<p>Fair enough. Thank you, vicariousparent, for clarifying :)</p>
<p>For someone who’s interested in a LAC environment, I’d strongly suggest looking into the Claremont Colleges (<a href=“http://www.claremont.edu)%5B/url%5D”>www.claremont.edu)</a>. Part of what makes the situation so unique is the consortium environment, which means that students are ensured individual attention, focus on undergrads, small classes, etc., but they also have access to facilities and resources greater than those at most comparably sized colleges. Also, each college has its own areas of academic emphasis, so there are top-notch programs across the board, and all are pretty widely accessible…a “more than the sum of its parts” arrangement, in a sense. Academically speaking, the situation allows all the benefits of a LAC, but eliminates a fair number of the commonly cited drawbacks. The consortium is remarkably cooperative and accessible, unlike some; the students really do live and work across multiple campuses.</p>
<p>Among the five undergrad colleges, most/all (HMC being a possible exception, but still notable to a heavy-duty math/science student who wants a well-rounded education) of which I think warrant further research based on the OP’s own criteria, I’d make specific note of Scripps. I say this due to its exceptional core program, interdisciplinary approach to all subjects, relatively high academic expectations, engaged students, and “breadth of study” GE requirement (Pomona has a similar “breadth of study” requirement). My Scripps classes also tended to be the most discussion-based, although this was common throughout Claremont.</p>
<p>I can only compare the 5 schools to one another, and not to other institutions, but I do speak from personal experience…not just the belief that “these schools are good, so you can probably expect _______.” Based on that and on your specific criteria, here’s a big nod to Claremont :)</p>