<p>very strong Philosophy/Politics/Physics/Mathematics departments
-Definitely east coast/CA/Chicago
-Private
-2000 to 10000 undergrads</p>
<p>This brings 3 places to mind:</p>
<p>first MIT. no explanation needed. right size, amazing in both physics/math and the humanities majors, though it is more known for science + math. </p>
<p>2nd - University of Chicago - easily fits all of the criteria</p>
<p>And the other are the claremont colleges that have been mentioned. Together, all 5 make up between the target size. They also fit the private/CA location/near water criteria.</p>
<p>As for the academic strenghts, you have Harvey Mudd for physics and math and CMC and Pomona for politics etc. You could go to either depending on which you want to focus on, and double major at the other if you want to do both.</p>