<p>My mom is dean at a great liberal arts college, so I really understand the benefits of a LA education. Research does go on, especially at a place like Carleton known for its science programs, and it is MUCH easier for students to get involved than at a big university. There will be a significantly smaller number of physics majors, so that would give you many more opportunities to get very involved in the program. For a research project, a professor will have a small group of students eager to get involved rather than a vast number, including graduate students. Carleton is one of the best, if not the best, LAC for sciences. I would strongly recommend it over a huge place like Cornell, where it would be easy to disappear in the swarms of physics majors. But of course, I am a little biased.</p>