<p>I have 3 kids who are or have been at very different colleges, and there have been many students drinking and doing drugs at all of them. I hope your son does not discard any schools on the basis of anecdotes on this subject. At every school, there are also many who don’t drink or drug. My personal feeling is that at least some of the drinking is benign, though illegal of course.</p>
<p>To sum up, is it right that he wants mid-size LAC, not in the city, not too competitive, and in the east or midwest?</p>
<p>If so: midwest: Oberlin, MacAlaster (well, in a city), Carleton, Lawrence, Kenyon, Grinnell</p>
<p>northeast: Amherst, Tufts (city), Vassar, Clark U. (city), Connecticut College, Bard, Bennington, Sarah Lawrence, Bates, Colby, Bowdoin, Muhlenburg</p>
<p>south/east: Duke, Rice, Elon, Davidson, Goucher</p>
<p>Keep in mind that the U of Rochester gives merit scholarships, if that’s of interest to your family. I know you said you’d saved for his education, but there’s always graduate school to pay for! The U of Rochester is associated with a very good medical school, with many opportunities for research and internships. It might make a very good safety. Also has association with the Eastman School of Music so lots of opportunities there. Our son’s friend attends the U of Roch and is active on the debate team, having a great experience.</p>
<p>Grinnell gives good merit scholarships too. My son has loved it!</p>
<p>You don’t mention which Ivy S2 attends, but what about Princeton for S3? Rural setting (but an hour from NY or Philly), unparalleled undergrad focus and student/faculty interaction, outstanding programs in foreign affairs/public policy and the classics – and incredible financial aid.</p>
<p>"it can be very cold near the lake when there is a wind. "</p>
<p>-the wind is always there neat the lake, 100% of the time.</p>
<p>AS far as aspiration for Med. School goes, it is not important at all where one goes to UG, might as well choose the free or near free (Merit awards) as Med. School is very expensive and government subsidized loans are not going to be available. Also, connection of UG to Med. School is practically irrelevant. I do not know about importance of UG in relation to other Grad. Schools.</p>
<p>^LOL, but it’s pleasant in the spring, not so much at Thanksgiving. (I know since my aunt and uncle lived in Evanston and it seemed like we only visited them at Thanksgiving!) I wouldn’t let a little wind stop me BTW - you wouldn’t believe how cold you can get waiting for a bus on Riverside Drive in NYC.</p>
<p>I hate NYC, I visit there every year for a week. I did not like Chicago either. Wind was not little, it was blowing like crazy, but we were right on a lake, looking for apartment in case D. decided to attend Med. School there. She decided on Case instead. Not because of wind, but she felt more comfy in Cleveland (just another very little consideration). NU Med. School is separate from UG though. UG location might not be so windy, I do not know. However, while Case (UG) is famous for awesome Merit awards, NU UG is famous for being very expensive (if this is a concern). Med. School is another story as Case is one of the most expensive in the country.</p>
<p>“Wind was not little, it was blowing like crazy”</p>
<p>Hence the title “The Windy City”</p>
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<p>Not true. If the OP’s son can go to a super reach and is interested in medicine then his undergrad pedigree will be a boost for him. Is every expensive name school a big boost for med school? Probably not, but some definitely are.</p>
<p>I would add University of Rochester. Rochester is a small city and the campus is not in what most people would consider a downtown neighborhood. Students studying on the main campus may take instrumental lessons FREE at the Eastman School - at least that has always been the deal. I always think of U of R as being very well balanced – academically high, but not super duper competitive like an ivy. Lots of freedom in the curriculum, but not loosey goosey. Hardcore math and science, but not an engineering/tech school, it is definitely strong in its liberal arts, arts, humanities, social sciences. Strong greek scene, but strong non greek scene. Much close student faculty interaction, but bigger than a lac so lots of wiggle room for students who don’t like teeny tiny schools. You get the picture.</p>
<p>I lived in Rochester or the greater area for many years and have and had many friends who were faculty. S2 was born in its hospital and will likely apply; it is a reach for him not for scores/stats but because he has few EC’s and is just unlikely to present in a stellar application.</p>
<p>"Not true. If the OP’s son can go to a super reach and is interested in medicine then his undergrad pedigree will be a boost for him. Is every expensive name school a big boost for med school? Probably not, but some definitely are. "</p>
<p>-Do not have experience to support. Have experience to support opposite. But if one goes to expansive UG, then he limits himself with choices of Med. School, unless resources are unlimited. If you do not pay for UG, than you do not need to limit yourself, pick any Med. School that accepted you. Again, I do not know how it plays out with other Grad schools admissions.</p>
<p>Regarding medical schools. Most physicians will attend their public medical school or one subsidized by their state. Best chances of getting into medical school are in your home state. States also take grads from instate schools other than their flagship. The place to go if you are interested in going to medical school is the best fit school. You will be happiest and do your best. Since most premed hopefuls will either change their minds or not get admitted to a medical school it is best to go where you can get majors that most interest you. All schools have courses that will work for premed. Consider other factors than that when determining fit.</p>
<p>Reconsider schools that require independence- your son may rise to the challenge and do better than if handheld/coddled. The opportunities are there- easy to take advantage of but they require action, not passivity.</p>
<p>William & Mary, not a party school about 5700 undergraduates. Oldest honor code (rumored) in the country. My son attends and loves it. We are out of state.</p>
<p>For some reason, Deep Springs came to my mind, and since you would consider the West, I second sewhappy’s post, #37!!</p>