<p>Might I suggest taking a “peek” also at Grinnell College and Oberlin College. May be “slightly reachy” – and of course you are going more for matches this time around – but excellent small colleges with diverse and interesting student bodies. They both have what you are seeking: highly motivated students and rigorous academics. Macalester in the Twin Cities is also really worth a look, as more of a match. And hey, if financial aid is a real consideration, though it is a reach, St. Olaf’s neighbor Carleton College might be less of a reach than Williams or Haverford. Carleton has very generous financial aid and, though a top-ten LAC, gets fewer applicants than W or H, and typically has a higher than 25% acceptance rate. Problem is those Minnesota winters, but it is a spectacularly good school and worth a look. As I say, easier to get into than W or H, but just as good!</p>