I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for college. I feel like I am overlooking some schools. I am looking for somewhere that is close to a city, has a strong academic reputation, and is not massive. I am looking for a school that is not overly political, where both sides get along. As of right now, I am favouring TCU and Syracuse. Here are my stats.
I have a 28 ACT (hope to improve before January)
I have an 83 average unweighted in my classes. I attend a very rigorous college preparatory school. I take many AP’s and have taken very rigorous class work. I receive a scholarship at my school for achievement.
I have a leadership position, alongside being active in many clubs involving math and politics.
I compete in science competitions and participate in YMCA youth legislature.
I am on the varsity soccer team and have 2 varsity letters.
I’ve been interning with a local organization that aides seniors and ran their charity golf tournament over the summer.
Lots of Catholic colleges might fit the bill, such as Creighton, Xavier, Dayton, and St. Louis if you’d like to stay in the Midwest and if you’re OK with the religious component.
What is your budget? While we don’t know your state, for many students their in-state public universities can be more economical that other options are are at least worth looking at closely.
Depending upon many details, “I’d prefer to leave my state” can be a very expensive sentence in some cases.
For reach, look at Emory University. While your ACT is on the low side, you may have a shot at Emory’s Oxford College. Also, look at Wake Forest University (while it is not in a big city, it is not far from Charlotte). Given your interest in political science or biology, I would definitely look at a few liberal arts colleges.
I think there are some great suggestions in #2–Creighton, etc.
If cost is an issue, you might google colleges that meet full financial need. You’ll find a lot of the most competitive schools but also some that are much more reasonable in terms of admission, but still terrific schools. If some look like a fit, run the net price calculator on the school’s admission webpages to see what you might expect to pay. College of Wooster might work, and Denison might give you some substantial merit aid, depending on your grades, courses relative to your school. You might also look at Clark University in Worcester, MA.
Wake is legitimately test optional, so that would be a plus. Even though your ACT is good, it’s on the lower side for those reporting it at Wake. It does focus a lot on grades, so it might be difficult if your GPA does not put you in the top 20% at your school. Also, it weights interest and contact very heavily. It wants students to visit and interview if possible. It offers Skype interviews. You could check, but I believe those are filled. I’d certainly think it a reach with an 83 average and no visit. But certainly apply if it looks good to you. You’d be a reasonable candidate.
I live in Missouri. I’d say my budget would be around 40k, hoping to keep it lower than that. Wake Forest and Emory would be too far of a reach, and I was not the biggest fan of SMU.
Just some thoughts: Butler in Indianapolis, Bellarmine in Louisville, Loyola in Chicago, Tulane in New Orleans, Trinity in Texas (San Antonio, I think). St. Louis University or Maryville if you are willing to stay closer to home. Rhodes might be a little small for your tastes, but has a good academic reputation and is in Memphis.
St Olaf, Butler, Beloit, Drake, Illinois Wesleyan, Loyola Chicago and Loyola Maryland, St Thomas in St Paul, UDel. Perhaps look at Dickinson too (not near a city but excellent for political science.)