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The Best Schools You Never Heard Of:

Beloit College

Beloit College is a small, private liberal arts school.  Teaching is the faculty’s first priority.  Most classes have fewer than 15 students and are all taught by full professors.  Students take advantage of many off-campus programs, including school-arranged jobs, internships, and summer positions.  Almost all students live on campus and students don’t venture out too often.  Beloit participates in the Midwest Conference and women and men have their choice of 9 intercollegiate sports to choose from.

Located in Beloit Wisconsin. 

Undergraduates:          1,258

Male/Female ratio:       40/60

Sat Range:                   V 590-690

                                   M 550-650

Phi Beta Kappa:           Yes

Applicants:                    1,432

Accepted:                     70%

Enrolled:                       30%

Strongest Programs:       Anthropology, Biology, Chemistry, English, Biochemistry, Economics, and Geology.

 

Bowdoin College

Bowdoin has just undergone a major capital campaign in 1994 and did a campus wide reconstruction, resulting in 2 new state of the art science facilities and new residential halls.  Bowdoin has developed a reputation for excellence in practically every academic pursuit and is one of those “quiet places” that ranks among the best liberal arts colleges in the country.  Studying abroad is a high point that attracts a lot of Bowdoin students; more than half of all Bowdoin students study away during their junior year.  Students praise professors as being “extremely helpful and accessible.  Bowdoin offers 29 varsity sports and competes in the New England Small College Athletic Conference and the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference.

Located in Brunswick, Maine.

Undergraduates:           1,608

Male/Female ratio:        50/50

SAT Range:                  V 640-720

                                    M 640-710

Phi Beta Kappa:            Yes

Applicants:                    3,942

Accepted:                     32%

Enrolled:                       37%

Strongest Programs:      Government, Biology, Anthropology, Economics, English, Sociology and Asian Studies.

 

Bucknell University

The beautiful buildings and rolling hills of their idyllic, secluded campus, make it “one for the most attractive in the nation.”  The school attracts a preprofessional crowd, but stresses the individual-Bucknell keeps many of its classes small and stresses quality time with faculty members.  At Bucknell you get the best of both worlds.  The faculty is “unbelievably smart and easily accessible “, like at a small school, the staff tries to get to know the students on a personal level.  Like at a big school, students have access to a vast amount of resources.  The labs and classrooms are some of the finest in the Northeast.  If fraternities and sororities interest you, Bucknell’s Greek society is very active in providing a social life for the students. 

Located in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania

Undergraduates:          3,456

Male/Female ratio:       51/49

SAT range:                  V 570-660

                                   M 600-680

ACT range:                  26-29

Phi Beta Kappa:           Yes

Applicants:                    6,965

Accepted:                     50%

Enrolled:                       27%

Strongest Programs:      Humanities, Engineering, Business, English, Music, Theater, Psychology and Interdisciplinary Studies.

 

University of California-San Diego

University of California-San Diego has a topnotch research center, that houses one of the top engineering and science programs in the world.  UCSD is divided into five smaller colleges to best suit their students’ career goals.  In 1986, the Ford Foundation cited UCSD as one of the six top public institutions in the country based upon the strength and balance of their academic programs.  The faculty was rated number one nationally among public institutions in science productivity. Professors focus their attentions on research while TA’s teach a sizable amount of classes.  On-campus events are slow and the school has a dry-campus policy, which is strictly enforced. 

Located in La Jolla, California

Undergraduates:          15,837

Male/Female ratio:       51/59

SAT range:                  V 550-650

                                   M 590-690

ACT Range:                22-27

Phi Beta Kappa:           Yes

Applicants:                    28,002

Accepted:                     48%

Enrolled:                       25%

Strongest Programs:      Applied mechanics and engineering, Biology, Psychology, Economics, Political Science, Oceanography and Communications.

 

Carleton College

Academics are the central focus of most students at Carleton College.  This geographically diverse student body is one of the most academically accomplished in the country.  The college makes efforts to entertain the students by sponsoring events like movies, concerts, plays and dances.  More than 80% of students entering as freshmen, graduate within 4 years and 75% enter graduate or professional school within five years of graduation.  Carleton College participates in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and the NCAA Division III.

Located in Northfield, Minnesota

Undergraduates:          1,880

Male/Female ratio:       48/52

SAT range:                  V 630-730

                                   M 630-710

ACT range:                  27-31

Phi Beta Kappa:           Yes

Applicants:                    3,102

Accepted:                     51%

Enrolled:                       31%

Strongest Programs:      English, mathematics, Computer Science, Chemistry, Physics, History, Economics and Psychology.

 

Claremont McKenna College

Claremont McKenna College is just one of the 5 undergraduate schools of the Claremont Colleges.  Claremont McKenna has eight research institutes located on campus, which offer its undergraduates ample opportunities to study everything from political demographics to the environment. .  The professors are considered as accessible and willing to work with you.  Student government is huge and given a good amount of freedom by the administration to voice the students’ concerns. It has a good mix of academics, athletics, cultural get togethers and parties.  CMC offers a substance free housing option to students.

Located in Claremont, California

Undergraduates:           1,024

Male/Female ratio:        56/44

SAT range:                   V 610-720

                                    M 640-720

ACT range:                   26-31

Phi Beta Kappa:            Yes

Applicants:                    3,043

Accepted:                     28%

Enrolled:                       28%

Strongest Programs:      Economics, Government, International Relations, Premed, Prelaw, Business, Accounting and science

 

Clark University

Clark is an independent, residential college.  Students know Clark University for its individualism and freedom.  Clark has made a compelling offer to students:  Students are eligible for a fifth year of their education free if they earn at least a 3.25 grade point average during their undergraduate studies.  Such students are eligible for a combination Bachelor’s/Master’s degree program at no additional cost.  Classes are small so it is easier to get individual attention.  Clark is a member of the Worcester Consortium, which allows undergraduates to take courses at any of nine other schools in the area.  It is not big on the social scene, having no fraternities or sororities. 

Located in Worcester, Massachusetts

Undergraduates:           2,242

Male/Female ratio:        41/59

SAT range:                   V 510-630

                                    M 500-620

ACT range:                   20-25

Phi Beta Kappa:            Yes

Applicants:                    3,019

Accepted:                     80%

Enrolled:                       21%

Strongest Programs:      Psychology, Geography, Government and International Relations, Environmental Studies, Chemistry and History

 

Davidson College

Davidson College is a liberal arts and sciences college.  Strong core requirements and a pervasive honor code distinguish this school from many of its contemporaries and draw praises from students. The campus is safe and secure, where students leave their belongings unattended without the fear of them disappearing.  Academics at Davidson are described as “hard work”.  Work outside of the classroom averages 4 hours per day.  Professors are said to love the subjects that they teach as well as the students that they teach.   Davidson places great value on student participation in extracurricular activities, intercollegiate athletics and intramural sports. 

Located in Davidson, North Carolina

Undergraduates:          1,629

Male/Female ratio:      50/50

SAT range:                 V 620-710

                                  M 630-700

ACT range:                 27-31

Phi Beta Kappa:           Yes

Applicants:                   3,185

Accepted:                     37%

Enrolled:                       41%

Strongest Programs:      Biology, English, International Studies, Math, Political Science and Premed/Medical Humanities

 

Florida A & M University

FAMU is located in Tallahassee, Florida, upon one of the seven hills of this city.  This public, urban school is one of the leading historically black universities in the nation.  FAMU has enrolled the highest number of National Achievement Scholars than any other school in the country.  The school looks for applicants that have demonstrated superior academic ability and outstanding personal qualities.  Students feel that they receive an all-around education at FAMU.  There is great loyalty and participation for campus activities.  The football team and the Marching 100 – “the greatest band in the universe” draws crowds at every game.

Located in Tallahassee, Florida

Undergraduates:           8,784

Male/Female ratio:        42/58

ACT average:               20

Applicants:                    4,850

Accepted:                     60%

Enrolled:                       51%

Strongest Programs:      Business administration, health professions, liberal arts

Franklin & Marshall College

This is a private, suburban college.  Students comment that the academic workload is “rigorous, man, rigorous”.  Professors are praised as being knowledgeable and encourage active participation.  Considered friends as well as professors to their students.  Greek life is the center of student life here and other activities are limited.  Franklin & Marshall’s intercollegiate athletic program for men and women consists of 25 varsity teams.  The College is a member of the Centennial Conference and the East Coast Athletic Conference where they compete at the Division III level.

Located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Undergraduates:          1,842

Male/Female ratio:       50/50

SAT range:                  V 570-670

                                   M 590-680

ACT range:                  24-31

Phi Beta Kappa:           Yes

Applicants:                    3,926

Accepted:                     54%

Enrolled:                       24%

Strongest Programs:      Business, Government, English, Chemistry, Physics and Biology

 

Hobart & William Smith Colleges

Hobart College for men and William Smith College for women are separate, single-sex institutions sharing the same campus and classes.  William Smith co-opts the idea of self-government and places an emphasis on gender studies.  Professors are seen as “extremely passionate and enthusiastic”.  They are teachers, mentors, and friends in and out of the classroom.  Campus life has greatly improved with more activities to do on campus.  For those who choose to party, they often travel to Syracuse, Rochester and Ithaca.  A member of the Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association, William Smith engages in varsity competition at the Division III level.

Located in Geneva, New York

Undergraduates:          1,781

Male/Female ratio:       47/53

SAT range:                  V 530-620

                                   M 530-620

Phi Beta Kappa:           Yes

Applicants:                    2,632

Accepted:                     74%

Enrolled:                       26%

Strongest Programs:      Creative writing, Teacher Certification, Economics, Environmental Studies, Biology, Architectural Studies, Political Science and History

 

Kalamazoo College

Kalamazoo College is a private, suburban college located in Kalamazoo, MI.  Kalamazoo encompasses all academic aspects of college into a program called the K plan The K plan integrates liberal arts education, internship programs, required graduate-quality project and opportunities for study abroad – in which 85 percent of the students participate in.  Classes are small and personalized.  Campus life consists mostly of studying or working.  Kalamazoo is a member of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association and competes at the Division III level of the NCAA.

Located in Kalamazoo, Michigan

Undergraduates:          1,357

Male/Female ratio:       43/57

SAT range:                  V 600-690

                                   M 570-700

ACT range:                  26-30

Phi Beta Kappa:           Yes

Applicants:                    1,216

Accepted:                     88%

Enrolled:                       41%

Strongest Programs:      Biology, Chemistry, International Studies and Languages

 

Knox College

Knox College is a private, suburban school.  This liberal arts school has developed a strong commitment to diversity over the years.  It was the first college in the state to graduate an African-American student and among the first in the nation to admit women.  With strong academics and close student-faculty interaction, the “School of Hard Knox” is one of higher learning’s better kept secrets.  With not much going on in Galesburg, there is a wealth of extracurricular activities available to Knox students, yet lots of students find themselves attending the fraternity parties on campus.  Classes are “intimate, difficult and time consuming, students are free to ask questions and the atmosphere is very relaxed.  Varsity intercollegiate competition is organized through the NCAA Division III Midwest Athletic Conference, in which Knox fields a total of twenty-one teams.

Located in Galesburg, Illinois

Undergraduates:          1,194

Male/Female ratio:       45/55

SAT range:                  V 550-670

                                   M 580-690

ACT range:                  24-30

Phi Beta Kappa:           Yes

Applicants:                    1,514

Accepted:                     75%

Enrolled:                       24%

Strongest Programs:      Biology, Education Studies, Theater, Creative Writing, Premed, and Biology

 

Lafayette College

Lafayette College is a small, private liberal arts school known for it’s nationally renowned engineering program.  It is one of the few liberal arts colleges of its size to offer engineering, and has also won considerable respect for its technical and science programs.  The overall academic experience is challenging, yet rewarding.  The professors are very confident in the knowledge of what they teach and are always willing to help where they can.  Campus life is mainly focused around fraternity life.  Incoming freshmen are not allowed to attend fraternity parties until November 1, so they will become familiar with their studies first.  Nearly one0fourth of the students participate on at least one of the College’s 23 nationally recognized intercollegiate teams.

Located in Easton, Pennsylvania

Undergraduates:          2,244

Male/Female ratio:       53/47

SAT range:                  V 550-640

                                   M 570-670

Phi Beta Kappa:           Yes

Applicants:                    4,478

Accepted:                     53%

Enrolled:                       24%

Strongest Programs:      Engineering, Economics/Business, Chemistry, Art, Biology, Psychology and English

 

Lewis & Clark College

Lewis & Clark College is a small college with a traditional strength in “novel, high energy undergraduate liberal arts studies.”  This schools broad spectrum of academic programs and outstanding professors have earned the school a reputation as one of the best liberal arts colleges in the Pacific Northwest.  Classes are small and professors praised for good teaching abilities and accessibility.  More than half of the students take advantage of the overseas study programs available to them through Lewis & Clark.  Located on the edge of Portland, there is always something to do on campus.  Just 6 miles from downtown Portland, bus service is very convenient if you want to get away. 

Located in Portland, Oregon

Undergraduates:          1,706

Male/Female ratio:       41/59

SAT range:                  V 580-680

                                   M 570-660

ACT range:                  24-29

Phi Beta Kappa:           Yes

Applicants:                    3,349

Accepted:                     67%

Enrolled:                       19%

Strongest Programs:      Psychology, English, Sociology/Anthropology, Biology, History and International Affairs

 

Macalester College

Located in St. Paul, Minnesota, this challenging and highly selective liberal arts college stresses individuality.  Classes are generally small and the professors are “extremely accessible and challenging”.  Campus life in the winter is limited.  Without a car you are “isolated” on campus.  With a car, you can visit the diverse Twin Cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis.   Intercollegiate athletic programs compete in the MIAC and NCAA Division III.

Located in St. Paul, Minnesota

Undergraduates:           1,754

Male/Female ratio:        43/57

SAT range:                  V 630-720

                                    M 610-710

ACT range:                   27-31

Phi Beta Kappa:            Yes

Applicants:                    2,886

Accepted:                     56%

Enrolled:                       29%

Strongest Programs:       Mathematics, Biology, Psychology, Religious Studies, Environmental Studies, International Studies, Communication Studies and Drama

 

Morehouse College

Morehouse is an all-male, predominately black college in Atlanta.  It is one of the most selective historically black colleges in the country with a very distinguished list of alumnus:  Martin Luther King, Jr., Julian Bond, Spike Lee, David Satcher, and Lerone Bennett.  Known for producing the nation’s and the black community’s potential leaders, with half of all Morehouse graduates going on to pursue a graduate degree.  A member of the Atlanta University Center (a consortium of six predominantly black schools), Morehouse students have a variety of course offerings to choose from.   Morehouse is a member of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and the NCAA Division II.

Located in Atlanta, Georgia

Undergraduates:           3,000

Male/Female ratio:        100/0

SAT average:               V 527

                                   M 529

ACT average:              23

Phi Beta Kappa:           Yes

Strongest Programs:      Engineering, business administration, biology/pre-medical

 

Mount Holyoke College

Mount Holyoke is the nation’s first all-women’s college.  The classes are “challenging” and the academic environment is “incredibly serious.”  Mount Holyoke is said to be “a uniquely challenging place where permanent self-confidence and unyielding motivation” are instilled from day one and there is a huge support for women’s issues. The college offers the students the a great deal of freedom allowing “self-scheduled exams.”  The surrounding area is home to four other colleges so there are always activities to participate in. 

Located in South Hadley, Massachusetts

Undergraduates:          1,826

Male/Female ratio:       0/100

SAT range:                  V 580-680

                                   M 560-660

Phi Beta Kappa:           Yes

Applicants:                    2,150

Accepted:                     64%

Enrolled:                       34%

Strongest Programs:      English, Science, Mathematics, International Relations, Psychology, Biology and Politics.

 

Occidental College

Occidental College is a private, urban college.  The focus of Occidental is to make the students more aware of the world around them as well as improving critical thinking.  Professors are very accessible and said to be unbelievable and dynamic.  On campus there are movies and Greek life is very present with many parties to attend, and if you want to get off campus, Occidental is located in the middle of one of the nation’s largest metropolitan areas. 

Located in Los Angeles, California

Undergraduates:           1,550

Male/Female ratio:        48/52

SAT range:                  V 530-650

                                   M 530-650

Phi Beta Kappa:           Yes

Applicants:                    2,568

Accepted:                     63%

Enrolled:                       26%

Strongest Programs:      Biology, Diplomacy and World Affairs, English and Comparative Literacy Studies, Politics and Public Policy, Psychology Economics and Film/Television

University of Puget Sound

Puget Sound is a private, suburban university committed to excellence in the classroom and excellence in student organizations and activities.  Class sizes are very small and professors are applauded for their competence and challenging teaching methods.  They are also praised for their accessibility and approachability.  Puget Sound is situated near the Mt. Rainer National Park, which provides for a host of outdoor activities.  On campus there are bands, guest speakers, parties, sports, movies and other activities, but those seeking excitement off campus like to travel thirty minutes to Seattle. 

Located in Tacoma, Washington

Undergraduates:          2,692

Male/Female ratio:       39/61

SAT range:                  V 570-670

                                   M 570-660

ACT range:                  24 – 29

Phi Beta Kappa:           Yes

Applicants:                    4,125

Accepted:                     76%

Enrolled:                       22%

Strongest Programs:       Asian Studies, Biology, Chemistry, Economics, History, International Political Economy and English

 

Reed College

Reed College is a private, suburban college with a dedication to the highest standards of academics.  Professors at Reed are completely dedicated to teaching and highly approachable.  The workload is challenging but rewarding.  The overall graduation rate is approximately 70 percent in six years.  Reed studies spend a lot of time in the library studying during the evenings and even on the weekend.  Student activism and community service are popular as well as the newspaper and radio stations. 

Located in Portland, Oregon

Undergraduates:           1,332

Male/Female ratio:        48/52

SAT range:                  V 640-730

                                   M 610-700

ACT range:                  27-31

Phi Beta Kappa:           Yes

Applicants:                    2,010

Accepted:                     75%

Enrolled:                       22%

Strongest Programs:      Biology, English, Chemistry, Philosophy, International Studies, French and History

 

Rhodes College

Rhodes College is a private, urban liberal arts college with a Presbyterian affiliation.  Rhodes is a small community with one of the most beautiful and serene campuses in the nation, yet located in a major city.  Students adhere to the honor code.  Professors leave the classroom during exams, and there are no meal cards to prove who’s on the meal plan.  Students are assumed to be hones and capable of policing themselves.  Classes at Rhodes involve interaction, discussion and a process of teacher and student discovering knowledge together.  There are no teaching assistants and students state that the faculty members are the best reason to attend Rhodes.  The Greek system dominates campus life and many Rhodes students looking for life off campus frequent the city of Memphis. 

Located in Memphis, Tennessee

Undergraduates:           1,452

Male/Female ratio:        45/55

SAT range:                   V 590-690

                                    M 590-690

ACT range:                  26-30

Phi Beta Kappa:           Yes

Applicants:                    2,374

Accepted:                     76%

Enrolled:                       23%

Strongest Programs:      Biology, Business Administration, Chemistry, Physics, International Studies, Economics, Political Science and English

 

Rice University

Rice is a private, independent, nonsectarian and coeducational university dedicated to the advancement of letters, science and art.  It is the dominant university in the Southwest and second only to Duke in the entire South.  Highly talented students with diverse interests are attracted to Rice by the opportunities for creative learning.  Work is taken very seriously with students studying four to five hours per day.  Lectures are small and TA’s teach few classes.  Campus life offers plenty of options to students including parties, dances etc.  Students that venture off campus find themselves visiting Houston’s city attractions.

Located in Houston, Texas

Undergraduates:           2,714

Male/Female ratio:        56/44

SAT range:                  V 650-760

                                   M 680-770

ACT range:                  30-34

Phi Beta Kappa:           Yes

Applicants:                    6,375

Accepted:                     27%

Enrolled:                       40%

Strongest Programs:      Architecture, Space Physics Engineering, History and Music

Saint Lawrence University

Saint Lawrence is an independent, nondenominational liberal arts and sciences university and the oldest coeducational institution in New York State.  This school’s excellent liberal arts curriculum is complimented by a close-knit community-and one of the best environmental studies programs in the nation.  Students state that their academic workload challenges them but does not overwhelm them.  Professors are easily accessible, and down to earth who encourage thought, not memorization.  The Greek system is large therefore fraternity parties are very popular.  Saint Lawrence offers 25 varsity teams for men and women to participate in at the Division II level of the NCAA.

Located in Canton, New York

Undergraduates:           1,844

Male/Female ratio:        50/50

SAT range:                   V 510-610

                                    M 520-600

Phi Beta Kappa:           Yes

Applicants:                    2,304

Accepted:                     73%

Enrolled:                       28%

Strongest Programs:      Psychology, English, Sociology, Environmental Studies, Math and Speech and Theater

 

Santa Clara University

Santa Clara University is an independent, urban university affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church and the oldest college in California.  Located one hour south of San Francisco, it offers its undergraduates an opportunity to be educated within a challenging, dynamic and caring community.  Students say, “Academics is what Santa Clara is most notable for.  Students like the individual attention they receive from their professors.  At SCU most people go to fraternity parties on weekends other local events on campus.  SCU offers 13 intercollegiate sports for men and 9 for women to participate in at the Division I level of the NCAA.

Located in Santa Clara, California

Undergraduates:           4,332

Male/Female ratio:        46/54

SAT range:                   V 530-620

                                    M 550-640

Phi Beta Kappa:           Yes

Applicants:                    5,653

Accepted:                     67%

Enrolled:                       27%

Strongest Programs:      Finance, Accounting, Biology, Chemistry, Economics and Sociology

 

Spelman College

Spelman College is a private, nonsectarian, liberal arts college that strives for academic excellence in liberal education.  It is one of only two remaining all-female historically black colleges in the country.  Students feel that women who choose Spelman do so for the opportunity to be surrounded by others like themselves:  black, bright, and highly motivated.  The college provides an academic and social environment that strengthens those qualities that enable women to be self-confident as well as culturally and spiritually enriched. Pre-professional majors are most popular with Spelman women, and to expand their academic options even more, Spelman students can, and do, take courses at all-male Morehouse College across the street.  Campus activities are also combined with Morehouse College and with downtown Atlanta just 10 minutes away there is always something to do.

Located in Atlanta, Georgia

Undergraduates:           1,899

Male/Female ratio:        0/100

SAT range:                   V 500-600

                                    M 500-599

ACT Range:                 21-24

Applicants:                    2,644

Accepted:                     54%

Enrolled:                       33%

Strongest Programs:      Biology and engineering

 

State University of New York at Albany

The State University of New York at Albany is a public institution.  SUNY – Albany is set up primarily for graduate research, but the school’s outstanding education and public policy programs attract undergrads from around the nation.  Campus is modern and suburban.  SUNY – Albany offers students “Project Renaissance,” a unique freshman year ‘living-learning” experience.  This academic component helps students understand different disciplinary perspectives on a subject.  Students state that Albany is a great place to have fun, with the many events held on campus and the surrounding area.  

Located in Albany, New York

Undergraduates:           11,617

Male/Female Ratio:    52/48

SAT range:                   V 510-600

                                    M 520-620

Phi Beta Kappa:  Yes

Applicants:                    14,847

Accepted:                     63%

Enrolled:                       26%

Strongest programs:            Criminal Justice, Atmospheric Science, Biology, Physics, Sociology, Psychology, Business and Political Science

 

Binghamton University

Binghamton is a public coeducational institution that is a part of the State University of New York System.  Binghamton offers students challenging, high-quality academics and unlimited opportunities for growth.  BU prides itself on excellent teaching and solid research from a faculty remarkably accessible to students.  Students have the opportunity to engage in research with faculty and, together, they have designed projects and co-authored papers.   On-campus fun for most students revolves around the fraternity scene and residence communities, although people do get involved in other activities offered on campus to students. 

Located in Binghamton, New York

Undergraduates:           9,603

Male/Female ratio:        46/54

SAT range:                  V 550-640

                                   M 570-670

ACT range:                  24-29

Phi Beta kappa:            Yes

Applicants:                    17,084

Accepted:                     41%

Enrolled:                       28%

Strongest programs:       Accounting, English, Biological Sciences, Engineering, Anthropology, Applied Social Sciences, Geology, History, Management and Chemistry

 

Swarthmore College

Swarthmore College is a private, nonprofit institution offering undergraduate courses in engineering and liberal arts.  An academic powerhouse, Swarthmore is challenging, but the unique academic atmosphere prevents cutthroat competition among students.  Students tend to be involved in intramurals sports, movies, coffee and even parties despite the sizable workload.  For interests off campus, the nearby commuter rail offers access to Philadelphia’s nightlife and cultural scene.

Located in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania

Undergraduates:           1,378

Male/Female Ratio:       47/53

SAT range:                   V 650-780

                                    M 660-760

Phi Beta Kappa:           Yes

Applicants:                    4,270

Accepted:                     23%

Enrolled:                       38%

Strongest Programs:       Biology, Economics, English Literature, Sociology/Anthropology, History and Engineering.

 

Trinity University

Trinity University is a coeducational liberal arts institution affiliated with the Presbyterian Church.  Trinity’s answer to general education requirements is the Common Curriculum, an extensive list of mandatory courses including a first-year seminar dealing with a common theme.  The common curriculum is popular with students, because full-time faculty teaches its courses.  Students may take advantage of the Study abroad programs and research projects opportunities with faculty.  Weekends find students participating in the party scene, fraternity activities or other on campus events. 

Located in San Antonio, Texas

Undergraduates:           2,323

Male/Female ratio:        47/53

SAT range:                  V 580-680

                                   M 590-690

ACT range:                  26-30

Phi Beta Kappa:           Yes

Applicants:                    2,811

Accepted:                     75%

Enrolled:                       31%

Strongest Programs:      Business, Economics, History, English, Biology, Education and Engineering.

 

Union College

Union college is an independent institution, primarily undergraduate, residential college for men and women of high academic promise and strong personal motivation. Students give professors high marks.  Professors are said to be the best thing about Union College’s academic life.  Sophomore and junior honors students participate in interdisciplinary seminars team-taught by faculty members, as well as private meetings with visiting luminaries.  Fraternities play a significant role in campus social like.  Aside from the fraternity parties, there are also alcohol-free events that tend to change every weekend. 

Located in Schenectady, New York

Undergraduates:           2,107

Male/Female ratio:        52/48

SAT range:                   V 560-650

                                    M 570-660

ACT range:                  24-28

Phi Beta Kappa:           Yes

Applicants:                    3,600

Accepted:                     48%

Enrolled:                       31%

Strongest Programs:       Engineering, Chemistry, mathematics, History, Classics, Mechanical Engineering, Economics

 

University of Delaware

The University of Delaware is a public, land-grant, and coeducational institution.  This immense university offers a private university atmosphere, bolstered by solid academics, rowdy athletic traditions, and ample opportunities for research.  Most students find courses at U of D challenging and rigorous.  Grading standards and quality of instruction are high.  Professors are said to push their students for more and have high expectations.  Their outstanding honors program enrolls more than 350 scholars a year and undergraduate research and humanities semester programs attract many of the university’s best and brightest.  On campus, sports are popular and there are many events on or off campus on the weekends or during the week. 

Located in Newark, Delaware

Undergraduates:           15,443

Male/Female ratio:        42/58

SAT ranges:                 V 510-610

                                    M 520-630

Phi Beta Kappa:            Yes

Applicants:                    15,482

Accepted:                     64%

Enrolled:                       35%

Strongest Majors:          Chemical Engineering, Business Administration, Biological Sciences, Psychology, Nursing, English, History and Political Science

 

University of Redlands

University of Redlands is an independent institution that offers programs in liberal and fine arts, business, health science, and teacher preparation.  With its innovative living/learning college and strong preprofessional emphasis, this versatile school is one of higher education’s best-kept secrets and a place where students receive all the personal attention they could want.  The University of Redlands plans activities every weekend for the students that include a lot of interesting and unusual things.  Fraternities and sororities are a presence on campus, free movies, and festivals. 

Located in Redlands, California

Undergraduates:           1,600

Male/Female ratio:        47/53

SAT range:                   V 490-610

                                    M 500-610

ACT range:                   21-27

Phi Beta Kappa:            Yes

Applicants:                    1,848

Accepted:                     83%

Enrolled:                       24%

Strongest Programs:      Government, English, Creative Writing, Biology, Chemistry and Engineering.

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Virginia Tech is a public land-grant institution.  It is best known for its first-rate technical and professional training, but offers over seventy bachelor’s degree programs in just about every field of study.  Each year, more than 1,000 students take advantage of Tech’s co-op opportunities, available in almost all majors.  Students enjoy unlimited outdoor recreation thanks to the proximity of the Jefferson National Forest, the Appalachian Trail and other nearby attractions. Fraternities, and sororities sponsor activities on campus along with the 400 student organizations available.

Located in Blacksburg, Virginia

Undergraduates:           21,415

Male/Female ratio:         59/41

SAT range:                   V 520-620

                                    M 540-640

Phi Beta Kappa:           Yes

Applicants:                   16,109

Accepted:                     78%

Enrolled:                       22%

Strongest Programs:      Engineering, Architecture and Urban Studies, Business, Sciences, Human Resources and Education, Mathematics, Forestry and Wildlife Resources and Agriculture.  

 

Wake Forest University

Wake Forest University is a private institution offering undergraduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences, education and preprofessional fields.  Already well established as one of the top private schools in the Southeast, Wake is working to develop a national reputation.  The University provides each freshman with a laptop computer when they arrive on campus, and at the beginning of their junior year, students receive a second new computer, which they take with them upon graduation.  Classes are said to be challenging due to a solid, broad-based core curriculum, which obligates all students to pursue a well-rounded academic program.  Fraternities and sororities dominate much of the social scene on campus.  The university has approximately 100 campus croups for students to participate in. 

Located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Undergraduates:           3,975

Male/Female ratio:        50/50

SAT ranges:                  V 600-690

                                    M 620-700

Phi Beta Kappa:            Yes

Applicants:                    6,132

Accepted:                     48%

Enrolled:                       34%

Strongest Programs:      Psychology, Accounting, English and Biology

 

Wheaton College

Wheaton College is an independent liberal arts institution.  It has developed a reputation for its progressive programs, emphasis on gender equality, and efforts to help students grasp the controversies of the day.  There are scores of major programs in the liberal arts.  Small classes encourage close ties between students and teachers.  Wheaton’s strongest assets are its “very encouraging and supportive” professors.   Students are offered internships, research fellowships, work-study jobs and volunteer activities that complement class work and are part of each student’s “second transcript,” something that no other college offers.  Social life is centered on campus in the form of plays, movies, dances, concerts or parties.   

Located in Norton, Massachusetts

Undergraduates:           1,451

Male/Female ratio:        34/66

SAT ranges:                 V 560-640

                                   M 550-680

ACT range:                  25-28

Phi Beta Kappa:           Yes

Applicants:                    2,417

Accepted:                     72%

Enrolled:                       28%

Strongest Programs:     Psychology, English, Economics, Hispanic Studies, and Studio Art

 

Willamette University

Willamette University is an independent liberal arts institution.  Strong offerings in political science and economics and an unusually robust study abroad program help make this small college one of the nation’s best-kept secrets.  Willamette now only offers Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of music degrees.  The professors go out of their way to establish relationships with students and they expect a great deal of effort in return.  The college offers lots of activities on campus, such as movies, dances and trips and the Greek system dominates the Willamette social scene.

Located in Salem, Oregon

Undergraduates:           1,714

Male/Female ratio:     44/56

SAT range:                   V 560-670

                                    M 560-670

ACT range:                   24-29

Phi Beta Kappa:             Yes

Applicants:                    1,639

Accepted:                     89%

Enrolled:                       28%

Strongest Programs:      Politics, Biology, Economics, English, Art and Psychology

 

                                                                 

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