<p>My son is at a college of 1500 kids after a high school the same size as yours. He doesn’t find it at all similar, and certainly not stifling. He loves it. For one thing, everyone is not packed into one building–they are spread out around the campus. (Because the campus is small, though, he can get to class in minutes and go back to his dorm between classes–it’s really easy to get around.) For another, more of the people will probably be more like you, whereas in high school it’s more random based on where you live. That’s why fit is SO important and why I think it is essential to visit and hopefully stay overnight after you’ve been admitted.</p>
<p>As for other colleges, if I were you I would look at the best programs for biomedical engineering, wherever they are. I know nothing about engineering so I would do research elsewhere on this site if I were you. They may be at state schools where you would also be in an honors program. You do have to like the school for reasons outside of your proposed major, since of course there is the chance you will change majors once you get there.</p>