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<p>If it weren’t for the “major city” part I would say Smith, hands down. It’s also a fairly good match for you, at least as far as ACT scores go. But, it really is kind of out in the middle of nowhere – although they say Northampton is a fantastic town, very quirky and artsy. I think you should strongly consider it. Yes, it is a LAC, but my Fiske guide says that 1/4 of students are science majors and that biology and engineering are two of the strongest programs there.</p>
<p>Reed would also be good, but it is a reach for you. Harvey Mudd is also a reach, and of course MIT.</p>
<p>And you need to lay off the prejudice against Southern schools. Southern colleges are not Tea Party enclaves, even if the surrounding communities are politically conservative. In fact, I would be recommending Agnes Scott to you (women’s college just outside of Atlanta) if it didn’t have a religious affiliation, because it is considered a strong feminist campus.</p>