<p>So far I've visited two schools that I've really liked, Rice and Trinity University (San Antonio). </p>
<p>What I liked about Rice:
-Size (small/medium, around 2800 undergrads)
-Strong Academics/Reputation
-Residential College System (a nice alternative to greek life, which isn't my thing)
-Located in a city (I'd like to be in a city or college town, but not in a rural area)</p>
<p>What I liked about Trinity:
-Gorgeous Campus
-Close relationships btwn students and teachers
-Close to home (I live in Houston, so I can drive home from there when I need to)</p>
<p>Can anyone suggest some schools that are similar to these, or sort of a meet-in-the-middle between these two? It is not mandatory that the schools be in Texas, though it is a plus. Any suggestions?</p>
<p>You might want to look at places like Emory in Atlanta or Washington University in Saint Louis. They are definitely much farther away but I think they are fairly similar to Rice/Trinity.</p>
<p>I would say Marist College would fit you perfectly, although that is here in New York haha so I doubt you would go there...it fits everything you mentioned though.</p>
<p>I was part of an organization called BBYO for the first two years of high school. It was very much like a sorority for teens and I really tried to get into it but it wasn't my thing. But I don't mind going to a school that has frats and sororities, as long as they don't completely dominate the social scene.</p>
<p>I would also suggest Vanderbilt and Duke then. Both share many aspects with both colleges you named.</p>
<p>If you were to venture out of the South, I would mention Northwestern or Michigan (which might be too large)...but thats pretty far from Texas lol.</p>
<p>Vanderbilt, Duke and Northwestern all have very dominant Greek scenes. I agree that Wash U might be a good fit, though. It has a similar laid-back, collaborative vibe to it similar to Rice and Trinity, and the Greek scene isn't as pronounced as Vanderbilt, Duke and Northwestern. You also might want to look at Tufts.</p>
<p>Vandy, Duke, and NU have around 35 percent of its students in the Greek scene, leaving 65 percent who are not. The greek scene at Duke and NU atleast, is very diverse and have their share of kids who aren't drinkers and partyers, but instead just enjoy having similar friends around them.</p>
<p>Don't discount any great all-around schools just because there is a Greek presence, in my opinion. When I was in high school I didn't think I'd join a frat, but I'm in one now and definitely would recommend it to most people.</p>
<p>I personally think NU, Duke and Northwestern are great schools. That said, however, when a poster asks for schools that are similar to Rice and Trinity U and says they want a school that doesn't have a big Greek scene, to suggest 3 schools that are significantly bigger, much more pre-professional, have a strong Greek scene, and a more competitive vibe is not answering the OP's question. And to say to not discount a school because of the Greek scene because she/he might like it, is like when a poster asks for suggestions for a southern school and you suggest northern schools because the poster might find they like cold weather. You're not giving a responsive answer. You're suggesting schools you like.</p>
<p>blackeyedsusan : I'm trying to suggest schools while highlighting things she might not like about them. Thats better than not mentioning any schools that don't fit every criteria. </p>
<p>For example, Duke has a residential system, a small student body, in the South, nice campus, strong reputation. Same with Vandy. Both are near major cities and metropolitan areas. They fit almost all Criterion, and I pointed out the Greek scene is still the minority of students at both schools. I happen to like both schools so I know a fair deal about them before recommending them. </p>
<p>Not to nitpick, blackeyedsusan, but since you criticized my suggestions of Duke and Vandy as too big and too Greek for the OP...how come you suggested Wash U? Even though Wash U is the same size as Duke and Vanderbilt, and has 25% of people in the Greek scene. Again, I was trying to help, and my suggestions were as on the mark as your suggestions.</p>
<p>The Claremont Colleges somewhat fit your descriptions, not sure what you want to major in, but that would likely determine which you would aim for.</p>
<p>-Size (small/medium, around 2800 undergrads) (~800 per campus, give or take, x 5)
-Strong Academics/Reputation (Pomona, HMC, CMC.. pft)
-Residential College System (not 100% sure what this means)
-Located in a city (Socal)
-Gorgeous Campus (most are quite nice, though some dislike the architecture of Mudd)
-Close relationships btwn students and teachers (totally)
-Close to home (meh, at least it has better weather)</p>