<p>I'm looking for an LAC with excellent academics, a liberal/activist vibe, and a strong sense of community. Strong social science, english, and foreign language programs are desired. I really don't care about the prestige of the school- I want somewhere to live and develop for 4 years. I would prefer to stay on/near the east coast.</p>
<p>First school I thought of was Brandeis, although what else are you looking for in a college?
Do you have a preferred size?</p>
<p>I would like a small school- under 4000 would be preferable.
I also am interested in swimming at a division III school, if at all possible</p>
<p>Brandeis fits your preferred size and it’s a division III school with a swimming/diving team. I recently talked to one of their admissions counselors and she gave me the impression that sports aren’t big there at all; don’t know if that’s something that would deter you or not. 
I don’t think there’s a huge partying scene there either, if that’s something you’re into.</p>
<p>It’s not on the east coast, but Beloit fits your bill almost perfectly otherwise. Strong language programs, liberal/activist, sense of community, strong academics, etc.</p>
<p>Vassar College or Wesleyan University might be a good fit. Alternatively, if you’re not too stuck on staying on the east coast, you might want to check out Pitzer College in Claremont, CA, or Grinnell/Macalaster/Oberlin in the midwest.</p>
<p>If you are a very strong swimmer then potentially Kenyon or Denison.</p>
<p>I am a decent swimmer A and AA times (if that means anything to anyone).
I like these suggestions so far. I am open to going away from the East Coast, I’m just not sure that I want to go all the way to the West.</p>
<p>maybe Middlebury, Vassar, Hamilton, Wesleyan</p>
<p>Colgate, Holy Cross.</p>
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<p>You have no shame, par72. Like, none.</p>
<p>Definitely check out Swarthmore.</p>
<p>My immediate thought when I read your initial post was Macalester. However, when you added later that you were interested in D111 swimming, my immediate thought was Kenyon. Both LAC’s would be great fits based on your criteria. Good luck to you.</p>
<p>See if any of these fulfill your requirements: </p>
<p>Wheaton College (MA)
St. Lawrence University (NY)
Connecticut College (CT)
Hobart & William Smith (NY)
Skidmore College (NY)</p>
<p>Best of luck!</p>
<p>Oberlin .</p>