<p>I'm a high school IB junior in the midst of my college search, and I feel I've hit a wall of sorts.
I'm looking for a selective, rigorous college without too competitive of an atmosphere in the Northeast with a liberal community, LGBT presence, small classes, close professor connections, and ideally an open or semi-open curriculum. My ideal school is between 2,000 and 6,000 students.
Does Brown fit this criteria? What other schools do, as well? I want to be challenged and engaged in my classes, but I dont want the Harvard stereotype of studying all through the night and being cutthroat. Im considering women's schools as well, and I wouldn't mind being near a city or in a small city, but I dont want to be in NYC.
Thank you so much for any advice you can give me!</p>
<p>-Smith
-Amherst
-Wesleyan. </p>
<p>Amherst is only similar academically.</p>
<p>Wesleyan and Vassar are your best bets. Sarah Lawrence is good too, but it has only 1400 students or so. Connecticut College meets most of your criteria too.</p>
<p>These schools are worth a look: Swarthmore, Hamilton, Smith, Mount Holyoke, Bard.</p>
<p>^^second that, especially Wesleyan. Look at colleges with flexible curriculum. Even Brown requires 2 writing courses now.Add Vassar, look at Hampshire, Bard, Sarah Lawrence. Brown is actually on the larger end and some intro classes are much larger than an LAC but the rest fits your criteria well. </p>
<p>University of Rochester has the open curriculum aspect of Brown, plus an amazingly vibrant community of students who are passionate about learning and getting involved in what they love (: Cold winters though…</3</p>