Skidmore College
Saratoga Springs, NY, USA

Reviews

Skidmore College

Rasheed from Brooklyn, NY

a current student here
25 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
One can learn a great deal at Skidmore College because the classes are designed to enhance critical thinking and social awareness. Students are encouraged to ask many questions in class discussions and in lectures. Most professors assign research projects and ask one of the several librarians to lecture their class on how to properly use the library database to search for sources, instead of using Google for sophisticated, college-level research. Lectures generally consist of 45 students, with small discussion groups. Furthermore, there exists an 8 to 1 student to staff ratio and the staff is almost always available to assist students who have difficulties in a specific subject.
Am enjoying being here
Most students enjoy being at Skidmore College because they find multiple ways of entertainment, such as going to on or off-campus parties, joining campus groups or clubs, participating in different choirs and acapella groups, socializing in the dining hall or the dorms. Students also enjoy being on campus because of the freedom from direct parental control and the freedom to express their individuality.
Bang for the buck
Skidmore College is an expensive institution, but people are getting their money’s worth because the education is excellent. According to the college, it costs $63,000 to educate each student, but the tuition is a little over $52,000. There is state of the art technology in business and science building and services are great and well funded. Classes are generally comfortable and small and the environment is well maintained.
Tips for prospective students
Prospective students should look forward to challenging work, a great social life, and enhanced critical thinking should they decide to attend Skidmore College. Prospective students, when sending in their application and or doing an interview, need to emphasize their personal responsibility, social responsibility and commitment to social tolerance, open-mindedness, demonstrate a gracious personality, and remain confident. Prospective students should also convey their honesty. Finally, for those, who will need financial aid, they need to work and save their money and search for scholarships because the college life is not cheap.
Great for these types of students
Skidmore College is great for aspiring artists, musicians, dancers, and actors because it has a terrific arts program. But Skidmore College is also a great institution for future businessmen/businesswomen through its exceptional business program and business project with actual business executives. For future historians, politicians-diplomats, and teachers, Skidmore College has an outstanding government and history department and professors have great connections.

Taylor from Waterboro, ME

a current student here
13 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Skidmore College is the perfect school if you're looking for a small liberal arts college. The classes are small and intimate, the professors brilliant and personable, and the courses are wide-ranging for those who are unsure of what they are interested in. The campus is beautiful and the city of Saratoga is safe and quaint.
Tips for prospective students
The courses are challenging, but as long as the classes are well-attended and homework is completed, it is not difficult to succeed. Get to know the professors; they love to have students visit them in their offices and chat outside on the green. Make friends! There are a multitude of clubs, sports, and committees to join at Skidmore and plenty of friends to be made.
Academic Rigor
Some courses are more difficult than others. I found that most of the intro classes are easier on the workload, but once you get into advanced classes, they are much smaller, more intimate, and more demanding.
Dorm Life
The dorms are wonderful! There are some that are nicer than others, but the Residential Life staff is amazing and always willing to help however they can. The rooms are spacious. The bathrooms are more private than a typical floor-wide bathroom.
Food and Dining
The food at Skidmore is absolutely incredible! The dining hall itself is gorgeous. There are plenty of seats available and the chairs and booths are comfortable. There is a pasta station, pizza, and a diner. There is also a Global Cafe which serves a variety of different food from around the world as well as Emily's Garden, a vegetarian station. The salad bar is extensive as is the sandwich station. There is also a grill for making your own stir fry or omelettes. The staff is very friendly and the hours are great. There are also three other places on campus to get sandwiches, snacks, and drinks.
What to do for fun
There are plenty of clubs to join at Skidmore, ranging from the environmental club, to ultimate frisbee, to the running club. There is an on-campus clubhouse where bands play and dances are held many days of the week. There are concerts, shows, and productions happening all around campus. The green is always open for people to play frisbee. There is a pond where people can lounge around and read or do homework. Every year, there are several events that are school-wide and a ton of fun to go to.
Bang for the buck
It's expensive, but well, well worth it! Some of my classes have only 7 students, so I get plenty of one-on-one time with the professors. The professors genuinely care about their students. Their office hours are plentiful and they often like to meet students outside of class for coffee or even to babysit! Everyone is professional. The health services is wonderful. The Skid Shop has almost all of the books and the library has a wide selection of books and movies that are free to rent. The food is also amazing!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Fun Day happens during the spring and is a day that everyone comes outside and enjoys bounce houses, cotton candy, a BBQ, and bands galore. The pond is a wonferful place to go when you are looking for somewhere quiet and peaceful. The Naked Run is amusing to watch and fulfilling to particiapte in.
Great for these types of students
Artsy, introverted and extroverted, athletic, optimistic, those that like small classes, those that like a small city with plenty to do, those that like personal relationships with their professors, those that have no idea what they are looking to do with their lives, members of the LGBTQ community.
Clubs and Activities
Skidmore offers many Division 3 sports. There are clubs for everything. Pride Alliance for the LGBTQ community, BARE, the sex forum, SGA the Student Government Association, Christian Fellowship, Hillel, and so on. There are clubs for everyone. There are also many athletic clubs such as the Running Club as well as intramurals.
Greek Life
None! No hazing, no huge parties. Safe and quiet.
Campus Safety
Campo patrols constantly. The urgent notification system is great at emailing and texting students when something is going on around campus that requires immediate attention. They are all incredibly kind people that don't want to bust people, just want to keep them safe. They allow you to enjoy your college experience, but everyone's safety is their number one concern. I find them to be the most fair people I have ever met, and they are very understanding.

Mandy

a current student here
8 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Skidmore College is a liberal arts college in Saratoga Springs, New York. With an undergraduate student body of roughly 2,600, the school is quite small, but it is still large enough for a student to meet new people every day. Small class sizes make for intensive contact with professors and fellow students. It is not a big party school per se, but does have some good social life, and is located in a lovely town.
Tips for prospective students
- Be sure you are ready for the cold, long winters.
- Be sure you want to be at a small school. Skidmore isn't too small, but for many people it can feel isolated.
- There isn't much school spirit at Skidmore - while the athletic department has its strengths, the school as a whole is more focused on the arts.
Academic Rigor
The course load is very high at Skidmore, and most students will have pulled one (or many) all-nighters. It does vary a lot between courses. Overall, there will be much work, but it will be rewarding.
Dorm Life
It very much depends on the specific dorm you are placed in how great of an experience you will have. Most dorms are very decent, but some dorms have more of a party atmosphere than others. Overall, the dorms are nice. Bathrooms are mostly suite-style, and gender-neutral, all-female, and substance-free floors are available.
Food and Dining
Overall, the dining services at Skidmore are excellent, but as a student you will most likely get bored with the food - as you probably will at any comparative school. There are many options and also opportunities to cook for yourself.
What to do for fun
Situated in a lovely small town, Saratoga Springs, Skidmore is surrounded by a lovely area. The shops downtown - while expensive - are great, and restaurants are found in abundance. Furthermore, the location within the state of New York is great: Skidmore is at the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, so outdoor adventures are waiting not too far from the school. It is about a 3-4 hour drive to Montreal, Boston, and New York City. Skidmore itself has a plethora of clubs and activities to be involved in, especially the acapella and improv groups are popular.

Michelle

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Skidmore is a place where intelligence is more than regurgitating textbooks. Skidmore College values what the individual has to offer and contribute. Creative thought is emphasized in all aspects of one's educational experience at Skidmore College.
Tips for prospective students
Skidmore College values multifaceted individuals. It is not enough to just have good grades. One's extracurricular, leadership, and community involvement are also highly considered in the admission process. Furthermore, Skidmore College admires those with a passion to learn.
Academic Rigor
Skidmore College is academically challenging. The classroom environment is engaging and fulfilling.
Dorm Life
The dorms are quite spacious and comfortable. Most dorms have window seats with lovely views.
Food and Dining
There is a wide variety of food choices. The Dining Hall is buffet style. Included in the Dining Hall are many different stations. These include the pizza station (different pizza at all times of day sometimes desert pizza at night), the pasta station (serving different types of pasta dishes), the vegetarian station (including a hot food portion as well as a salad bar), the sandwich station (have custom sandwiches made), a diner (different types of hot food each meal), and a bakery station (filled with different great desserts). There is also a suggestion board for the students to make suggestions to Dining Services.
What to do for fun
Skidmore has so much going on. One can join clubs, or watch clubs perform, go to concerts or dances, spend time in Saratoga Springs, attend an open mic, go to an art show, play humans vs. zombies, or just meet new people. There's something for everyone.
Great for these types of students
Creative
Quirky
Adventurous
Clubs and Activities
Many clubs ranging from Planned Parenthood to Pulse (a group that likes to bang on random things rhythmically)
Greek Life
Skidmore does not have Greek Life
Campus Safety
Campus Safety is always available to your aid. There is a blue light system. Where anywhere on Campus if you should ever feel uncomfortable you can be picked up. Even if you are in town off campus and are in need campus safety is willing to come pick you up. Campus safety is also extremely respectful. There is a no chase policy, as well as the amnesty policy. If you should find yourself in a situation where a friend needs help in an intoxicated instance, as long as you call Campus Safety neither one of you will get in trouble. Campus Safety's first priority is your health and well-being. They will make sure you are taken care of properly.

Jason from Fairborn, OH

a past student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Personally, my time at Skidmore were the best years I ever had. I was challenged academically, I met incredible people, and I worked with great professors. I could not have asked for a better college experience.
Tips for prospective students
Skidmore does have a relatively low admissions rate, so admission is competitive. There are not necessarily looking for a 4.0 GPA, but they want someone who is well rounded. A 3.3 GPA will get you in if you have volunteer experience, leadership, and fairly good SAT/ACT scores.
Academic Rigor
Some classes are more challenging than others. For the most part, your upper level classes are more demanding by far.
Dorm Life
You will find it very hard to find other colleges with better dorms than Skidmore. No cinder-blocks in site, and you typically will have your own room from Sophomore year forward. I am still friends with a number of people that I met in my dorm freshman year, way back in 2007.
Food and Dining
The food is great for the most part. If you are a vegan/vegetarian there are TONS of options. Most upper level students live in apartment style housing, so they typically cook their own meals at home.
What to do for fun
There are tons of things to do on campus at all times. There are dances, dance performances, A capella shows, comedy shows, and a number of different speakers who come to campus. Skidmore definitely is not a party school, but there are number of weekend parties both on and off campus. Not to mention, there are number of great bars/boutiques/restaurants off Broadway as well.
Bang for the buck
Skidmore is VERY expensive. In the past few years, it has even been named one of the 10 most expensive schools in the country. The school does offer great financial aid to students from very low incomes. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for those from Middle class and above. Because of this, a lot of the student do come from very wealthy families.
Great for these types of students
Artsy, liberal, free-spirited, motivated, stoner, awkward, bro, and really anyone who thinks a small liberal arts college is right for them. What is great is that the school is accepting of all types of people. Of course, Skidmore has its issues, but I think you will find the school does well with social justices issues in comparison to other schools in the nation presently.
Clubs and Activities
There are 80+ clubs to join. There is no doubt something for everyone, and if there is a club you want that doesn't exist, start a new one.
Greek Life
Non-existent.
Campus Safety
They do there job I suppose. They understand that you are college kids just trying to have fun, but they draw the line when it negatively effects your peers.

Emma from Bath, ME

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Skidmore is a wonderful community of creative and academic students. The professors here are wonderful and truly care for the students. There are opportunities in almost every area of interest from knitting, to quidditch, to photography we have it all.
Tips for prospective students
When you're walking around campus, trying to get a feel for the place, go up to a current student and ask them what it's like. Everyone here is super friendly and I'm sure they'd love to help you out. Also, make sure you get a chance to visit the Zankel Music Building, it's absolutely stunning.
Academic Rigor
I've found that Skidmore's classes are much more difficult than my high school classes were, but I do not feel overwhelmed. Every professor I've had has made me want to do my work and work harder than ever before because they are so wonderful. Midterms and finals can be stressful...c'est la vie. There is also the opportunity for all first year students to study in London their first semester. That program is really wonderful and prepares students for the rest of their time on campus, and they get to explore London for four months!
Dorm Life
I won't lie, the dorms are not the most beautiful part of campus, however they are all pretty spacious and cozy. I think we have about six or seven residential buildings, not counting the apartment villages, and each one is different. Some have bigger rooms, some have a more social environment, some are close to the academic quad, some are closer to the gym. I like the dorm life at Skidmore, it's not too crazy and wild, but it's definitely not boring.
Food and Dining
The Murray-Aikins Dining Hall, affectionately coined D-Hall, is definitely one of the better college dining halls I've been to. We have six different food options (Vegetarian, Pizza, Deli, Diner, Pasta, and Global) that change their menu every day. One of my favorite meals, apart from chicken finger Fridays, is the Pad Thai from Global Kitchen. Also, there are always vegetarian and gluten free options.
What to do for fun
I guarantee you, at the start of semester club fair you are going to sign up for at least ten clubs. There's a knitting club, photography club, feminist club, democrats club, republicans club, gaming club, Asian Cultural Awareness Club, Hillel Club, and many, many more. There are also events every weekend such as acapella showcases, open mic nights, mix tape releases, concerts, and other types of social gatherings.
Bang for the buck
Skidmore is very good with their financial aid, so no matter what economic bracket you are in you will not pay much more than you can afford. Skidmore also has two merit scholarships, one is for music and one is for math and science. Your tuition goes to continuing great academics, making Skidmore more sustainable, funding fun events, keeping dorms nice, creating awesome food at D-Hallm, and much much more.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
I don't know too many unusual traditions or locations at Skidmore, but every fall we have a Beatles music festival called Beatlemore Skidmania. Student musicians audition as solo or group acts and perform their takes on Beatles songs. We also have a fun day before the start of finals, sometimes animals are brought to the school, fun activities, games, stress relievers, etc.
Great for these types of students
If you are both creative and academic, Skidmore is the place for you. Our slogan is Creative Thought Matters, and students here live by that motto. Art is everywhere, music is everywhere, but so are science and maths.
Clubs and Activities
Far too many to name, and they are all wonderful.

Franchesca from Ridgewood, NY

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Skidmore College is an amazing school.The teacher student ratio is perfect because it allows students to interact better with their professors. I feel comfortable at this school and it gives a lot of opportunities starting your second semester of freshmen year
Tips for prospective students
We have 56 majors but we also have a self determined major so if there is something we dont have that you want you can actually create your own major with the help of a professors using the classes we already offer. I advise you to take a tour at the campus but if you can't try our online virtual tour. I am Latina and I am comfortable at Skidmore. Good Luck
Academic Rigor
Skidmore College is academically Rigorous but there is a lot of help offered to students and that includes tutoring, writing center, and time with your professor.
Dorm Life
Dorm life is fun and I was comfortable with both of my roomates and suite mates.We are aloud to have our own fridge and sophomore year you are allowed to pick your own room or have a single. You can also invite you r friends from home to visit with no problem If there is ever a problem though Reslife is open to hear you out. We also have on campus apartments so that is also an option if you would like to live in a house with a kitchen and your on campus friends
Food and Dining
We have our own chefs and the food is good. We are a small school so we have one main dinning hall and if you live in a dorm you get an unlimited meal plan. We also have somewhere else on campus where you can eat and also a cafe and a convenience shop.
What to do for fun
There is 3000 + events a year at Skidmore. There is always lots to do and we have many clubs. We put on alot of shows weather its the dancing, singing, or comedy clubs on campus, or Guest that we bring into campus or our theater and Dance department. We also have Campus wide parties and some people do get togethers at their on campus apartments also. We also have 100 + clubs and you petition to start your own if theres something we dont have that you would like to start up. Last year a student started a Red Cross club.
Bang for the buck
Skidmore college is expensive but 55% of our students receive financial aid, so that is an option if you are eligible
Great for these types of students
We are both an artsy and science school
Clubs and Activities
There is always fun activities and every year i feel like clubs come up with new and fun events
Greek Life
No Greek life
Campus Safety
Campus safety is 24 and one call away

Ruthann from Beltsville, MD

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Skidmore is a place that thrives on differences and those differences fuel us. It is a place where you have so many choices (whether it comes to what class to take, what to major in, what clubs to join, or where to chill) and it's up to you to make them. Skidmore is a place where you can discover yourself, while still getting the support you need if you reach out for it.
Tips for prospective students
Visit the campus! Our campus is beautiful and if it's for you, you'll most likely feel it.
Dorm Life
I like the dorms because the doubles and singles are a good size but there is a bit of a pest issue.
Food and Dining
So many choices in D-Hall! And if you get tired of D-Hall food, then you could get food from Spa or order in or go to a restaurant in town.
What to do for fun
People host parties, but you could always just chill in the library movie room and watch a movie, go to our gym(which is pretty extensive), or go into downtown Saratoga Springs to walk and shop. Otherwise if you don't want to shop there, you could go to the mall which has great stores but terrible ambience. There are two movie theaters near by and Congress Park, if you just want to chill and be with Nature.

Also you could hike through Northwoods :)
Clubs and Activities
So many clubs! Which makes for soooo many activities on campus.
Greek Life
We don't have any, please don't come expecting sororities and fraternities.

Kiana Doumbia

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Skidmore has been the best decision of my life so far. They have everything I need here. An awesome group of students, good food, and awesome dance classes.
What to do for fun
Go downtown! They have:clubs, restaurants, nail spas, and a movie theater. There is also a mall. There are also parties on and a little off campus.
Great for these types of students
Social students
Artsy students
Students who want a lot of diversity
Clubs and Activities
You can literally find or create a club for just about anything.
Greek Life
There isn't any

Sophia from Cumberland, RI

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Skidmore is a fun, and lively college whose students are diverse in their interests and active within the campus community. The professors are attentive and always open to talking with their students about classes, grades, or anything else that they need help with. As a whole the college is a friendly and welcoming community of people who are willing to support students in their endeavors, whatever they may be.
Tips for prospective students
If you are interested in Skidmore you should definitely go to the campus and get to know the community as best you can. You can take a tour, sit in on a class, visit a professor from a specific department to talk to them, and even try to stay overnight with a student. What sold me was when I visited the campus and got an inside look at what it was like to spend time there.
Academic Rigor
Despite the relaxed atmosphere and active social scene on campus Skidmore is also very academically rigorous. Professors will always expect your best and the good professors will know if you haven't tried hard enough.
Dorm Life
Dorm life is really great, the RA's always plan fun hall events, suite style dorms make it easy to meet people on your floor, and the rooms are all comfortable and pretty spacious. Also every room has a window seat which is awesome!
Food and Dining
I've been to lots of colleges and eaten at their dining halls but none have ever been as good as Skidmore's. They have awesome food, lots of variety, and they are really good about catering to vegetarians, vegans, and those with food allergies.
What to do for fun
There are always tons of things going on on campus like movies, club activities, dances, lectures, etc. But if none of that interests you there are also many restaurants downtown, a mall, and a movie theater all 10 minutes away from campus.