<p>My daughter is considering some of the same schools as the OP. I have a couple of points to make: </p>
<p>Music performance for serious-but-less-than-conservatory-level students: U of C and U of R might be pretty rewarding for you. They both have students orchestra and ensemble programs intended for non-majors. U of R offers lessons (I think with Eastman (grad?) students, but there’s nothing wrong with that!) Oberlin…you can audition for the orchestras. There are definitely non-con cellists that play in Oberlin large ensembles, but they are pretty serious musicians. There are also non-con cellists that have lessons with the cello professors at the con. So, how far you go musically depends on you, no structural impediments. </p>
<p>Not enough academic rigor at Oberlin? Really? Tell me what you mean - that would matter a lot to my daughter. She has not sat in on classes, but the non-conservatory students we met and spent time with seemed every bit as academically inclined and passionate as people we met at U of C and Yale. I don’t know Vassar as well as some of the others I’ve mentioned, but the kids I know who have attended have not seemed to be lacking in academic seriousness and ability. </p>
<p>You worry that U of C is too hard. I don’t think you should let this stop you from attending, particularly if you are faulting NW for pre-professionalism and various highly selective LAC’s for lack of academic rigor. </p>
<p>Bottom line: you don’t have infinite amount of time to re-visit, but a return look at U of C, Oberlin and U of R look like good bets to me, based on your desire for:</p>
<p>politically liberal and active
academic rigor
non-preppy, non-pre-professional, non-Greek
good music opportunities</p>
<p>I really would like to know more about your estimation of lack of academic rigor at Oberlin, Carleton and Vassar. I know kids considering these schools in particular who would find that a very relevant factor.</p>