<p>We have researched a lot of these schools with our D who is a college freshman and now our son. He is also interested in physics and possibly engineering. Are you looking to go on to grad school? </p>
<p>One smaller school that might be worth giving a look is Trinity U in San Antonio. Decent physics and engineering with quality overall academics and grad school placement. Also, there is the Claremont consortium in California. Our D is there and loves it. (Davidson was one of her final choices…saw your post on their site.) </p>
<p>Harvey Mudd is one of the best undergrad spots for physics and Pomona is excellent as well. CMC, Scripps and Pitzer have joint sciences. They have top notch physics profs there and they share facilities/classes with Pomona/Mudd as well. Pitzer might be easier to get into than the latter two schools, for sure but it is not conservative, if that is what appeals about the south. Occidental is not conservative either. All fine schools.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, most of the very strong physics schools on the small side do not seem to be in the southeast. You have Cal tech and MIT, as well as Mudd which at the top of the list. But for liberal arts like Davidson, you are looking at Carleton, Swarthmore, Reed, Haverford, Williams, Pomona, Whitman etc. U Dallas places a high % in physics grad programs as well. W & M is supposed to be decent, as is Rhodes. What didn’t you like there?</p>
<p>U Alabama/Huntsville and Florida Institute of Technology also place decent #s of physics majors in PhD programs but they probably don’t have the college ‘experience’ you are looking for…and your gpa is going to be a factor at highly competitive places. It might get more complicated with a move. I think mom2collegekids was thinking that retesting might work to your advantage in the non-math areas. Great math score and it looks like a solid course load. Make sure someone from your school explains how difficult your school is when it comes time to apply.</p>