<p>with bleary eyes i've spent more time going through more searches, filters, and even lame quizzes on where i should go to school than deciding what i want to study, and i can't find a school that a really want to go to. no doubt i have a "list" but nothing i'm that committed to. i want to study neuroscience, or if thats not offered cognitive science, or double major in biology and psychology. i'd love to stay in california, though oregon, hawaii, and colorado are acceptable and i love the outdoors. i don't want to be a dot that learns from a TA, but i don't want to be with the same 10 people in every class i take. i would also prefer a school that is not religiously affiliated, or if it has affiliation it doesn't take it too seriously. i've gotten all a's in highschool (except for one B...stupid geometry,) my sat was good, and i've taken many APs (and the tests resulted in 5s.) does anyone have any ideas of where i should go? or maybe i'm just idolizing college into something it isn't, and most people don't feel entirely committed to one school. i don't want to put all my eggs in one basket but i'd like to have a fairly nice basket to put some of them in.
so far i've been thinking about uc santa cruz, lewis and clark, westmont, and pitzer...
please help!</p>
<p>also...i'm pretty liberal..does anyone know how religious westmont is? i know its affiliated but....to what extent? and don't want to be in the middle of a huge city....</p>
<p>Hey, </p>
<p>I'm a completely biased observer, but I'll throw something out there. I don't know a lot about you, but I do know that we have similar interests. I'm at the University of Oregon and I love it. As a senior in high school, I didn't even consider this school. I thought I was "better" than it. But I've been VERY impressed. </p>
<p>The University is a nice size. I have a lot of people in the same classes as me, but I meet new people often. </p>
<p>The town is a GREAT college town. Lots to do, very student friendly. </p>
<p>I'm a psychology major. I'm working in a cognitive neuro lab as well as a developmental psychology lab. The research scene here is GREAT! Really exciting, new stuff and they are REALLY encouraging to undergrads who show interest. I've been given a lot of personal attention from faculty. </p>
<p>I've been able to take a mix of large lecture based classes and smaller discussion based classes. </p>
<p>The faculty is inspirational, passionate, and challenging if you know where to look for them.</p>
<p>No religious affiliation here, and there are plenty of liberals. </p>
<p>The outdoor scene here is AMAZING! We are a little over an hour away from the beach and from snow (in the winter) There are hiking paths super close to downtown. Lots of running and backpacking is available. Also, the University has one of the best Outdoor Leadership programs in the world. I get credit for backpacking and rock climbing classes! It's awesome!</p>
<p>I could give you some names of faculty if you wanted to contact them about particular interests. They are super receptive to enthusiastic students. </p>
<p>I don't believe that there is this one college out there that is perfect for you. I believe I could be happy at number of places, but Oregon is what I've decided on and I make it work. </p>
<p>If you have any more questions, feel free to PM me.</p>