<p>I plan to major in physics at a small to medium sized liberal arts college. I'm part of a rigorous choral program in my high school, so it would be nice to participate in a quality music program without having to major in the arts or be part of a conservatory. I'd also like to play softball as an intramural or club sport, and schools with a big variety of student activities are a plus. The location of the school doesn't really matter to me so long as the town is relatively LGBT-friendly and it isn't in a secluded area. </p>
<p>So far, I really like Reed, Bryn Mawr, and Sarah Lawrence for their quirky student body and sense of community. Does anyone else have any suggestions on what colleges I should add to the list?</p>
<p>Possibly Lawrence University? They satisfy all your requirements with the possible exception of softball. Even though they have the conservatory there, they have several a Capella and ensemble groups available to all students. And their physics program is excellent. </p>
<p>Take a look at Eckerd College. You can be involved with the music program and not have to major or minor, they have a mixed team intramural softball, it is a small LAC in St. Petersburg on the bay. The new James Center for Molecular and Life Sciences is only 1 yr old. The students are eclectic, open minded and lean more toward liberal philosophy. The also have a Phi Beta Kappa chapter and are known for their science dept.</p>
<p>“Rigorous choral music” screams “St Olaf” (it’s LGBT friendly enough that last year they campaigned, included the faculty, for marriage equality, math/science is top-notch, and its choral programs are among the best in the nation); Lawrence would also be a good pick (music AND very strong in physics) and, depending on stats, perhaps Oberlin and Vassar. Smith and Scripps are also very strong in the sciences (with a possibility for Scripps students to take classes at HarveyMudd).</p>
<p>Apparently outside your search parameters geographically, but you really should consider Loyola New Orleans. In the eyes of some, it pretty much epitomizes “quirky music school”! Well known for it’s conservatory but several ensembles both large and small are open to non-voice majors. Auditions required for some. Very good physics dept. Next door (literally) to Tulane, so you are able to take some courses there. It’s in uptown New Orleans. Very pretty area. Stately homes. Towering oaks. Right across the street from a gargantuan park which is great for strolling, blading or studying under the trees. Campus and city are obviously LGBT friendly ( This IS New Orleans!) School actually closes for Mardi Gras week. Sports are D3. (Maybe NAIA).</p>
<p>Thanks! By the way, I no longer plan to play softball in college and I don’t really have any geographical preferences, so any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.</p>