<p>I've been looking into schools and always seem to be attracted to colleges that have a reputation for "intellectualism". Thinking about this, I'm not just drawn to these places because the people who go their are smart, I'm drawn to them because the people that go there care about something and are really devoted to it, whatever it is from science to art to community service, etc. I was wondering if anyone could speak about any schools where it is so obvious that the students love what they do, and are not ashamed of feeling weird by completely pursuing their interests even if they may come off as "weird" in other settings.
Thanks for the help.</p>
<p>Rice University for sure!</p>
<p>Thanks for all the responses, College of the Atlantic seems a little to small for me. Any other suggestions?</p>
<p>Almost any music school or conservatory.</p>
<p>There are certain programs at schools not traditionally considered hotbeds for intellectualism where it’s obvious that students are passionate about their fields of study. My own school, the University of Oklahoma, has one of the most engaged geology programs out there and even a Harvard grad going for her second bachelors in engineering was astounded by how proudly nerdy we are. I’d assume that’s even more true at schools like Colorado School of Mines, Carleton, and a few other places. </p>
<p>If you’re into STEM, Cal Tech is THE school to go to as students live and breathe their subjects. I went to a party hosted by a friend’s house and was astounded by the ingenuity of students. They cooked a life sized gummy bear, build a dance floor that lit up upon detecting movement, and according to my friend spent hours deciding where to place the UV lights.</p>
<p>Amherst, Williams, University of Chicago, Yale, Pomona College - these are the ones that stand out in my mind. Obviously, there are lots more. I believe most highly selective schools, privates in particular, will have a huge percentage of very intellectually passionate students: it’s what they look & admit for. (Not to put down publics, of which I am a proponent, but private schools have more discretion in their admissions.)</p>
<p>I’d add Berkeley to that list Kataliamom.</p>
<p>Stanford, definitely one. I think the selection criteria definitely explains it, with their emphasis on “intellectual curiosity”, etc.</p>
<p>“the people who go their are smart…care about something and are really devoted to it, whatever it is from science to art to community service, etc. …the students love what they do, and are not ashamed of feeling weird by completely pursuing their interests even if they may come off as “weird” in other settings.”</p>
<p>Sounds like you’ve just written a student profile for Carleton.</p>
<p>Would also suggest looking at Rice, Stanford, Harvard, Chicago along with (if STEM is your thing) most selective tech schools (Harvey Mudd, Caltech, MIT).</p>
<p>For STEM, definitely Harvey Mudd and Caltech. Olin deserves an honorable mention.</p>
<p>For other majors, Yale stands out.
For the state schools, U of M probably has the most passionate people.</p>
<p>Thanks for all the responses!</p>
<p>I am looking at a STEM major for myself, but I think I would like diverse school where everyone is different.</p>
<p>I was wondering if any knows of schools that are less reachy. I may have a chance at some top schools, i think i have decent stats, but merit aid is necessary for me. </p>
<p>Thanks again for all the help</p>
<p>Passionate Academics
[Undergraduate</a> Research/Creative Projects | Rankings | US News](<a href=“http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/rankings/undergrad-research-programs]Undergraduate”>http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/rankings/undergrad-research-programs)</p>
<p>Passionate Fans (anyone listed) <a href=“http://www.slate.com/content/dam/slate/articles/technology/future_tense/2013/08/130830_FUT_Facebook_College_Football.jpg[/url]”>http://www.slate.com/content/dam/slate/articles/technology/future_tense/2013/08/130830_FUT_Facebook_College_Football.jpg</a> </p>
![http://www.slate.com/content/dam/slate/articles/technology/future_tense/2013/08/130830_FUT_Facebook_College_Football.jpg[/url]](http://www.slate.com/content/dam/slate/articles/technology/future_tense/2013/08/130830_FUT_Facebook_College_Football.jpg%5B/url%5D){kind=link}
<p>Passionate Lovers
[Colleges</a> With The Best Sex Life: Playboy List](<a href=“HuffPost - Breaking News, U.S. and World News | HuffPost”>Colleges With The Best Sex Life: Playboy List | HuffPost College)</p>