omgmari

As a junior, I've begun compiling a list of colleges I'm interested in. I have a solid GPA, can get great recommendations, will write excellent essays, and my PSAT score was in the 98th percentile, so I predict an awesome SAT score. I shouldn't have a problem getting in to most places, but I'm looking for a college strong in mathematics and philosophy (well, the liberal arts in general). This is kind of a huge problem, because places that are strong in one usual severly lack in the other. Right now I'm looking at: Reed, St. John's, Eugene Lang, Harvard (if I can get in), and UPenn (again, if I'm accepted). Eugene Lang is my top choice for Eugene Lang, but the math program leaves much to be desired. Also, I don't want any enormous universities or boring schools. Also, I'm reluctant to go to school in the South, but I can put that aside. Any advice at all? Thanks so much.

mairoula517

To me philosophy+mathematics= University of Chicago

Check it out

arkleseizure

Ditto. Philosophy + mathematics = <3 = UChicago.

BalletGirl

I think Yale has a major in mathematics & philosophy.

ChicagoScholar

Bertrand Russell was a professor at University of Chicago.

lvilleslacker

University of Chicago or Columbia

momrath

omg, take a look at Williams, strong in both math and philosophy and "liberal arts in general."

mythmom

As a former double major in philosophy and English as an undergrad one can't just say "philosophy". It's really important in that discipline to explore the orientation of the department. I didn't know this and was lucky enough to find myself at a school that specialized in modern and post-modern Continental philosophy, specifically Derrida whom I got to meet. I also studied with one of his principle translators. It was wonderful.

Many schools, like Princeton, famous for its philosophy dept., specialize in Anglo-English philosophy.

Look at course catalogues; in philosophy this is vital.

Williams in stellar in math and has a strong philosophy dept. Make sure there is someone there who shares your interests.

dnduswo

cal????????

nvm...i didnt notice that you want lacs...

atnyu

For those interested in the combination of philosophy and math, NYU should be one of their top choices. It has the No. 1 Philosophy dept. in the country, and the Math dept. is among top ~5. If one wants to learn something well, it makes sense to learn it from the best. And yes, these top philosophy and math professors do teach undergraduate courses.

I am sure this will get the usual response that these are graduate rankings. Just keep in mind there is no such thing as undergraduate departmental rankings. And Yale, UofC, Columbia, etc., mentioned in this thread have also built their reputation on research excellence, not the undergraduate experience.

unalove

Yale has a combined program. My friend is in it.

U of C would be a great choice if you wanted to double-major in philosophy and math. You'll find a lot of student interest in both programs.

SBmom

Depending on the kind of math, Brown might be worth a look. Furthermore, the open curriculum makes double majoring a snap.

Swansong

There are many, many colleges that have superb mathematics and philosophy departments. Make your list after you get your first set of SAT scores to see how you really do. The PSAT is an indicator but not a perfect measure....congrats on your score but wait on the SAT to start celebrating. The important thing in looking for colleges is to pick some reach schools, some match schools and some safety schools...all of which you like and can see yourself going to school there. Make an inventory of "YOU". Your likes and dislikes, interests, personality, whether the size of the school is a factor, whether its a private or state school, weather, dorm issues, your quirks, whether you are opinionated and political, etc. And then research schools that fit you the best, or if you are a very tolerant contrarian, then schools that will challenge you to be different than you are now. Its best generally to pick colleges that fit your personality...where you get a feeling of "this is me" when you walk on campus and meet people. Why? Because you will be happier and more likely to thrive, not just survive. Every school has its ups and downs, its positive and negative issues, its quirks and personality. Campus culture is usually very obvious: studious and intense, or relaxed and playful, party oriented or academically centered, are people of your general socio economic background or are they very different from you and does that matter to you or not? Are they like you academically? Are you a fish out of water (either up or down the scale of academic scores)? Do you prefer small and rural or big state schools with BIG time sports? Do you prefer the big city life or the quiet solitude of Walden's Pond? Are you more an NYU type of person or a Vanderbilt type of person?

Then make a broad list of 20, and work it down to 10-12, and maybe 8-10 schools listed by your interest and preferences in order of how YOU rank them. Prestige may or may not be important to you, but don't put too much emphasis on that. Focus on how you fit with that school.

Good luck.

mouldon

Ditto for U. of C. What's that famous cheer the Chicago students say at Football games?

mouldon

and the answer is:

Themistocles, Thucydides,
The Peloponnesian War,
X squared, Y squared,
H2SO4.
Who for? What for?
Who we gonna yell for?
GO, MAROONS!