do I will try to study abroad which is one of the best things this school has to offer, besides amazing food.

Still an All Girls School

Yes the school is coed now. But half the male population is gay and thus the percent of straight guys to girls feels like 20:80

Happy People Go to Skidmore

The best thing about Skidmore is that there is something for everyone. Everybody is happy and generally wants to be there.

Drugs

The drug scene is there is you want it and not if you don't. It's not something you have to, I party plenty and have never been but into and uncomfortable position with drugs. Although pot, is everywhere.

Studio Art

I'm a Studio Art major at Skidmore and it's been a wonderful experience. We have great classes, studio spaces and professors. The only thing making Skidmore not an A+ is that in some of the smaller studio areas we have one teacher for the subject so if you disagree with them, it can be hard.

Realistic Dreamers

Skidmore is definitely a college for people who have big dreams, but want to actually find a job when they graduate. The faculty are frequently more than willing to assist ambitious students in finding jobs, and for the location in upstate New York there are a surprising number of cool internships to be had. People are definitely open-minded and incredibly intelligent, but there is a bit more focus on learning the rules before you start breaking them. I think it is great, I have a strong basis in English literature which allows me to deeply understand contemporary creative writing.

Not That Bad

Skidmore seems pretty normal for a small liberal arts school to me. It is uncommon for a student to never come in contact with drugs, but I have read that smarter students tend to be more open minded, though I am not talking about drug addicts here. Everyone seems to function fairly well, with an occasional exception. I only ever felt pressured to drink before I knew that no one cares if you say no. I have gone for more than 6 months without drinking a drop and felt totally fine, with no effect within my social life.

Small Vs Large Departments

The academics at Skidmore are quite good, though many departments are small. The English department, for instance, has many professors with many specializations, from creative writing to literature studies. But departments such as the various languages, American Studies, and others, have very few professors, and thus little variety in classes or subjects of study. It seems to me that even discussion must be somewhat limited within those smaller departments, as a few professors cannot possibly possess the same amount of knowledge as many who are just as successful, if not more, within their fields of study.

I give Skidmore an A because the departments that are very strong, such as English and Studio Art, but not forgetting departments such as sociology, biology, and music, are wonderful, although the smaller departments could probably use expansion. The professors are intelligent, willing to talk, and will almost always make time in their schedules for students even at their busiest.

Campo Won't Chase You

Unless you're really stupid or the campus security guy had a bad day, you'll almost never get in trouble. People smoke pot with campo walking right behind them and don't even get a warning.

Always an Open Computer

There's always a computer that's available in any of the labs on campus. The only problem is that the new log-in system is painfully slow on Windows computers.

Off Campus Food Rocks

Ok, so its expensive, but the food is great. The Italian and Chinese food could be better, but everything else is pretty legit! There are great Japanese, Indian, Mexican and café food. I basically live at Coffee Traders

Gym Could Get Better, but the Library Is Beautiful

The gym needs more equipment. The dining hall is beautiful. Most of the campus is actually beautiful. My only complaint is the gym.

Policy Enforcement

There has been a lot of policy enforcement on campus to allow students to understand the risks in drugs and alcohol usage. There is little-to-no peer pressure among students.

Very Safe Environment

The Skidmore campus is very safe and secure because Campus Safety is always working in our favor to make sure things run smoothly.

Could Be Better

The social atmosphere is ok. It can be a bit cliquey at times, but for the most part people are nice. The dorms are ok, but could be better. Most dorms, you can't control the temperature of your room or floor. The bathrooms and kitchens can be pretty gross sometimes.

No Complaints

All the facilities on campus are pretty nice. The school buildings host a lot of classrooms and lab rooms. The library is great, it's 4 floors. Sports center is pretty decent.

Facilities Are Ok

The facilities are ok. The gym and the dance studios are great and the library is pretty good too. The problem I have is that Skidmore doesn't have a ton of places besides the library to hang out and study or just hang out with friends in between classes. Pretty much it's just Burgess Cafe, but it gets old to be at the same place every day.

Really Safe

Skidmore's campus is very safe. It's small enough that I never feel uncomfortable walking alone after dark anywhere on campus and the town is small and quiet with limited weirdos.

The Other Scribnah

Scribner Library has a lot of amenities available for student use, but they are often not accessed. I wish there were more areas for students to comfortably study, but what we have is pretty good.

College Has Flawed Policy on on-Campus Drinking

The college's drinking policy is deeply flawed, treating students like campers, not adults.

If You Don't Compare It to Home, Fantastic!

It's a little expensive and of course there are things people complain about and want changed, but overall it's fantastic for a college campus. They frequently try new things in the dining hall and listen to students suggestions every few days on the napkin board. The theme dinners that are held a few times a semester are my favorite.

Great for College Food

For a college, the food is actually pretty good. The options are diverse (vegetarian, pizza, sandwiches, pasta, etc.) and the space itself is organized well--it's also pretty big and looks like a spaceship which is awesome. I also love that it's the only one on campus so it adds a level of socializing to it too.

Always Available on Late Nights

Skidmore provides free bus rides to and from downtown both during the day up until 4AM. After that, they'll cover your taxi ride home from a late night at the bars. They definitely want to make sure everyone can get home safely.

Super Safe

I've never felt unsafe on campus or off. Campus safety is always around day and night and the downtown bar scene never feels too creepy.

Overall, Pretty Positive

Skidmore has allowed me to expand myself personally and intellectually. I have met some amazing people from all walks of life and have found a community in which I feel comfortable. The party scene is pretty prevalent, but not obligatory. Also, as a student on financial aid it's been hard balancing school and work, especially since the majority of students are white and upper-middle class.