<p>If you can get in... the super elite LACs have great research opportunities. Some say better b/c yo get the undivided time of faculty who do cutting edge research b/c they are the best of the best of LACs...</p>
<p>So, I wouldn't categorically reject Amherst, Bowdoin, Carleton, Haverford, Swarthmore, Williams or the like...</p>
<p>I know it was already mentioned, I wanted to second looking further at W&M. I wasn't a science major, and I knew a fair amount of people doing research, in fact it might even be required for some majors. There are people who do research their 2nd semester on campus.</p>
<p>5800 undergrads, way smaller than all of the other top public schools gives it a unique feel, and has a very rich history.</p>
<p>my vote would be for W&M as well. Even though Davidson is a LAC you might want to look closer. It has great resources and many opportunities for research etc.</p>
<p>Wesleyan, Colgate, Bucknell, Holy Cross are larger LACs that have more of a university feel than your typical 400-500 person a class LAC.</p>