Any insights?

<p>Hey!!! I'm new to this site but everybody seems really helpful! I have a bunch of questions and would be really grateful if anybody could give advice or offer any suggestions!</p>

<p>I'm a junior in high school. I've been doing pretty well - 3.95 unweighted GPA in highly-rated school, 34 ACT, 229 PSAT, etc. etc. I've lettered in a bunch of varsity sports (track, ccr, nordic skiing), was captain of math team (we went to state & won for our division! hooray for nerdiness :)), was "volunteer of the year" at a local hospital - all that kind of stuff.</p>

<p>I've also faced a bit of adversity. My family is well off financially, but I was very severely anemic for quite a while, had to have some noninvasive operations, couldn't run ccr last year, became severely depressed, and developed an eating disorder because of this. I'm absolutely back to normal now, but I could sure write a heck of an essay about that ;)</p>

<p>First off, I have no idea where I should go to college. I'm a left-leaning save-the-planet type (nothing too extreme - i don't drink/do drugs at all and i'm quite the preppy kid until you start talking about politics with me!) and am really drawn to schools with lots of awesome people who aren't afraid to be themselves (New College of Florida, Reed, Amherst, etc.) but I'm afraid that if I went to a "nontraditional" school, I would have a spectacular learning experience and end up living in a cardboard box (no offense intended at all - I really don't know what I'm talking about!!!).</p>

<p>Second, should I get a summer job or do one of those summer programs that keep sending me flyers? I definitely don't want to waste my summer, but if doing one or the other would absolutely destroy all of my chances at getting accepted to the school of my dreams, I wouldn't want to do that!!!</p>

<p>Third, what are my chances at national merit? I live in northeast MN if that helps. . .</p>

<p>Last (!): Do you know of any schools that offer full rides/honors programs to people like me? I saw a list on this site yesterday, but it was rather outdated. . .hmmm this brings up another point: go for the money or go for the super-top-caliber school? Surely I'm not the only person besieged with this question :)</p>

<p>I'll certainly be impressed if anybody actually reads all of this!!! Please don't be afraid to reply - even if you think that what know is obvious, I'm probably completely oblivious!!! Thank you so much!!!!</p>

<p>I don't know the answer to most of your questions, but what about looking at schools like Wesleyan, Vassar, Macalester, Grinnell and Hamilton. Best of luck!</p>

<p>The expensive summer programs don't help with admissions, so only do that if you want to for your own reasons. Tulane may be a good school for you. It does have a party scene, but gives out a lot of great merit scholarships. Many liberal arts schools are giving merit aid at a higher rate than the universities. Ohio Wesleyan may be worth a look. It is definitely liberal, gives aid, and is quite good academically. For full rides and honors programs, the state universities are usually best. They often offer partial aid if you don't qualify for the full. You can apply to a number of branches and in many cases, you will get more aid from the lower ranked ones.</p>

<p>Read the threads about writing essays on mental health issues. If you choose to do it, they give some good advice on how to approach the subject and the risks you take in doing so.</p>

<p>"but I'm afraid that if I went to a "nontraditional" school, I would have a spectacular learning experience and end up living in a cardboard box"</p>

<p>You won't. Many of the nontraditional schools have the highest rates of sending graduates to law, medical, and graduate school in the country. And there are always career counselors to help you decide what to do about post-college if you decide that you do want to enter the work force. I don't think this should be a major factor in your college decisions, but that's just my opinion.</p>

<p>Other schools to look at: Hampshire, Goucher, Swarthmore, Carleton.</p>

<p>You say your family is "well-off financially" but then you talk about getting a full ride scholarship. Are you just looking to collect some accolades? Are you willing to give up on the top tier schools that don't offer merit scholarships? Have you talked with your parents about how much they are willing to contribute to your college expenses? How will you cover books, travel and everyday items? This might decide whether you work or study this summer.</p>

<p>If you don't have to work, then find a summer program or project that plays to your strengths. Volunteering, research, pre-college programs - which intrigues you, and takes your interests to a new level? One of my sons was appointed to a curriculum committee for a new HS course based, in part, on the work/study he had done during summers on Latin American politics. That was a nice EC to put down for college (but that's not why he did it.) Do you see the idea of using your summers to continue and enhance your strengths when you can?</p>

<p>National Merit scores - you are in as a semi-finalist, unless you get charged with a felony, or don't follow up properly.</p>

<p>Finally, have you looked at UW-Madison, which would be a near-safety? From what I've heard, you would get a tuition discount as a resident of MN.</p>

<p>you goto amherst - you will not be living in a cardboard box. But seriously, at any of the topLACS you will find preppy liberal kids. And have great debates with those who aren't. I do not knwo much about New COllege - I hear good things, and Reed, seems a little intensely insane and on drugs for me</p>