<p>@warblersrule: Yes, sorry, I should have been more specific in what I want.
Some major things I am looking for in a college are:
~Mostly small class sizes, (less than ~40-50) mostly taught by professors (Of course, wherever I go there will be relatively large intro classes, and I am fine with that to a certain extent)
~Good career/fellowship advisors and offices
~Rigorous yet not cutthroat atmosphere
~No “screening” of med school applicants
~Opportunities for undergraduate research
~Intellectual students who are really interested in learning
~Plenty of opportunities and organizations for political activism
~Interesting, approachable professors (for the most part)
~Not too much drinking or drug use (I’m fine with some of both, but I don’t want everyone getting drunk or high on the weekends)
~Vibrant residential life (Not a “commuter college”)
~Opportunity to study abroad in Great Britain, Kenya, Uganda, Botswana, or South Africa in a program recognized by the college/university (I want to make sure any credits I earn while studying abroad will transfer)
~Welcoming and accepting atmosphere for LGBT students
Obviously, there might not be a college that fulfills all of these wishes, but I would like one that fulfills most of them. And you are absolutely right in noting that my “interests have already changed once, and they could very well do so again.” I would like a college that has strong programs overall and a firm foundation in the Liberal Arts. I am pretty certain, however, that my desire to major in political science or public policy, at least, will remain.
I also would welcome advice as to whether or not to keep Vassar & Swarthmore on my list. I loved the unabashedly intellectual atmosphere at Swarthmore, their politically aware student body, and the excellent preparation for graduate/professional school provided through the Honors Program and the overall rigor of Swarthmore academics. But I am worried about grade deflation (or at least, lack of grade inflation) there, which could affect my chances of getting into a graduate/professional program of my choice (especially for med or law school, which place a premium on high GPA). Regarding Vassar, I am just wondering about the strength of their science programs, etc.
Thanks for responding!</p>