Intellectually motivated college with excellent science depts?

<p>Since one of your potential interests is astrophysics, be aware that it may be harder to find a good department in compared to biology, chemistry, or biochemistry.</p>

<p>Look in each school’s course catalog and schedule to see if:</p>

<ul>
<li>Junior and senior level physics courses are offered frequently enough (I would say at least yearly; if only once every two years, missing a course due to study abroad, co-op job, medical leave, or other semester off school could result in substantial delay to graduation).</li>
<li>Astronomy and astrophysics electives are available.</li>
</ul>

<p>Among smaller LACs, Oberlin and Reed satisfy the first criterion for physics offerings; Oberlin also has a junior level astronomy elective. Others may satisfy the criteria also, but you should check yourself if you are interested in such schools.</p>