Any suggestions?

College Search & Selection
1

<p>With my counselor out of commission and a limited amount of knowledge attainable through school websites, rankings, and brochures, I was wondering if anyone would have any suggestions about schools I should look into. Here's the criteria which is not necessarily all must-haves, but they are major points I'd love to have in a school:
[ul]
[<em>]Medium-small school. I would like it to have <8,000 students.
[</em>]East coast, preferably; cold weather is an asset but not a necessity.
[<em>]I want a school with a strong sense of community on campus, meaning I would prefer it have tons of events happening on the grounds rather than everyone having to leave to find entertainment.
[</em>]Medium-small city/town. Providence is a good example of what I would be willing to live in, but at the same time, I'd be perfectly happy in some little blip of a town in Maine, for example. I'd prefer no huge cities, but if the school is in a larger city, then I'd still like it to have a strong community on-campus.
[<em>]Middle-of-the-road political standings, or just plain ol' DIVERSITY. I don't want to be surrounded by a massive amount of I'm-right-you're-wrong liberals or drowned in judgmental, condescending conservatives; a mix would be wonderful.
[</em>]On that note, I really, really want diversity. I don't want to be the only one whose family doesn't own a yacht or the only one with no blue hair or one of a total white population. I like a mix.
[<em>]I am a good student (Ivies are well within reach), but I am not made of money and my family is middle-lower class. This means that I either need a very large scholarship or some very generous financial aid, but if the school was worthwhile, then I could probably find someway to pay.
[</em>]Superficial, yes, but I'd love an old campus with beautiful architecture. I don't want to go to a cluster of buildings built four years ago which lack individuality and character.
[<em>]I don't care about prestige. I'm cool with a large name in a small setting, or a name no one has ever heard about, as long as it has a strong academic program and the community I want.
[</em>]I want people who are passionate about learning and what they do. I want to be able to discuss literature, music, and politics with open-minded and intelligent people. I'm cool with the socially awkward, too.
[<em>]I am leaning towards majoring in the classics, probably a double major. In other words, we're talking liberal arts school. (Call me Captain Obvious)
[</em>]I would also like a study abroad program.
[li]While I do want people serious about learning and knowledge, I don't mind some parties, drinking, etc. However, I do not want the school to be dominated by Greek life and partying.[/li][/ul]</p>

<p>If it gives you any insight into what sort of thing I'm looking for, Brown is basically my top school along with Middlebury at the moment, despite Brown's reputation for being extremely liberal. Although I have the grades, ECs, essay, etc for Brown and other Ivies (or so I've been told), I realize that it's an unpredictable school and added to my financial standing, I doubt that it's a realistic option. Anyway, I'm willing to compromise of course.</p>

<p>I think that's it. Thanks.</p>

2

<p>Maybe Middlebury (VT), Hamilton (NY) and Kenyon (OH).</p>

3

<p>Colby, Swarthmore, Wesleyan, Amherst (or almost any of the top LACs, for that matter).</p>

4

<p>It’s kinda Greek-heavy, but other than that Dartmouth fits your criteria.</p>

5

<p>Vassar and Swarthmore come to mind as well as Haverford. Ursinus isn’t a big name and I’m not sure if they have classics but they do offer generous merit aid which the other schools I mentioned do not, although the others do offer excellent FA.</p>

6

<p>I think Wesleyan and Middletown (CT) fit most of your criteria; the school and the town are very different, but that can be a good thing. The university attracts people from all over the world (Obama was the Commencement speaker a year ago) and is known for its liberal, laissez-faire approach to student activities. However, because they are located within doorsteps of the town’s poorer sections, people at Wesleyan have a certain relationship with reality that you don’t necessarily get at Vassar or Swarthmore. Wesleyan brings celebrity and festivity to a part of New England that doesn’t often get its share while Middletown provides a variety of inexpensive restaurants and bars to students who want to get away from the campus bubble without <em>schlepping</em>.</p>

<p>People will argue that there isn’t enough political diversity at Wesleyan, that everyone is left of center, but, I think they miss the point: Wesleyan takes politics seriously. For true conservatives that should be what’s more important.</p>

7

<p>I would add Denison to the schools to be considered. Good aid and pretty campus (though not East Coast).</p>

8

<p>Definitely second Amherst. Another reach, but if you have the stats for Brown you have a chance at Amherst.</p>

<p>William and Mary might fit you well.</p>

9

<p>I second Ursinus. A fine school with superb academics. Also look at Lafayette and Lehigh. </p>

<p>Another good choice might be Fordham. Its not a small town (Bronx) but in all other respects it meets your criteria, gorgeous campus, strong campus activities, some mix of party and studious types, diverse faculty and student body, not overtly political on one extreme or the other…rather middle of the road, actually. Strong academics, superb internships and some amazing study abroad programs (they operate a very prestigious college at the University of London, Heythrop College, and have ties to London School of Economics. They also have a campus in Beijing for business students.) </p>

<p>Located adjacent to the New York Botanical Gardens (truly spectacular and world renowned) and the Bronx Zoo. Sports on campus, either club or NCAA Div 1-A. Good solid kids there. Some amazing faculty with Ivy credentials. Outstanding placement for graduate school or professional schools. </p>

<p>Its a place where you will be challenged and can shine, without being totally stressed and hyper. </p>

<p>Also look at Holy Cross, Providence College and Villanova.</p>

10

<p>Haverford and Swarthmore are less preppy/drinking/frat oriented than Amherst/Williams/Wesleyan, but the latter 3 are still excellent schools.</p>

<p>Hamilton, Cornell and Hobart a also very good schools with many of the characteristics you seek.</p>

11

<p>Might look at Holy Cross-located in mid-size Worcester. HC has strong academics-very good classics major, and nice traditional campus.</p>

12

<p>Brandeis and Grinnell aren’t the most diverse, but they are intellectual, non-preppy, excellent schools that offer generous merit scholarships.</p>

13

<p>The University of Dayton. Seriously. It’s basically everything you want.</p>

<p>On that note, take a look toward the midwest in general. I think you’ll be pleasently suprised.</p>

14

<p>

Except for actually offering Classics. </p>

<p>Many (if not most) LACs are weak in Classics. They’re great for most things, but it’s simply very difficult to maintain a decent program when you have two or three permanent faculty members. Holy Cross, Wesleyan, Swarthmore, and especially Haverford are exceptions to this.</p>

<p>Tufts is an obvious suggestion.</p>

<p>Johns Hopkins, Chicago, Duke, and any of the Ivies would work, if you are willing to compromise on certain factors.</p>