<p>So, I'm just sort of starting my college searching (current sophomore). My parents want to start getting me on some tours of colleges this summer (I'm busy almost all next summer, and you guys know how the school year is...).</p>
<p>Geographically, I'm confining the search to east of the Mississippi River. I'm hoping to go back up north for school- somewhere with at least a month or two of snow/winter weather. This may sound odd, but due to some relatives I don't really care for, I'd like to avoid N. Carolina and the DC area.</p>
<p>Mostly looking for liberal arts colleges. Or I'm okay with medium to small universities with great liberal arts programs. Not sure on a specific major, but I pretty much like it all subject wise: math, science, literature, writing, history, languages, etc. GPA is current 3.5 (ish) and will likely be in the 3.5-3.7 range. I'm expecting a high SAT score (I've got a knack for that kind of test).</p>
<p>I'm not yet sure about how much we're going to be able to afford for tuition. It's all going to depend on where my sibling goes and some other things in the next year or so. But I'd image we're not going to be able to pay a full $50k per year no matter what.</p>
<p>And some final pieces- A good LGBTQ group/support is a plus, a nice music scene (band, orchestral, etc. for non-majors), studying abroad is something I want to do at some point, and an academic vibe would be nice (I'm not a partier, or even much of a socializer really).</p>
<p>Thanks so much. Sorry for throwing all this information at you guys, I've just got no idea where to really start.</p>
<p>St. Olaf is huge on study abroad. I’m not too sure about the LGBTQ community/support there, so you might want to check that out–when I visited, my tour guide didn’t really say that much about it. It’s also got a really, really great music scene, and the average GPA’s about a 3.65 (<a href=“About St. Olaf – St. Olaf College”>About St. Olaf – St. Olaf College). The academics are great there, but I got the sense (and I talked to a woman on staff there) that they’re really more about creating more well-rounded and aware people.</p>
<p>St. Olaf looks incredible. The programs are great, lots of offerings that I’m interested in. Plus the campus looks absolutely gorgeous. Music opportunities are amazing! Definitively what I’m looking for. My main concerns with it are (as you mentioned) the LGBTQ community- I’ve yet to find anything on that, the fact that it’s Lutheran (and I’m Jewish), and also the lack of diversity is a little disconcerting. I do really love it besides those three things. And the first two might even be non-factors, I just need to do some more research.</p>
<p>Some places in the northeast: Connecticut College (free music lessons, if I remember correctly), Vassar, Bates, Bowdoin, Mount Holyoke/Smith (I think you’re female), Hamilton, Skidmore.</p>
<p>I really like Connecticut College! The music scene is perfect. Plus, it’s got a Hillel which is a plus. I also really like the honor code policy- pretty neat. And there’s plenty of great majors and other activities I like. And the LGBTQ Resource Center looks perfect.</p>
<p>I’m not sure I would like a women’s college much. I’m friends with far too many guys. Plus, girls and drama… ugh…</p>
<p>I love Hamilton. The campus looks gorgeous. It’s right near my hometown too, so I know how nice that area of NY gets in the fall/spring (winter not so much). I love all the out-doorsy and sports offerings. And there is the Hillel on campus. I’m just not seeing anything for LGBTQ anywhere.</p>
<p>Bates and Bowdoin are out because they’re in Maine. I’d rather not spend time with the relatives more that the once a year reunions.</p>
<p>I like Skidmore and Vassar too. I need to look into them some more though. Only had time for a cursory glance.</p>
<p>I am planning to attend to one of this college to get a pre-med or biology degree. I applied to Baylor, University of Florida, IUPUI and University of Alabama at birmingham. Which one do you recommend me to go? After getting my degree I am planning to apply to the med-school having my top choice the college in where I got my degree.</p>