And God said, "Let there be another thread."

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I am in search of reaches, safeties, and matches that fit my personality. I have not been able to find a college that meets my values; perchance, you can help. </p>

<p>-Social Environment
I want to be surrounded by a group of people that will stay up until 5 in the morning talking about whether indeterminism or determinism is the most rational theory. I really do not care whether there is a large amount of drug or alcohol use- as long as people will debate and argue with me over small and large issues.</p>

<p>-Location
Gloomy and cloudy weather make me somewhat depressed; I would much rather prefer sunny weather. An urban location would be nice, but it is not essential. An environment with many outdoor opportunities (rock climbing, mountain biking, etc...) would be ideal. </p>

<p>-Academics
I want to attend a college that gives students a lot to think about, in terms of making students aware of their predispositioned limitations in thoughts due to their social environments growing up and helps students to break down those barriers and see things, which they have never seen before. In my opinion, college mandatory classes help students do this; therefore, I would like a college that requires students to take several courses in the humanities. I also want a college that does not allow students to avoid their weaknesses, but helps them to improve. However, I can work hard on my own and I do not want a bunch of teachers standing over me trying to make me work harder. In addition, I would like a classroom in which all students can participate and have their voices heard. </p>

<p>-Environment/Atmosphere
I would much rather attend a school that has the moto "work hard" than "play hard". However, a combination of the two would not be displeasing. I am not a big fan of sports, so college sports teams do not concern me.</p>

<p>The most challenging part of my college search is finding a college that meets both my social environment and location desires. Are there any dream colleges out there for me?</p>

2

<p>Sounds like Stanford. I really don't know about the Ivies... I grew up in the Northeast and it isn't particularly pleasant (well it is for me, I love the rain, I love the snow, and I love the cold)</p>

3

<p>This sounds so so much like Reed. Save the cloudy weather. Its not THAT bad in Portland weatherwise... but it ain't sunny all the time. I'd recommend you look into it though. ^_^</p>

4

<p>St. John's Santa Fe?</p>

5

<p>Stanford Indeed</p>

6

<p>Work hard and stanford don't sound right together.</p>

7

<p>Pomona but does combine work hard/play hard</p>

8

<p>My first thought was Reed until I saw you didn't want gloomy weather. You won't see the sun much there. </p>

<p>Look into UC Santa Cruz.</p>

9

<p>UC Riverside</p>

10

<p>possibly Duke???, its not really warm during the winter though :)</p>

11

<p>Reed was my thought too--and I think it is sunny sometimes too, and doesn't snow much, I think. Not too sure on the weather. Swarthmore is another one that comes to mind. But it isnt' likely to be real sunny all winter there, either. It might be worthwhile to visit them and consider it--snow is much nicer and more fun than sun anyway, and it does't give you skin cancer. I didn't really look at any colleges in warm places, but I'm sure there are some that would be perfect for you.</p>

12

<p>Pomona was my first thought reading this. Reed, St. John's in either Annapolis or Santa Fe, Swarthmore (well Northeast winters can be pretty long and cold, but it seems to fit so well otherwise), Whitman, and New College of Florida are definitely worth a look. I take it from your CC name that you're male, but if not, Scripps is also worth a look.</p>

13

<p>Reed or Swarthmore</p>

14

<p>Ask me in September and I'll tell you if Stanford fits that description :)</p>

15

<p>What are your stats? We need to know those in order to most helpfully answer your question.</p>

16

<p>Hispanic
1920 SAT
I have not seen my class rank in the last 6 months, but it was around top 11% of a school with 1300 kids in my class. If I killed a few people I would be in the top 10%.
I am a junior at a public high school in Texas. However, next year I will be moving to Indonesia and attending Jakarta International School. I also attend Shekou International School between the ages of 3 and 6 (I am not sure if that says anything).
EC: Film Club (9, 10, 11th grade), High School Soccer (2 and a half years... quit this last semseter because I was burnt out of soccer), Club Soccer (Division 1 since I was 11... and still playing), English Honors Society(11th Grade), Math Honors Society (11th Grade), National Honors Society (only offered to seniors at my High School, so only 12th), Interact (11th Grade). I was not able to establish any leadership positions in these clubs because I am moving and, therefore, did not run. I self published and sold a collection of my short stories and poems to kids at local music shows (18 copies to be exact). I have had a part time job since June 15th, but I will have to quit because I am moving.
I have taken 2 APs my junior year and will take 3 APs my senior year. I am joining Interact, School Newspaper, Rock Climbing Club, and maybe Debate at Jakarta International School. I am also taking a college credit course in Philosophy at the local community college this summer.</p>

<p>Am i forgetting anything?</p>

17

<p>the Claremont - esp. CMC, Pomona, Scripps, HMC - schools are "work hard/play hard" w/ great sunny weather, intellectual students</p>

18

<p>U Chicago would be a perfect match except for the weather.</p>

<p>Consider Davidson in NC. Not Duke, it doesn't really fit the criteria. Deep Springs is another excellent option, but it's really selective.</p>

19

<p>How would you categorize these into safety, reaches, and matches?</p>

20

<p>Swarthmore, Haverford.</p>

<p>I would say Grinnell, but there are no course requirements there.</p>