<p>I'm looking for academically-strong (my ACT is 31, GPA 3.9) smaller liberal arts schools in the Midwest, preferably Illinois or Wisconsin. I have a few on my list so far-- Illinois Wesleyan, Augustana, and Lake Forest College. Does anyone have any pros/cons on those three? I intend on a Bio major, but I am also interested in music (orchestra/jazz band). Are there any I'm missing that I should be looking at?</p>
<p>The most academically rigorous Midwest LAC is Carleton (MN). In WI you should check out Beloit and Lawrence.</p>
<p>I agree a/b Carleton...others to consider are Macalester and Grinnell.</p>
<p>everybody beat me too it. The Midwest Movement is all about Carleton, Macalester, Grinnell, IL Wesleyan and Beloit. I don't think any other Midwest LACs beat them in scores.</p>
<p>Kenyon (OH)</p>
<p>Wesleyan isn't really midwest though is it? Connecticut?</p>
<p>Illinois Wesleyan, not the Wesleyan in CT.</p>
<p>Generally speaking:</p>
<h1>1 Carleton College</h1>
<h1>2 Grinnell College</h1>
<h1>3 Oberlin College</h1>
<h1>4 Macalester College</h1>
<p>Other good LACs:</p>
<p>Beloit College
College of Wooster
Denison University
DePauw University
Earlham College
Gustavus Adolphus College
Illinois Wesleyan University
Kalamazoo College
Kenyon College
Lawrence University
St. Olaf College
Wabash College
Wheaton College</p>
<p>Thanks so much for the advice! I'll have to research some of those.</p>
<p>carleton, oberlin, macalester, grinnell the only ones worth looking at.</p>
<p>carleton, grinnell, oberlin, macalester and kenyon.</p>
<p>carleton is awesome. you should definitely check it out.</p>
<p>Kalamazoo College</p>
<p>The Midwest states have an embarassment of riches when it comes to excellent LACs. Three that are missing from the lists above are Knox in Illinois, Earlham in Indiana and Ripon in Wisconsin. My son has now visited Lawrence, Beloit, Knox and Kalamazoo. We feel it would be very hard to go wrong with any of them.</p>
<p>Cornell College in Iowa.</p>
<p>Other great schools not yet mentioned: Albion in Michigan, Wittenberg in Ohio, Coe in Iowa, Otterbein in Ohio, the College of Wooster in Ohio, Hiram College in Ohio, Hope in Mich., Calvin in Mich. (Last two are "Christian" schools like Wheaton). They're both right on the edge of the midwest, but I'd also include Allegheny (PA) and Centre College (KY) in your search. As noted above, the midwest really has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to great liberal arts colleges, most of which are excellent admissions values (i.e., relatively easy to get into compared to the terrific education they provide). Many are also quite generous with merit money and financial aid. There really is something for everyone in the midwest, but unfortunately, many people just focus on the hyper-competitive northeast.</p>
<p>By the way, Lake Forest and Augustana are also excellent schools. I have visited both, and came away impressed.</p>
<p>Thank you so much. I really appreciate the advice.</p>
<p>Although not an LAC, University of Chicago.</p>
<p>^ True. With about 4000 students, no preprofessional programs, and a strong focus on undergraduate education, the College of the University of Chicago is an ideal LAC, albeit a larger one.</p>
<p>Grinnell, Oberlin, Carleton, Macalester, and Kenyon are some great schools in the midwest.</p>