<p>So far, everything I've been considering, except U of Tulsa, is either a reach or a safety. I am worried that I would not like my safeties and would not get a good education (all ranked after 160 in national universities), based on reviews I've read online. I would be in honors and negative reviews stick in my mind more, so maybe it would be ok. When it comes to reaches, obviously I'm concerned about not getting in, and if I do, I don't know that I could handle the workload. Basically I'd prefer to attend a "match" school. My family can afford less than 10k/year (closer to 5k) including federal loans and work-study, so I need at least full tuition to be covered. Any match schools that I like are either too expensive, or have scholarships that are reaches. I've looked at the competitive large scholarships and NMF threads, as well as the automatic one. I'm hoping I've been overlooking things. I want to major in engineering (elec, mech or aero) and were I to change my mind, it would likely be towards physics/astronomy.
GPA: 93-96 unweighted, 99-103 weighted (unweighted decline from freshman to junior year, weighted went up), academic classes only
SAT: over 2300 (>1550 without writing) first time, will probably be NMF,
All academic classes are AP or honors, will have 10 APs at graduation, though few AP tests.
EC: 2 years concert band, 4 marching band, 1 TSA, youth group, 100ish volunteer hours at church, 20ish at other places, various independent projects/online classes for no college credit.
I could consider a 3/2 at an LAC if necessary, though ideally not. I don't want a predominantly greek, preppy, or alcohol-centered place.</p>
<p>Bump?</p>
<p>Look into Berea: very competitive but if you get in, your tuition is covered thanks to generous alumni and donors. Then look at all the colleges that meet 100% need* and run the net price calculators. Apply to those that seem to be reachable (as all are quite difficult to get into, not to mention the crapshoots like Harvard…) </p>
<p>I think I’ve looked at all the 100% need colleges that offer engineering, but I’ll look through again. Most net prices come out under 12k which isn’t an unreasonable amount of debt, but Rice and Cornell (and presumably the other Ivy League schools) both are under half of that so I’d apply ED to one. It wouldn’t be worth applying to most of the others which are just as selective but more expensive. Berea looks nice. I’d consider it if/when I consider 3/2 options. </p>
<p>Try looking at the stickied threads in the Financial Aid forum. Off the top of my head I know Alabama would give you close to a full ride for merit.</p>
<p>UAH is one of my safeties, along with U of Idaho.</p>
<p>Texas A & M?</p>