<p>Claremont-McKenna supposedly has a nicely balanced political spectrum amongst its students.</p>
<p>What about Wake Forest or Washington University in St.Louis? For a safety, Rhodes might be a good choice :)</p>
<p>Agree with looking at Haverford…Quaker roots make it liberal leaning ( as are most LACs) but not as much as Swarthmore.
What about Amherst? Your D sounds very similar to my S who is a Freshman at Amherst and is very much enjoying the Christian group there. He also wanted a smaller academically strong school</p>
<p>What’s wrong with Smith? (Sorry – Smith alum here). She didn’t like it? I see she has other women’s schools on her list so I’m guessing it just didn’t feel right to her, which I understand, but if she’s a solid DIII runner (which is what it sounds like) she might like Northampton with the 5 college system.</p>
<p>My D (also a runner) got significant merit aid at Fairfield University (which I believe has the more conservative, religious vibe you are seeking). I also have a friend whose daughter was very happy at Wheaton (religious orientation – not sure about the running piece).</p>
<p>If the weather doesn’t make her run for the hills, I would second St Olaf. Seems to have a good mix of students and diverse in terms of religion and politics. Macalester came to mind as well.
Would Notre Dame also fail your weather test?</p>