I went to Machon Raaya, and it seems that what you’re looking for does come pretty close. But again, there are a lot other seminaries that are very similar that might click with you better.
Machon Raaya is a really nice balance of Bais Yaakov-y and OOTish. It’s not as Yeshivish as Hadar or BJJ, but more so than Michalah. There is an emphasis on textual learning, but it’s really in the context of growth and inquiry. It’s regarded as pretty academic.
That being said:
1) I was looking for the textual learning and the OOT, out-of-the-box crowd. People in my year applied to Michlalah, Bnos Sarah, Meor, and Ateres (in that order of magnitude), so I guess you could use that as a general frame of reference…
2) I applied in June, so I didn’t have a regular interview (heh), but it was pretty chilled. I read a Ramban, but I don’t my think my rendition was the deciding factor. They are really looking for a certain type – fun, atypical, intellectually curious.
3) We had all types – some classes were purely discussion, some had a really good discussion every once in a while, and some just had lots of really valuable information. Certain classes have hachanah, where you have to informally prepare the material with a chavrusah. This is to build the textual basis of the class, as well as to help those good old grey cells get into gear.
4) There are the regulars – Chumash, Navi, Halacha, Historia, as well as some really diverse and really excellent electives – Shoah, Sefer Hachinuch, Halachic Process, Aggada, etc. The teachers are truly outstanding – all of them have unparalleled wealths of knowledge, as well as the ability to address and discuss real-life applications and issues.
5)The regulars (above) are mandatory. You have these cores every day until noon, then you get to pick nine (or more) weekly hours out of the electives. So you get to design your entire afternoon schedule.
6) Most of the classes have a lot of work – hachanah, some homework assignments, tests, and PAPERS. Truthfully, plenty of classes had papers instead of tests, but some had both. So there’s plenty to chew on.
7) The funny thing is, while there IS a lot of work, it’s not the work itself that is vitally important. The hanhala really wants you to gain as much as you can from what they can give you. So if you don’t finish all the work, it’s okay – unless, of course, you need it for college credit. But even then, it’s negotiable – I didn’t do everything for certain subjects and so only got credit for the ones in which I did.
8) The academics are pretty rigorous – you definitely don’t have to be a genius, but you need some textual background, and should be prepared for a heavy workload.
9) VERY open – well, maybe not quite as open as a ba’al teshuvah sem, but you can definitely ask with impunity. The girls have really unique and thought provoking opinions and questions, and aren’t afraid to express them – out of the classroom as well. All’s fair in pursuit of knowledge. 🙂
10) Again, there is a solid textual basis, but it’s really only a frame/springboard for the growth and inquiry. The two qualities aren’t mutually exclusive – in fact, BYMR has perhaps a perfect balance. 🙂
11) Both. But all are thinking individuals aren’t robots in their Yiddishkeit.
12) Don’t understand this question…
13) It’s a grand old mix. Girls come from vastly different homes, schools, countries – some in my year didn’t even speak English! But everyone has an openness and desire to grow in common, and with that in hand you can really overcome any boundary. I can say with full honesty that I got along quite well with every girl there – and learned lots from them, to boot!
14) There’s a big trip (tiyul) every month, an in-shabbos or out-shabbaton once a month, two two-day trips a year, and a trip to somewhere local in Yerushalayim every two out of three weeks. The also bring in lots of speakers – some random, when they can get them, and some on scheduled Yimei Iyun. Oh, and a Yom Iyun about every month, too. I think we’re up to par with all other sems, in general. No Europe – that’s Michlalah. 🙂
15) There are technically virtually no rules. The staff tells us what they think is advisable, and you won’t suffer any big bad punishments if you don’t follow them. There is a dress code, required attendance, curfew, etc., but the worst you’ll get for breaking those is a mild reprimand. Somehow, the crowd that goes there is mature enough not to NEED strict boundaries…let me tell you, it makes for a really geshmak atmosphere.
16) There is a very relaxed dress code – a shirt with buttons, and a skirt with pleats. As Reb. Rosenblum (the menaheles) says “As long as it has at least one button, and one pleat, you’re good.” And you can be as formal or informal as you please. You can dress in a polo and a biz, or in a button-down-sweater-and-pleated-skirt combo. Anything goes.
17) The whole school used to be housed in whole building. B”H, this year they had to move out the classroom so as to accommodate the influx of new girls. So it’s all in one building, 3-5 girls in a room, rather decent rooms. Washer-dryer, enough showers, and great views from all windows. You have to be a little imaginative in terms of storage, though.
18) There is one school Shabbos every month. The school has a placing service that is provided for all Shabbosim/Yomim Tovim. It’s a pretty good service, too. If planned enough in advance, you can get placed pretty much anywhere you want. You can stay in the dorm and eat meals in Har Nof if there are at least two girls staying – this happens most Shabbosim. Meals are provided for a minimum of five, but that usually doesn’t happen.
19) All three.
Whew! That was fun! 🙂 I hope it helps you make a decision! Again, I’m not pushing BYMR if you don’t think it fits you, but it’s a FANTASTIC option.
Much hatzlachah!