<p>Right now, I have my sights set on these three colleges for different reasons such as:</p>
<p>UPS is a larger LAC in a small city setting. It offers merit-based scholarships. I have test scores that could get me in pretty easily, I believe, and they offer an International Political Economics major that interests me. They also have a school of Education.</p>
<p>Lewis and Clark is slightly smaller than UPS in a large city environment and offers very strong programs in international relations. They offer a few full-ride scholarships and various other merit-based scholarships, L&C's tuition covers the expense of travel abroad programs.</p>
<p>Whitman is a small college (the size of my current high school) in a small rural town that caters only to undergraduates. It is well-regarded in the world of higher education, and is highly ranked for many aspects of its programs, student life, and general experience for students. I like the fact that Whitman strives to be diverse and promotes open-mindedness while providing students with an education that is motivated by their personal interests. Whitman offers some merit-based aid.</p>
<p>These are some positives I see for each school, but I can't choose or rank them in my interests. What are some strengths and weaknesses of these schools that would cause you to attend them or decline attending them?</p>
<p>Objectively, it is hard to choose between Whitman and Lewis & Clark because both are excellent LACs and they deserve their fine reputations. Therefore, you have to go with your subjective preferences;</p>
<p>Whitman: isolated rural location, dry climate, national reputation.
L&C: metropolitan location, rainy climate, good reputation but not widely known outside of the Pacific Northwest.</p>
<p>Lewis & Clark and Whitman have a very different "look & feel." Visiting each to get a sense of fit is probably most important. Academically, Whitman has the edge on reputation, L & C gets high marks for its study abroad programs. U of P is also well respected, but I know less about it. S found he liked Reed College best of all after looking at Reed, Whitman & L & C (did not attend any, however).</p>
<p>It's interesting that you cite both UPS and L&C as generous merit based LAC's. It's interesting because not too long ago when we visited neither really believed in merit awards. How times have changed. In fact both ended up pretty low on our lists because of the general attitude we found. </p>
<p>I would say look at some of the other LAC in the WA/OR as well. We found they all had alot to offer and very generous merit and need based aid. I always confuse Whitworth and Whitman, both eastern washington LAC's, but both are good schools. If the northwest is where you are thinking of attending school, you'll find many good choices in colleges. All are pretty close together so you could visit two or more a day. It's worth it to look a bit deeper.</p>
<p>I'd apply to all three and see where I get in, whether I'm offered merit money, and how I change over senior year. You'll be surprised how things become clear after admissions decisions are firmly in hand.</p>