I do not believe that there is a nuversal idealized college. The most ideal college for specific student is the one that fits this specifics student the best. All criteria have different “weight” and criteria list is different from person to person.
The ideal college for my D. was:
- that had combined bs/md program that accepted her
- offerred great Merit award, preferrably at least full tuition
- within 4 hours driving from home
- student body is diverse, not in skin color or socioeconomics, but in interests and intellectual levels. She did not care to be surrounded with intense pre-med crowd 24/7, she wanted to be with the variety of people.
- has a Music Minor
6 non-urban
7 pretty campus
8 great food service
She knew that Honors are small classes and frankly large ones did not scare her.
We also knew that Research opportunities (that was a MUST for her) are absolutely at every college, including the lowest ranked and whatever.
I understand that D’s criteria may be laughed at by most others. I just wanted to show that what is a must for some has very minimal (if any) value for others.