<p>I basically think I know exactly what I want in a school but I don't know how to find all the schools with these qualities...so i was hoping you guys could help!! </p>
<ul>
<li>I want a school that has TONS of school spirit (probably a result of a good sports team?)</li>
<li>about 4,000 to 12,000 undergrads</li>
<li>offers engineering as a major (preferably environmental, but any engineering program will work)</li>
<li>hopefully has greek life</li>
<li>really really good nightlife/party scene</li>
<li>location is not a big deal, although I don't want a school that is too "southern" if you know what I mean (like where everyone dresses up big time to go to class, etc--I know this is stereotypical, but still)</li>
</ul>
<p>Obviously not too many schools will have all my "wish list items", but some schools I really like right now are:
- University of Notre Dame (no sororities, but dorm system works like a sorority)
- Bucknell
- UCSB (I live in California)
- Dartmouth
- Duke
- Vanderbilt</p>
<p>Since these schools are so selective, they are mostly reaches, so it'd be nice to hear about some schools that are less selective that are similar! </p>
<p>Since the schools listed vary a lot in selectivity, it will be hard for me to gauge what is “less selective” for you. </p>
<p>For you, I think big state schools will be great – lots of spirit, great engineering programs, large greek presence, active party scene, but still laid back. However, they do not fit within your size constraints. Still, there are a few privates that I think fit every criteria you want, including size. </p>
<p>I may be wrong but I don’t believe that Dartmouth and Bucknell have a ton of school spirit compared to Duke, ND, and Vandy.
Since you live in California USC comes to mind. UCLA and UCB also have great spirit</p>
<p>I visited Bucknell three times, and each time there seemed to be quite a bit of school spirit. Their support for their sports team was one indication but so too was the way in which students walking around seemed happy to see each other and the strength of their alumni network. Reminded me of Colgate.</p>
<p>What about Clemson? Lehigh? Almost all public universities with D-1 sports will have Greek life and a fair amount of spirit. Pitt might not be quite as rah-rah as you like, but it’s an option. Is UC Davis too big for your tastes? </p>
<p>Holy Cross. Lafayette. HC has fantastic school spirit and has great alumni network. Holy Cross is top25 LAC AND has DIV1 sports. IN hoops this coming year, Holy Cross will play Syracuse and Pitt among others.</p>