Skidmore College
Skidmore College is a private liberal arts college with approximately 2,700 undergraduate students. With a motto of “Creative Thought Matters”, it is no surprise that the college has a strong reputation for interdisciplinary learning and attracts students with a wide range of academic and creative interests. Skidmore is located in Saratoga Springs, NY, a popular tourist destination, and students can easily walk from campus into town to enjoy restaurants, shops and community events. About 90% of students live on campus, contributing to a strong sense of community.
All Skidmore students enter college undecided. Rather than expecting students to know exactly what they want to study as first-years, Skidmore gives them time and encourages them to explore. More than 60% of students double major, and many add minors to their educational plan. Interesting programs not found at all small liberal arts colleges include business, arts administration, entrepreneurship and health and human physiological sciences. Classes are small, and students have many opportunities to work closely with professors.
Every first-year student participates in a first-year seminar, an interdisciplinary class with approximately 12 students. The seminars have a strong writing component designed to help students develop the skills they need for college-level writing. A peer mentor is also assigned to the seminar class and helps them acclimate to college and navigate their first year. The seminar professor serves as the student's advisor until they declare a major, providing continuity during those important first semesters.
Skidmore has a particularly strong arts community. Many students are involved in visual and performing arts, but students do not have to major in the arts to participate. Music lessons are available, and students can get involved in performances and other creative activities. Study abroad is also popular. In addition to traditional study-abroad programs, Skidmore offers travel seminars that allow students to travel with a class for two or three weeks while studying a particular topic.
With most students living on campus, there is plenty happening outside the classroom. Skidmore offers more than 3,000 campus events each year, and students participate in a wide variety of clubs and activities. The Outdoors Club and Ultimate Frisbee are popular, as is the Circus Club. Students can raise service dogs on campus, ride horses at the college's stables, or join WSPN 91.1, the student radio station, which also hosts concerts. The campus has a strong commitment to sustainability, including a garden that grows food for the dining hall.
Housing is guaranteed, and students can have a car on campus all four years. Housing options include singles, doubles, triples and apartments, as well as themed communities such as sustainability, multicultural and Prism housing. There is one main dining hall that serves as a hub of campus life, along with smaller coffee and sandwich locations throughout campus. Students also spend time at the campus center and “The Spa” is a popular late-night hang out location.
Who is Skidmore College a great fit for?
Skidmore is a great fit for curious, creative students who have multiple interests and don't want to be defined by a single academic discipline. It is particularly appealing to students who want the flexibility to explore before declaring a major and who enjoy interdisciplinary learning. Students interested in the arts will find many opportunities to participate even if they don't major in an arts field. Skidmore is also a good choice for students who value a close-knit residential community but want easy access to a lively town.
Fun Facts:
Skidmore’s campus is just a short walk from Saratoga Race Course, one of the oldest thoroughbred horse-racing tracks in the United States. The college has embraced its Saratoga roots, with the Thoroughbred serving as its mascot.
Skidmore was founded in 1903 as a women’s college called the Young Women’s Industrial Club. It became Skidmore School of Arts in 1911 and Skidmore College in 1922. The College didn’t become co-ed until 1971.
The college’s Tang Teaching Museum is home to more than 5,000 works of art and is free and open to the public. Its modern architectural style, designed by Antoine Predock, has also made it one of the most recognizable buildings on campus.
“The Doughboy” is a cheese and chicken-filled treat, a bit like a calzone, which was created by an alum and a professor and is still a campus favorite.
TBreds Raising Pups is a campus student whose members raise service dogs on campus.
Actors Jon Bernthal (The Walking Dead, The Punisher), Ariana Richards (Jurassic Park), and Eddie Cahill (CSI: NY, Friends) are all Skidmore alumni.
Composer Nathan Barr is also a Skidmore graduate. He is best known for scoring television series including True Blood, The Americans, and The Great, as well as several films.
Wondering if this college belongs on your student's list?
Choosing the right colleges is one of the most important—and overwhelming—parts of the admissions process. After visiting more than 300 campuses and helping hundreds of families, The College Spy provides personalized guidance to help students build balanced college lists, develop strong applications and navigate the process with confidence.
Whether you need comprehensive college planning, a customized college list, individual essay assistance or application/essay support through one of our summer boot camps or essay workshops, we're here to help.
Schedule a complimentary consultation to find the program that's right for your family.