<p>Sakky and myself rarely agree, but we're in the same boat here. As much as I am a strong proponent of research universities--especially in the sciences--there really is no real disadvantage to attending a top notch LAC if grad school is your goal. First, every graduate admissions department knows that the research opportunities are more scarce for these students--it's not held against them. Second, graduate ad-coms certainly know about and understand the quality of the general education that these students get. Bottom line is top applicants from LACs are smart, smart students who will learn the necessary bench work during their first year or two when they do rotations.</p>
<p>Lastly...LAC professors absolutely do research, it's just not at the forefront of their job description--teaching is. I'm actually collaborating right now on a paper with a professor from Harvey Mudd college.</p>
<p>Anyway, the difference between unis and LAC's for me is all about feel and diversity of offerings.</p>
<p>thanks.
CUgrad</p>