<p>Let me just preface this by saying that I've done all the collegeboard's matchmakers and searches, but none of the schools that come up seem to fit. I'm a female from NC, 2260 SAT (720 CR, 780 M, 760 W), excellent GPA (although my school doesn't officially calculate it). I'm looking for some college recommendations based on more subjective criteria, so if you can think of any possible matches, please help me out! (sorry this is so long!)</p>
<p>What I want:
Size: around 4500 7000
Location: East Cost, urban or suburban </p>
<p>ACADEMICS
- So basically, I have no idea what I want to major in. I'm interested in the natural sciences (especially neuroscience, biology, chemistry, NOT physics), and as of now I'm considering becoming a doctor. Of course this all could change at any minute, so I need a school that's strong in the sciences (and has lots of different science majors), but also strong in other fields in case I change my mind. (I'm also pretty interested in public policy and economics stuff, although I hate history).
- Not too much of a core curriculum, if possible. Some distribution requirements are okay.
- Easy to switch majors and double major/minor across different schools/subjects
- Lots of advising and support</p>
<p>SOCIAL
- I'm a friendly person who likes to have fun, but also make good grades. I'm not really into the binge drinking or drugs type of thing, although I love parties. I'm also planning on joining a TON of clubs and intramural sports teams, so I want a student body who's highly involved with extracurriculars and not afraid to try new things.<br>
- School Spirit is a plus
- Plenty of opportunities to make friends (I'm kind of shy)</p>
<p>OTHER
- Contained campus is a MUST, especially in the city.
- Nice Dorms, preferably no public showers (hey, I'm an only child)</p>
<p>Thanks so much for reading all of this! I know there isn't a school that will fit all my criteria, but any suggestions will help!</p>
<p>Well... that's a lot to ask for. You're looking for what a lot of students would think of as the ultimate college.</p>
<p>I don't think you mentioned your gender... if you're female, some of the womens' colleges, particularly Wellesley or Holyoke (very good at sciences) sound good.</p>
<p>But if you're not a girl then most of the major N.E. schools will do you nearly as well: think Columbia, Penn for Ivies if you change your mind about size... and the smaller, friendlier schools like them for added niceness (Williams? Amherst? you sound competitive).</p>
<p>You sound like a perfect fit for Brandeis. Another possibility is Rochester. If finances is a factor, both of them offer good merit scholarships.</p>
<p>What about Emory? 6500 students. Good in sciences and premed as well as other liberal arts subjects. Nice campus, although a little weak in school spirit perhaps.</p>
<p>Perhaps you would consider....
-Brown
-Johns Hopkins
-Brandeis
-Tufts
-Carnegie Mellon</p>
<p>I know they don't all fit your criteria but all are strong in sciences and most are in the area you are looking for.</p>
<p>As for public showers, they aren't all that bad. Most have private walk-in area with ledge for clothes and a protective/non see-through curtain [privacy really is present at most dorms]. Also - you mentioned you were shy. Public/Community restrooms are a GREAT way to meet new people! Really, think about it...</p>
<p>This probably makes your job harder but the 4500 - 7000 eliminates liberal arts colleges and I wonder if you should consider a few if you want great opportunities to bond with fellow students and not be lost in the shuffle. You don’t really indicate where you are on the hipster—preppy scale, so it’s hard to recommend which LACs. Vassar (I think) and Wesleyan are a little bigger and more hipster. Amherst is more preppy and smaller but has the consortium to make academic and social life feel more extensive. If you hadn’t said the 4500 to 7000 thing I would have mentioned these places along with Middlebury and Bowdoin, for example. Amherst also has no distribution requirements.</p>