<p>I just reread the OP and noticed a request for undergrad research opportunities. You’re not likely to foster as-good connections with professors when you’re in lecture-sized classes, and you won’t find those at LACs. If you want more undergrad research and smaller class sizes, LACs are the best bet. Another good option for you is Brandeis (it’s a small, small, small uni.). Other schools that might be good are Reed and Pomona. See [REED</a> COLLEGE PHD PRODUCTIVITY](<a href=“http://web.reed.edu/ir/phd.html]REED”>Doctoral Degree Productivity - Institutional Research - Reed College) It has good info on PhD productivity stats.</p>