Hey everyone. If you’ve seen my recent posts you probably know that I’m mostly focused on big schools (Cal, UCLA, UCSD, UCD, Cornell, UPenn, CMU, etc.) I’ve always wanted to go to a big school just because that’s the kind of environment which I feel I would thrive best in. However, as someone who wants to eventually go to med school, I’ve recently been hearing that LACs can be great options due to student/teacher ratio as well as research opportunities. What kind of information can you guys give me on LACs? The main concerns I have are:
- Are they really that "liberal?" Would a moderate/somewhat conservative student feel extremely out of place?
- How is the social scene? The main reason I'm drawn to large schools is just because they seem so much more...fun. Would I be missing out on the "typical college experience" by going to a LAC?
- What kind of merit-based aid do top LACs have to offer (For example for National Merit)? (I know this is a generic question, but just a general answer would be great.)
- Do graduates from LACs typically tend to fare better/worse/the same as graduates of large colleges when applying to med school?
- The "prestige" factor...I know this shouldn't be a concern but all of my friends/peers are extremely high-achieving and also judgmental. Are LACs looked at as "bad" or "easy to get into?"
- Similar to #4, would a LAC be a good option for someone who wants to go to med school?
Phew, I know that was a lot of questions. If you took the time to read all that, thank you!
Now for the chances part…how would my chances be at the following LACs (the main ones I’m looking at) with a 4.4/3.8 GPA and a 35 ACT? I’m feeling a little lazy and I don’t want to make this thread super long, so I won’t type all my ECs. I’ll be happy to list them if you want though, and they’re on pretty much all my recent threads. I really appreciate the help 
Female from CA
Mainly looking at/would like chances for: Amherst, Bowdoin, Grinnell, Williams, Haverford, Smith, Bucknell
Looking to major in biochem and then go to med school
I haven’t done much research on LACs so please let me know whether the listed ones are strong in the sciences or have a more humanities-oriented focus. Please don’t be rude; I’m not very knowledgeable with LACs. Thank you once again!