<p>I'm doing preliminary research at the moment; I've been reading a lot about Liberal arts colleges, and I generally like what I hear about the whole system: the teacher-student interactivity, the focus on your learning etc. The thing is, I want to do Computer Science.</p>
<p>Do you recommend doing a CS major (possibly a photography minor) in a Liberal Arts college, and why?</p>
<p>Harvey Mudd CS is one of the best programs in the country. I know several CS majors here who chose HMC over Stanford and Caltech with money not being an option. </p>
<p>So if you are looking for an LAC and want to do CS, you cant afford to overlook HMC. </p>
<p>However, outside of Mudd I want to suggest Carleton (of which Ive heard good sciency things, but not sure about CS). Also, among universities, University of Chicago can be considered somewhat LAC-like, though for this I as well have weak evidence. Can others elaborate on these?</p>
<p>You might want to take a look at Rice as well. A research university with only 3000 undergrads. Strong in Engineering and offers a BS in computer science, but it is far from a pure STEMS school. The residential college system is fantastic and gives you a lib. arts college living experience for all four years. </p>
<p>My oldest son is at Mudd (frosh) and is loving it. My second son is making his decision right now; he wanted a slightly bigger school and he is likely to make Rice his choice for next year. Both are likely engineers, but also love the social sciences. S2 is toying with the idea of a double degree with history . . .</p>
<p>Like Mudd, however, Rice is pretty selective in its admissions decisions.</p>
<p>Thank you all for your replies. I will research each of those colleges.</p>
<p>Another thing: Is a liberal arts education advisable for a CS major? Also, what exactly sets apart a LAC, and what are its pros/cons versus a <em>normal</em> college?</p>
<p>Rice seems off-limits for the most part. They don't give much financial aid to international students, do they? I'm intrigued by the college system though.</p>
<p>Yes, you are on track. Financial aid is essential. Computer Science is linked with mathematics usually. Is it cheaper to fly from India to CA or India to the east coast? Does it matter? Does weather matter? Do you have relatives or friends in the states and will your parents like you to live nearby? Midwestern schools are less expensive than schools on either coast but depending on who you are and what you bring to a school you may get a good deal anywhere or no where. Do your research. Write to the schools that interest you. Ask questions. Find out how schools manage their computer science program. Have fun with it.</p>
<p>The difference in airfare between India->U.S East Coast and India->U.S. West Coast wouldn't be too substantial. I mean airfare is quite high, so paying a little more (relatively) to get to the farther side of the U.S. wouldn't be a problem, I think.</p>
<p>I have relatives in Detroit, MI and in Rogers, AR. My parents want me to find a college close to either of these places, but personally, I don't mind where the college is located.</p>
<p>I'm looking at Oberlin right now. Seems perfect in many ways. I have a lot of time to research colleges, though, more than 6 months. So right now I'm concentrating my all my energies toward performing well on the May 3rd SAT.</p>
<p>Apart from asking on this forum, do you have any ideas as to how I can find out how the various schools manage their courses? Also, emailing colleges for info does nothing to my chances, right? Just curious. :)</p>
<p>@t1388 - I don't have any scores yet; I'm writing the SAT I on may 3rd. I estimate my GPA to be quite low though. :(</p>
<p>This education system India has is one big joke!</p>
<p>Thanks for your suggestions, will check 'em out.</p>
<p>EDIT: If you don't mind, do you have any suggestions for non-LACs (outside of the common ones - MIT, CMU, Caltech)? I just want to get a feel for all the colleges out there that have strong CS programs.</p>
<p>You should also look at Case Western, Lehigh, George Washington, University of Rochester, SUNY Geneseo, SUNY Stony Brook and Rochester Institute of Technology. Some of them may be much easier to get in than MIT and Caltech.</p>