I got into both University of Puget Sound and Lewis & Clark and am having a hard time deciding between the two. I liked L&C a lot better than UPS when I visited last spring but that was probably because I had a lousy tour guide. However, I liked the vibe at Lewis & Clark better than UPS and I love Portland. Right now I’m leaning towards L&C but am hesitant to commit because I feel like UPS is a better school in terms of academics, if only just slightly. What is the general consensus on that? Which school has a better reputation? I want to study environmental science but I’m also really interested in media studies and love public relations so I could also see myself in that field.
I’m also considering Earlham and Hampshire. Hampshire seems a little too progressive for me and the kids at Earlham seem too quirky. Do either of them rank better than Lewis & Clark or Puget Sound? I know I shouldn’t be concerned with rankings or acceptance rates, but I can’t help it. 
I’m also thinking about transferring to Pitzer College. I didn’t get in but still love the school so much. Which college would give me the best advantage/leg up when considering that?
Transferring to Pitzer is brutal. Don’t base your decision on that. It sounds like you greatly prefer L&C to all of your other choices, and your main concern is a (possible) decrease in academic level. I’d go to Lewis and Clark if it’s financially doable since you prefer it, and the surrounding city of Portland.