Advice on Ranking Colleges

Paying for College Access Programs (Questbridge, Posse)
1

<p>Hi CCers, </p>

<p>I made this account specifically to ask this question. I have lurked on and off for awhile and I have found this site very interesting, useful, and a time sink. :)</p>

<p>Anyway, on to the question!</p>

<p>I am applying through the Questbridge National Match program right now as a senior. I was awarded a College Prep scholarship and a Quest for Excellence award as a junior (I am actually typing this post on my award), so I am quite familiar with the programs and how they work. </p>

<p>I know right now that Stanford University is my first choice and I will rank it as such. I also have family in California, so my mom wants me to choose a West Coast school (our wants align in that respect). However, I am also very interested in some East Coast schools. With the way NM works, if I rank College A first and College B second, and am matched with College B, I must go there, /even if/ College A would have admitted me through regular decision. </p>

<p>A bit about me: I have pretty varied interests, but I am leaning toward majoring in economics and minoring in music theory. My biggest EC is definitely guitar--I play acoustic, electric, and classical as well as mandolin, I am self taught, I did it in school for 2 years, and I am in a local Austin band.</p>

<p>So my question is: Do you think I should rank schools other than Stanford on my Match list?</p>

<p>Pros: I have a higher chance of being matched. All of the schools I am interested in are incredible and I would be honored to go to any of them. If I am matched, I don't have to endure the RD process, which would lower my stress level approximately 10000000% and I could focus on my IB Diploma studies.</p>

<p>Cons: I would be 3000 miles away from my family if matched with an East Coast school. More uncertainty.</p>

<p>What do you think? If you need any more info just ask and I will post again. Thanks for reading!</p>

2

<p>Just another option: become a finalist and do SCEA Stanford.</p>

3

<p>That sounds good, but again, I am really interested in a few other colleges as well. SCEA would knock me out of the Match process altogether, wouldn’t it? I would love to go to Stanford, but I am trying to be realistic about their acceptance rate. :p</p>

4

<p>Based on past history, you should only apply to Stanford for the match. Then, if you get matched fantastic. If you don’t, then you can still apply rd and then apply to all the other schools you are interested in as well.</p>

5

<p>Stanford is a non-binding school. Problem solved.</p>

6

<p>Well, I don’t think his problem is being matched with Stanford. It’s being matched with one of the schools further down on his list.</p>

<p>I’m actually in the very same predicament with the very same school (Stanford). I’m not racking my brain thinking about it just yet, though. I’m focused on becoming a finalist first haha.</p>

7

<p>(I’m a girl :p)</p>

<p>But yes, Sebo93 is correct. I’m probably just going to do what naggingmama suggested but I’ve really been over thinking it. My mom is laughing at me because I keep changing my mind. I guess I’ll see where I am come October 12.</p>

8

<p>Haha sorry about the gender error!</p>