Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Science Majors?

Hey, I'm a rising junior high schooler who's got a knack for science. I'm interested in majoring in a science-related field at a liberal arts college. Anyone have good recommendations on which schools to consider?

Sure, happy to help! When considering liberal arts colleges for science-related majors, keep in mind that you're not necessarily looking for a robust list of specialized majors, but rather a school that can provide a solid background in scientific thinking and methodology.

One college to consider is Swarthmore College, which is well-known for having a rigorous academic program that emphasizes critical thinking and intellectual growth. Their science curriculum maintains this philosophy, which can be a fantastic launching pad for a science-oriented career. Swarthmore is particularly notable for its undergraduate research opportunities and collaborative learning environment.

Carleton College also offers a strong background in the sciences. They are known for their dedicated faculty and rigorous academic program. Like Swarthmore, Carleton places a heavy emphasis on undergraduate research.

Finally, Amherst College is another school to look at. As a part of the Five College Consortium, Amherst offers the opportunity for students to take classes and conduct research at other nearby institutions—Smith College, Mount Holyoke College, Hampshire College and the University of Massachusetts Amherst—which can broaden your scientific course and research options significantly.

Lastly, don't forget to check out university-school partnerships that these colleges might offer. For instance, some liberal arts colleges have pre-engineering courses that, after completion, allow the student to pursue an engineering degree at an affiliated university.

All three schools that I mentioned have a strong reputation in the sciences. They maintain small class sizes, which give students the opportunity for more face-to-face instruction and mentorship opportunities with professors. These colleges really emphasize undergraduate teaching, which can be a major strength when you're looking to major in a science-related field. Remember, your end goal is to understand and apply scientific principles, not necessarily to specialize in one narrow field. Liberal arts colleges are excellent at teaching this way of thinking.