<p>What would be some safety schools to consider for someone who really likes Williams, Amherst (reaches) and Middlebury (slight reach)? Currently, I have Colgate and Colby as matches. </p>
<p>Some characteristics in these schools that appealed to me were:
- Tight-knit community
- Small-town atmosphere
- Emphasis on athletics
- Strong alumni network, especially in the northeast
- Good programs in economics and english</p>
<p>Bucknell, Lafayette, Union, Franklin & Marshall, Hobart, St. Lawrence probably in that order would be somewhat easier to much easier to get into than the first five schools you listed but with similar characteristics. If you like those schools, you should probably consider Dartmouth and Bowdoin as well.</p>
<p>I'd agree with Gellino's list, especially Lafayette (much less so Union). I'd also suggest you consider Hamilton, in particular, but also Bates, Connecticut College, Lehigh and Vassar.</p>
<p>Another vote for the gellino list, especially St. Lawrence. If you are willing to consider schools outside the northeast, then Whitman College (in Washington state) is a highly ranked LAC with similar characteristics.</p>
<p>I agree with gellino and would add Trinity.</p>