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One of my kids will be going there this Fall. It seems to suit him. Is it really as "all work and no play" as some reviews suggest? I know that it's not a sports and fraternity oriented college. That's what he wants. But do the students there ever have a good time and kick back?
While we are there - it's a good eight hour drive - we are staying a few days. After getting him settled in his dorm, are there any local attractions for my wife and I to enjoy?
We want to take him out to a restaurant before we leave. He's a vegan. We are not. Are there any vegan friendly restaurants?
We like antiques, book stores and historic spots, if that is of any help.
For many years, I coached a small college soccer team and one of our opponents was Marlboro, so I'm familiar with the school on that basis. It is in a very, very small town, so based on your questions, I'd suggest you stay in Brattleboro, which is about 20 minutes away. You'll certainly find a vegan restaurant there, as well as book and antique stores.
I was never under the impression that it was an "all work and no play" sort of school. I thought the students were a bit eccentric, although very likeable. The campus, as you will see, is in a very remote location, so perhaps there's just not much to do on campus other than focus on studies (which isn't such a bad thing, is it)?
Wilmington is also close (west of Marlboro, Bratt is to the east), but is smaller the Bratt so a bit more limited. Good luck.
For many years, I coached a small college soccer team and one of our opponents was Marlboro, so I'm familiar with the school on that basis. It is in a very, very small town, so based on your questions, I'd suggest you stay in Brattleboro, which is about 20 minutes away. You'll certainly find a vegan restaurant there, as well as book and antique stores.
I was never under the impression that it was an "all work and no play" sort of school. I thought the students were a bit eccentric, although very likeable. The campus, as you will see, is in a very remote location, so perhaps there's just not much to do on campus other than focus on studies (which isn't such a bad thing, is it)?
Wilmington is also close (west of Marlboro, Bratt is to the east), but is smaller the Bratt so a bit more limited. Good luck.
It is definitely an eccentric school. That's fine because he's eccentric and individualistic.
According to "The Best 366 Colleges" and "The Insider's Guide to Colleges", it it academically intense and rigorous. There are not many clubs and activities and people tend to study a lot.
That's a good thing. However, I want him to have fun.
Do they get any bands (not marching bands) there? Any parties? There do not seem to be many clubs either.
Your information was very helpful.
We were staying at the Whetstone. Now it looks like we aren't. I'll check out Wilmington also.
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Yes, they have a very, very serious music program. The Marlboro soccer coach once called me the day of a game (there) to cancel because a noted pianist was on campus, and he demanded that there be no unnecessary noise anywhere. The soccer field was a long way from the music building, too.
To the OP, not sure about bands/parties. My impression of Marlboro students was that they were very serious and quiet. Also, the campus, as you'll soon find out, is in a very remote area. There's nothing nearby the campus except a lot of forest.
I graduated from Marlboro about five years ago. I'm sure some stuff has changed, and some has stayed the same, but I can only speak of what it was like when I was there.
Of course students kick back and have a good time. It is very rigorous academically, but no one frowns on fun, either. People work hard because the Marlboro curriculum, which assigns very little busy work and encourages independent thought, inspires people to work hard. There aren't many clubs, and the sports that Marlboro has aren't very organized, but there are a number or school-organized events that allow people to get together and have fun. Parties happen, bands and performers and speakers come if people put the effort into bringing them. Mostly I'd say people make their own fun. The woods around the school are lovely and great for skiing and snow-shoeing and hiking. There are a lot of diverse interests among the student body that makes for some great conversations and experiences you wouldn't have anywhere else.
You can definitely get bored. The closest real town being 30 minuets away can be challenging. Cabin fever can set in. There will be opportunities that your son won't have at Marlboro that he would have at other schools, but will also have opportunities he wouldn't get anywhere else. Also, there are very few distractions when you don't want them.
As far as your questions about the area, the businesses have changed around a good bit since I was there, but ask around at the college and I'm sure someone can tell you all the good places to get vegan food. The co-op there is great and will have plenty that's vegan. There are a number of bookstores, if you just walk around town you will find those and a couple antique shops too.
I graduated from Marlboro about five years ago. I'm sure some stuff has changed, and some has stayed the same, but I can only speak of what it was like when I was there.
Of course students kick back and have a good time. It is very rigorous academically, but no one frowns on fun, either. People work hard because the Marlboro curriculum, which assigns very little busy work and encourages independent thought, inspires people to work hard. There aren't many clubs, and the sports that Marlboro has aren't very organized, but there are a number or school-organized events that allow people to get together and have fun. Parties happen, bands and performers and speakers come if people put the effort into bringing them. Mostly I'd say people make their own fun. The woods around the school are lovely and great for skiing and snow-shoeing and hiking. There are a lot of diverse interests among the student body that makes for some great conversations and experiences you wouldn't have anywhere else.
You can definitely get bored. The closest real town being 30 minuets away can be challenging. Cabin fever can set in. There will be opportunities that your son won't have at Marlboro that he would have at other schools, but will also have opportunities he wouldn't get anywhere else. Also, there are very few distractions when you don't want them.
As far as your questions about the area, the businesses have changed around a good bit since I was there, but ask around at the college and I'm sure someone can tell you all the good places to get vegan food. The co-op there is great and will have plenty that's vegan. There are a number of bookstores, if you just walk around town you will find those and a couple antique shops too.
Hope this helps.
Yes it does help. He is very intense academically, and strongly individualistic. He's interested in studying Art, the environment and in perfecting his talents as a writer. He loves winter sports and hiking.
Perhaps I am projecting my own desires on to my son.
The cabin fever thing is a bit of a concern, but in general, it seems like a good fit.
Thanks for responding.
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) there? Any parties? There do not seem to be many clubs either. 
