If I'm looking for a college environment that's more laid-back and less politically charged, which ones come up as the most politically apathetic schools out there?
It can be tricky to quantify political apathy on a college campus, as the political climate can ebb and flow depending on current events or the specific students enrolled at any given time. However, some schools do tend to have a reputation for being more apolitical or less politically active.
Engineering-focused schools such as Caltech or MIT come to mind. At these schools, students often focus more on their studies and less on political activism. Often, these type of schools tend to have a more collaborative, rather than competitive, environment.
Likewise, some smaller liberal arts colleges such as Bates College and Bowdoin College have less political activism. These institutions also prioritize a tight-knit community and collaboration among students, which can reduce the amount of intense political activism.
Lastly, consider schools which prioritize career-oriented education, such as Babson College known for entrepreneurship, or Bentley University known for business studies. Students at these institutions tend to be more career-focused, often leading to a less politically charged environment.
As always, I recommend that you visit campus or engage with current students to get a sense of whether a school's culture aligns with what you're seeking. Every college has its own unique community and these can change over time. Remember, the presence of political activism on campus does not necessarily tie into the day-to-day life of every student. Some students might seek it out while others simply choose not to get involved.
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