Thanks all! Here’s the list I’ve come up with, definitely need to visit but that probably won’t happen till late winter or spring.
Reach- Caltech (far away)
Chicago
Swarthmore
Harvard
Harvey Mudd (far away)
Match- Davidson
Reed (far away)
Rice (maybe)
Safety- Centre
UK
Feel free to say if these should be in different categories, and yes it is reach heavy and my matches might be a bit high. As of now I’m liking smaller, intellectually focused schools with reputations like Swarthmore and Chicago,“where fun goes to die.” Harvard is a bit big but I like the community and they have a great Chem program. My parents are concerned about sending me far away so it would be hard to convince them about the west schools. HMC is a bit on the expensive side. Any other schools I should consider?
What about Case as a match (?) that is not too far away?
+1 for the suggestion of Reed
I do like the sound of Reed but it’s quite far, as are Caltech and HMC, my parents want me to be closer but I’m okay with calling, skype, etc with them. Main problem is transport for breaks. Thanks inthegarden, just read up on Case and don’t really think it’s a fit though.
Grinnell: reasonably close to home, fabulous chemistry program, meets full need, great grad school placement (especially for chem). If you like the sound of Reed it should be on your list.
If you’re concerned about West Coast being too far, then I agree that you should consider adding Grinnell to your list instead of Reed.
If you visit the northeast, you might want to look at some of the NESCAC schools, like Williams, Bowdoin, Hamilton. Williams is particularly strong in STM (no engineering) on a par with Mudd. You’ll get the intellectual challenge of Swarthmore, Reed, Chicago plus some bonus points for your athletic participation (even if you’re not recruited).
Basically see how you like Swarthmore. It may be the ideal fit for you or it may be too activist, progressive. This is a bit of an oversimplification as there is a degree of overlap, but if you like Swarthmore you’ll probably like Reed and Wesleyan. If you like Davidson, you’ll probably prefer the schools like Williams, Bowdoin, Hamilton. I think the difference comes on in what you like to do when you’re not in class.
Tech schools like Caltech and Mudd are in a separate category. Again, it’s a matter of personal preference. If you’re admitted, you’ll want to visit to compare cultures.
I’d concur with @momrath. Top NESCAC schools can offer many of the intellectual attributes of schools such as the intellectually intense Swarthmore, while still offering the trappings of traditional collegiate life. In the examples of Bowdoin, Hamilton and Williams, you would find chemistry programs informed by notably strong math departments.
In general, though, @Glorfindel1, your current list looks promising, and it appears you are on the right track.