Small Colleges for Chemistry

College Search & Selection
1

Hi! I’m an international student and am planning to major in chemistry. I’m looking for colleges that

  1. Have really small, discussion-based classes for sciences.
  2. Have good undergrad research opportunities.
  3. None or very small fraternities and sororities.
  4. Do not have much social pressure for drinking or doing drugs.
  5. Also have opportunities for Art.

So far my top choices are Grinnell and Haverford.
Could someone suggest few more colleges that might fit my criteria?

2

Any of the top 20 LACs in the US News Rankings should be fine. You should check which ones have significant Greek life. I know that Wash & Lee is very Greek and Colgate has a bit of Greek Life but I can’t think of any others off hand. I agree that Haverford has great science facilities.

3

@londondad Thanks a lot. I’ll make sure I take a look at Wash & Lee and Colgate. Is there any reason you think significant greek life would be helpful to me?

4

@LeadChromate I think @londondad was pointing those out as schools to avoid (out of the top 20ish LACs, which would all be good for what you want) since you wanted to avoid schools with significant Greek life and drinking.

More ideas: Harvey Mudd, Reed, Carleton, College of Wooster

5

^ Yes, I was recommending avoiding W&L.

Harvey Mudd and Reed would be great options.

6

@londondad @lalalemma I guess I read it wrong, sorry. And thanks a lot for the colleges you recommended.

7

@lalalemma I do really like Reed and Carleton for what I heard about their sciences. Do you know if they have well-known art programs as well?

8

Art history or studio art?
If art history, no LAC compares with Williams which also has strong sciences across the board. Studio art is fairly strong at Carleton with the Walker and Minneapolis resources nearby along with one of the strongest chemistry/physical science programs of all LACs.

9

My first thought was Vassar.

10

Wrt Vassar:

https://ursi.vassar.edu/URSI

11

Trinity University in San Antonio, TX meets all your criteria

12

Apply to Middlebury College. Its chemistry department is terrific with fantastic undergrad research opportunities. Its Centennial Hall, where your labs will be, is a new building with sweeping views and state of the art facilities. The organic chem labs were designed with input from the professors and the layout (with hoods around the outside edges of the labs) has become the model for all future college orgo labs. I knew lots of great international students when I was there and the campus is welcoming. They also got rid of frats and sororities years ago. The school meets all your other criteria as well. Good luck!

13

Bates.

14

@Sam-I-Am Bicentennial Hall - the school is over 215 years old.

15

Thanks a lot everyone!
@11bawb I’m more into studio art. Thanks! That makes me like Carleton so much more now.
@Sam-I-Am Is Middlebury just as good for art as well?
@Booajo I know bates is well known for its sciences, but is art just as good too?

16

Look for schools with chemistry departments at which your degree can be certified by the American Chemical Society.

For colleges of varying selectivity, look into Williams, Hamilton, Vassar, Smith (if female), Kenyon, Skidmore, Wheaton (MA).

17

Every top college is approved by the ACS
https://webapplications.acs.org/Applications/CPTASL/app_list_results.cfm