<p>I'm looking at different schools, such as WUSTL, and am trying to figure out what's right for me. Any suggestions? (My grades are pretty good but not perfect and I have high SAT scores... if that helps any). </p>
<p>I really want a place with an intellectual environment, where people want to discuss what is going on in the world (perhaps a fair deal of politics); but also a place that can balance this intensity with fun... whether it be parties, mingling, or just plain silliness. I hope I'm describing this well: a place that has smart kids (not completely pre-professional) who also know how to have fun.</p>
<p>As far as social life goes, frat/ sorority life could be nice and if the school doesn't have that, it needs to have some means of having an active social life ON CAMPUS. If the school has the greek system, I don't want it to be the absolute dominant force and for it to be really exclusive and snobby, like it can be at so many places. And, I don't want the kids to be cliquey because that's really annoying- I want the atmosphere of the school to be welcoming and very friendly. I'd also prefer for the campus to lean, politically, to the left. It does not have to be a liberal bastion but I definitely do not want it to be dominated by conservatives. I also don't want it to be a school where you can tell the kids try hard to be grungy and shun materialism; I enjoy some of the name brands and don't think I should have to apologize for it. </p>
<p>It also has to be a pretty campus in not too sketchy of a neighborhood; I really want that quintessential college campus. </p>
<p>Regarding academics, I want to study either international relations, economics, or political science so hopefully the school is strong in all three of those. Also, I'd prefer classes to be somewhat small or at least filled with discussion. I know that at many places introductory classes are large and that is okay. 200+ people, however, is way too many for one class, in my opinion. I'm having some trouble deciding between small school/ medium-sized school. </p>
<p>So... any ideas?
I've been thinking about Wash U or Northwestern. I like Georgetown but it seems like much of its social life was off-campus. Liberal art schools: Pomona or Carleton maybe. please help!</p>