<p>Hey, I could use a little help. So far on my common app I have 3 colleges I'm for sure applying to and 1 I'm kinda not sure about. And then I have one non common app that's my backup. </p>
<p>So far: Claremont McKenna
Colorado College
U Puget Sound
And MAYBE Pitzer, I'm not sure if I really want to yet.</p>
<p>Any other suggestions? </p>
<p>If it helps I'm planning on raising my ACT above 30, I've got a good GPA and good EC's. I'm really not into the whole preppy thing, hence Colorado and Puget Sound. I'd prefer a small-medium school, location is not too big of a deal. I'm from the west coast and am open to a mid-west or maybe even east coast.. but I think the South is off limits :P</p>
<p>EDIT: I suppose more info would help.
I NEED good financial aid, I cannot do a LAC on full tuition. I've taken 3 AP's, gotten 4's or above on them, and I'm taking 2 next year. 3.96/4.2 GPA, not sure what else to list. I consider CMC a big reach for me, while Puget Sound would be more of a safety
Thanks</p>
<p>Off the top of my head, Occidental, LMU, L&C, Whitman, and F&M come to mind (mostly just because they generally sound like they might fall under the same category. Hope that helped a little!</p>
<p>Pitzer does not offer merit aid, they do however meet demonstrated need. UPS has been known for nice merit aid. LMU has also been known for merit aid. Whitman is a great suggestion, also Whitworth.</p>
<p>If you need merit aid then you should look at schools that you come in at the top of their applicants’ stats, that puts you into the merit aid pool. Fin. aid I know very little about but there are many, many posts you can read by folks who could give you fabulous info.</p>
<p>I agree with Whitman, Oxy and Lewis & Clark.</p>
<p>If considering East Coast, Warren Wilson has a unique culture.</p>
<p>My son, who also likes Colorado and Pitzer, is considering Trinity in TX. We’ve hear it is a diverse student body and will not feel overwhelmingly Texas to an OOS.</p>
<p>Thanks for the suggestions. I’ll definitely look into Whitman, it’s close to where I am. My only question is what is the financial aid like? I’d definitely need over 20 a year to be able to afford a LAC.</p>
<p>You need to run an EFC and see what kind of need based aid you will qualify for --you may get more than you believe. The schools will use the FAFSA to determine your need (and sometimes the CSS profile too). But, if you are hoping for merit scholarships (whole other animal), then aim a bit lower than your stats for schools that have a higher percentage of non-need based aid. Beloit College (more liberal) would fit the bill and there are some others I’ve seen here on CC. Search the threads for LAC’s known for good merit aid. </p>
<p>Whitman has some merit scholarships, but very few, so still worth a shot with your stats :). </p>
<p>Maybe also look at Oberlin, Earlham, Warren Wilson, Bard, Sarah Lawrence, and research the merit aid given last year. U. of Puget Sound that you already have on your list is a fantastic school too and you know, they may give you aid, so look into that more. Good luck.</p>