<p>I was planning on applying to schools last fall (in fact, started) before some big changes came up in my life (like a baby), and I had to set my plans aside. As it is, I will now be applying to colleges in the fall of '09. However, the extra time and life changes have really cleared up what I want in a school. Whereas before, I had no idea what I wanted (everything seemed good to me, if in different ways), I now have some relatively specific wants/needs. Can anyone suggest schools that fit them? Oh, and I'm nineteen.</p>
<p>Oh - note: I don't care whether it's prestigious or not. Suggestions from the level of Ivy to supposed "Podunk U" type schools are fine. I'll apply anywhere that sounds like a good fit. </p>
<p>Preferences:
-no grueling 'core' requirements in different areas that have nothing to do with one's major. I'd prefer a school with few such non-major requirements. So far, the school that most pops into my head as being what I DON'T want is Columbia, and the one that seems like an example of what I do want is Brown.</p>
<p>-adequate physics and math departments. Doesn't need to be insanely awesomely world-renowned, but nothing where it's hard to even piece together a major in those two. Extra pluses would be good chem and bio departments.</p>
<p>-but I'm not sure I want a school where everyone is into science. I'd like a diversity of studies. Also, some of my accomplishments are in the humanities, so they might not shine as much to a place with a super-heavy math/science slant. </p>
<p>-I can move somewhere far from where I am, but it will be harder for me than for your average person my age. I live in the Boston area now, but the following places would all be easier than anywhere because of family connections:
-within 4 hours driving of Boston
-the upper half of Ohio, or even Pennsylvania in the Pittsburgh area
-within an hour or two of Seattle or Olympia, Washington</p>
<p>possibly Brown? it’s close to boston and doesn’t have any core requirements. i’m not entirely sure, but i assume it has great science programs. good luck!</p>
<p>Only 1 required class (freshman writing). Rest of the curriculum is open. </p>
<p>Excellent physics dept. Strong engineering school. Also very strong in biological sciences. (Medical and dental school are just across the street from the UG campus.)</p>
<p>Aside from that, UR has Eastman School of music and a good econ and IR program…Lots of diversity in the kinds of interests the students have.</p>
<p>UR is more than 4 hours from Boston by car but it is close to “the upper half of Ohio”</p>
<p>Actually, UR does have distribution requirements, but they’re very loose. Three divisions and you must take at least a “cluster” (3-4 linked courses) in your two non-major divisions. If you double-major or minor, that also counts for the cluster.</p>
<p>What about Wesleyan…it’s within 4 hours, has great science programs…especially astronomy? are you interested in that at all? and it’s within 4 hours. It doesn’t have distribution requirements if you don’t want honors</p>
<p>I second Smith College. It has great science, math, and engineering, and also great liberal arts. The open curriculum gives you a lot of room to explore your interests. Smith also has the Ada Comstock Scholars program for nontraditional students, so there are other mothers, albeit older, who attend.</p>
<p>^^ I was just thinking about Smith/Ada Comstock. Wellesley also has a program for older students/mothers in mind, and perhaps Mount Holyoke does as well?</p>
<p>Look at Brandeis- very good for the sciences, but offers much more. Northeastern may be good, as well. I agree that Smith is definitely a place to consider strongly. U Mass Boston would be a good financial safety.</p>