<p>If you and your D are open to schools outside the Northeast, I would look into Whitman in Washington State. It is not really close to any major metro area, and perhaps for that reason has a great outdoors program. It is generally well regarded, has good merit scholarship aid, and has good science programs. Walla Walla is also a nice place to visit if you like wine tasting – it is the premier and up and coming wine growing center in Washington, though it is a long drive from either Seattle or Portland and not all that much closer to Spokane.</p>
<p>Swarthmore has the largely deserved reputation as being quite academically intense. My daughter considered Haverford and Swarthmore in the end, and was concerned that Swarthmore would be just too much work after working so hard in the IB program in high school. In the end she decided on Swarthmore and loved it. Did just fine academically, too.</p>
<p>Interesteddad has personal knowledge of Williams and strong opinions on the subject. I leave it to him to give you his perspective, which I am sure he will.</p>