But that said, UVM is a strong state college, and a LOT of high achieving students go to their in-state school, rather than elite private schools, due to cost. I did, as did some of my friends. We got into elite private university, and due to cost, chose to attend the best public university in our state – which ranks top 100 nationwide, and which also ranks top 100 internationally. Like you, I did the honors program. While oddly enough, inside my state, people were all, like, “You went to ZooU?”, outside my state, and internationally, EVERYONE I’ve met has been, like, “University of X? Ooh… Good school.”

As one other poster said, by the time you reach the upper level classes, there are no honors classes. Those are mostly at the lower levels: freshman and sophomore. But they were intense, and small, and very well taught.

So, based on your liking for Amherst and etc., I recommend that you apply to only the top small liberal arts schools: Amherst, Williams, Swarthmore, Middlebury, and Bowdoin being at the top of most lists. If you’re female, add Wellesley. And, because their financial aid packages are often stronger than those at the baby Ivys, also consider applying to certain of the Ivys and top national universities that may appeal: try Dartmouth, specifically (because you like Amherst) and maybe Brown, for the Ivys, and also Brandeis, maybe Tufts, maybe Georgetown. You may also like Syracuse, and Boston College. Again, good name schools, and although they will cost a lot more than UVM, they may give you more “bang”. And see how the financial aid packages play out.

Unless you love the schools, I don’t think I’d bother with St. Lawrence or Wheaton – they rank too low, aren’t well known enough, and if you’re looking for name/bang for the buck, I’m not sure they’re what you need.

Good luck