<p>I'm looking for a couple more small schools to add to my list (2,000 - 5,000ish, give or take). The catch is - as much as I want strong academics, I also want a thriving social scene. Parties and things to do are a must. </p>
<p>I really like Dickinson, so something with a similar vibe would be nice. Any suggestions? Location doesn't matter.</p>
<p>Villanova is a slightly bigger (around 6000 I think) but it is said to have a very active party scene.</p>
<p>Colgate,Holy Cross,Bucknell.</p>
<p>This may be a shout out for my own school, but Rice (at 3,000 undergrads) has what I consider a very good social scene thanks to the residential college system.</p>
<p>Apply to Elon.</p>
<p>Dartmouth and Princeton.</p>
<p>As a fellow Rice student with Dorian_Mode, I agree that the residential college system certainly gives Rice a very active social scene without it being considered a party school. In fact, it was ranked #1 best quality of life in 2007 by the Princeton Review. Whether you buy such rankings or not, here's what Rice says about its residential college system...</p>
<p>
[quote]
Undergraduate life at Rice University differs from that at many universities because of Rice's tradition of residential colleges. One of the unique features of Rice is its residential colleges. Before matriculating, each of the university's 2,800 undergraduates becomes a member of one of nine residential colleges, which have their own dining halls, public rooms, and dorms on campus; most of the first-year students and about 75 percent of all undergraduates reside at their associated colleges.</p>
<p>Because each student is randomly assigned to one of the colleges, and maintains membership in the same college throughout the undergraduate years, the colleges are enriched by the diversity of their students' backgrounds, academic interests and experiences, talents, and goals.</p>
<p>A faculty master, who is assigned to each college and lives in an adjacent house, helps cultivate a variety of cultural and intellectual interests among the students, as well as supporting an effective system of self-government. Other faculty or members of the community serve as associates to individual colleges.</p>
<p>The experience of college residence is indispensable to conveying the rich flavor of academic life at Rice, allowing students to combine their usual studies with an array of social events, intramural sports, student plays, lecture series, innovative college-designed courses, and an active role in student government.
[/quote]
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<p>Also, Rice is in Houston, TX, the nation's 4th largest city, so there's plenty to do off campus as well.</p>
<p>Not sure how it compares to Dickinson, but consider Duke for all of things you're looking for. (Slightly larger at 6,300)</p>
<p>Trinity , CT</p>
<p>LACs - Colgate, Washington and Lee
Universities -- Dartmouth, Vandy</p>
<p>Wesleyan (2600) - thriving house party scene. weekends known to start on Wednesdays.</p>
<p>Vassar
Muhlenberg
U Richmond (2900 undergrads)
U Rochester (4200 undergrads)
Conn College
Goucher College</p>