<p>To a lesser or greater extent, but there really are very substantive differences between say, Macalester and Williams (or even Amherst and Williams). Trinity, Williams, Rhodes, Vandy, Hamilton, and Kenyon rank very, very high on the entitlement index -- Macalester, Grinnell, and to a lesser extent Swarthmore and Amherst rank substantially lower.</p>
<p>Most privates are NOT out in the boonies (like Williams, Hamilton, and Kenyon). Some privates have excellent Japanese programs; others have none at all.</p>
<p>Okie dokie, let's clear some things up here. I would LIKE a city w/ 50,000+, though this is not a requirement, and I'm sure that I could handle it. What I do NOT want, is a college whose nearest city includes a gas station and 400 people. For cities 5000+ would be just fine, and I'm sure even 2000+ would be ok. I'm more interested in being able to do outdoor stuff than going to a megamall, though I would prefer to be able to do both.</p>
<p>Now for the preppy thing. Ok, again, I am looking for a school that's not a good ol' boys club, but if 1/4 of the students drive a Lexus, I won't care as long as they don't look down on me for driving a Honda :o I realize that I'll be in the minority economically at a LAC, but that's ok. I just don't want a school where what clothes you wear are more important than anything else (i.e. Vandy, U Miami, etc.)</p>
<p>As for the Japanese thing, this is not stretchable. However, I don't require a Japanese Major -- "Asian Studies" is just as good. I MUST have this. This one is not up for debate. The school must have either Japanese or Asian Studies.</p>
<p>This help out? Tell me if I need to further clarify.</p>
<p>Lotus, I think your list is good start. You said in your initial post that you wouldnt be able to visit. Do you mean you wont be visiting at all, ever, or just for now? </p>
<p>Ive only been to 4 of the 13 on your short list, but even among those 4, the atmosphere/ambience/environment is very different. This is not a bad thing, as its early enough for you to be exploring different venues, but it would be really helpful for you to visit to get a firsthand impression of which is/are best for you. For example before he visited my son had Trinity at the top of his list and Williams barely on the list (it was a last minute add). After visiting their positions reversed.</p>