<p>My son looked at UMich (I’m an alum) but chose the small liberal arts route (Williams) which turned out to be ideal for him. No shortage of scholar/athletes there, but no engineering. He’s now doing graduate work at Cornell, so he managed to experience the best of both worlds – small college and large university.</p>
<p>I guess the number one decision that your son needs to make is whether he wants engineering per se or if the liberal arts – math/science – would do as an alternative. He’ll have a better idea after he visits. </p>
<p>Northeastern LACs, especially those in rural environments, are not for everyone. From what you’ve said about your son I would think that he would respond favorably to schools like Williams, Amherst, Bowdoin, Middlebury, Hamilton. These schools are full of physically active, energetic, academically accomplished kids and winter sports are an essential part of the social dynamic.</p>
<p>The engineering requirement changes the list considerably, but only he can decide what his top priority is, the program or the environment.</p>