<p>These are the three northeastern small liberal arts schools that I am trying to apply to.
I am already applying to Reed.</p>
<p>Between Willamette University, University of Puget Sound, and Lewis and Clark College,
1) which is the most academically rigorous?
2) which has the best academic reputation?
3) which has which has the most free-thinkers?
4) Which will give me more attention as a student?</p>
<p>A young woman who is interning for me, and who I’ve known since she was little, is a junior at UPS. She came out of an elite private prep high school, where she did well, and her felt that UPS was beneath her and not elite enough. She, however, adores it and feels challenged and says she’s had excellent professors and has smart peers.</p>
<p>I can’t compare the schools, but I’m just passing along the UPS review.</p>
<p>Williamette also attracts strong students produces very capable and bright alumni. Lewis and Clark is very good also, so I am not sure trying to rate one higher than the other is productive.</p>
<p>Agree, visit each, preferrably overnight, decide for yourself. All are excellent schools; I’ve known students at each, all are happy and satisfied.</p>
<p>The schools are similar in all the areas you mention: small, liberal, liberal-arts schools with good reputations, bright students, individual attention, and free thinkers. They are all within 3-4 hours of each other. None are well-known nationally.</p>