This is the best selling point - even if didn’t go through recruitment. But I’d assume they’d want you to play in the sport - if you’re amongst the best in the country.
Yes, you need a budget. You also didn’t share what part of the country you want and what you want to study - because some LACs offer things that other LACs don’t.
But you need to get out of the mindset of elite vs. non- when you say what’s the best they can get into.
Total edit - I read LAC - it says not LAC. so I’ve revised.
There will be many schools but budget and location matter. IR is very popular and often in politics.
My kid went to College of Charleston - technically a public LAC but 9K kids. Ole Miss is a relatively easy admit and the Croft school is renowned. Indiana is another strong school - International Studies would be in its fine Hamilton Lugar school
I see another suggested Korbel at U Denver - which made me go back and look at school type and realized I was wrong - when I read LAC.
Frankly, this list might be 100 long.
Once we find out about location preference and budget, there will be more ideas.
But I’m convinced you can do well from most schools if you have the passion/persistence. My kid at the unknown regional (Charleston) had 7 intern offers in DC and ended up at a prominent think tank - so I think when people say there’s few opportunities - perhaps in this climate it’s true but in general and it depends on what you want to do, I think at NGOs or other places - there is opportunity no matter where you come from…so I’m not sure “best” should matter vs “best” for you.