<p>My son is a junior and we are just starting his college search. We both love Bowdoin, but the cost will be more than we can afford (we will not qualify for need-based aid). He is interested in Hartwick, but I am concerned that it may not provide the challenges he needs. He is a straight A student at a private school and, with very little effort, gets top grades. In classes where the teacher interests him, he will take initiative and do extra work, so we are thinking a small school would be better than a huge university. He will be taking SATs in March, so don't know yet how he will fare on those. Any suggestions for schools in New England that will provide a challenging environment, yet might provide some merit aid to an excellent student.</p>
<p>College of the Atlantic.</p>
<p>Bates, Colby</p>
<p>There are not many selective LACs in New England that have Env Science. Would he be just as happy with a biology major? Would he consider PA or NY?</p>
<p>We have been avoiding PA because of traveling through metro New York, but would consider New York, north of the city. He wants a rural environment, within 2-4 hours of central Connecticut. Would like a school with at least 2,000-5,000 students, if possible. It seems as though the schools we have found that offer non-need based aid, he would be at the upper ends statistically, which would not be bad if there is a lot of individual attention. I think he would be okay with Biology. With so many schools up around $40,000 in New England, we are out of reach of many and I feel he would not be happy at a huge state school like UConn.</p>
<p>Don't pay too much attention to the up-front sticker price, It is the EFC that is important for deciding whether the college is affordable. I have read that the following NE/NY colleges give a lot of merit based aid (in addition to Bates and Colby):
Ithaca College, Brandeis, Colgate, Hamilton, Connecticut Coll, Vassar, U of Rochester, Skidmore, Trinity (CT), Hobart, Clarkson</p>
<p>If you are willing to look elsewhere a bit, look at Allegheny College, in Meadville PA. Since they are just south of Erie, you could avoid driving through NYC and come across 90. They have one of the oldest Environmental Science programs around and are very strong in Bio as well. His stats will be well above the other students, but I think he will be able to find himself challenged nonetheless. They own a large parcel of land away from campus where student research is often conducted. A comprehensive senior project is required of all students so he will get research opportunities. If he likes doing outdoor things, they have a strong outdoor club as well. Finally, he will likely qualify for significant merit aid as well as possibly being awarded an additional $4000 for independent projects, research, or educational opportunities beyond the campus. I think you should definitely give it a look.</p>