Can you afford a private LAC? Have you considered the University of Richmond? I’m biased because I’m transferring there, but it’s a great size LAC and a lot of kids begin to research their freshmen year. They also have the Richmond Guarantee which makes $4000 available for research or a summer internship to every undergraduate student. If you are looking for a feel similar to Wake Forest, Elon University, Vanderbilt, etc. Look into some other private LACs in the South too.