Great schools that aren't pretentious or frat/sports-obsessed?

College Search & Selection
1

I’m looking for colleges with great academics. I do not mind difficult courses or working hard, but I’d prefer a more laid-back and friendly social atmosphere. I don’t want to go to a school with pretentious and cutthroat people, nor do I want to go to a party school.

I’m pretty nerdy and introverted. In my free time, I like to read, watch anime, or chill with my small group of friends/GF. Attending big sports games, going to huge parties, and drinking is not my scene. City > Country.

I have pretty good stats, 33 ACT and 4.00 GPA. I want to major in biology and go to med school after. Money is not an issue. I’m sorry for all the criteria. I know that no school will be a perfect fit. Thanks for your help.

2

Big schools may have more spectator sports, while small schools may have a higher percentage of students participating in sports.

A pre-med biology major will likely find more cutthroatism than students at the same school not in biology or other pre-med courses.

3

Thanks ucbalumnus. Would you consider Berkeley to be as cutthroat for premeds as everyone says? How is the general social scene on campus?

4

OP in another thread you were inquiring about Pitt.

That doesn’t fit the profile of what you are asking for here. Did something change?

5

Try URochester and CWRU.

6

Haverford, Colorado College, Bryn Mawr (if female) are a few off the top of my head where you’ll find an academically challenging yet unpretentious/non-competitive atmosphere with strong sciences and close to/in an urban area. Carleton College/St. Olaf are 45 minutes from Minneaplis/St. Paul but meet your other criteria.

7

also Vassar

8

Haverford, Macalester?

9

UT Dallas. They don’t even have a football team. STEM focused school, nerdy vibe, situated in a suburb of Dallas, great honors program.