<p>hi, i just got the letter saying i'm in the top 50,000 (i got a 229 so i'm assuming i'll be a semifinalist, not sure if that makes any difference at this point) and asking me to notify two schools. since at some schools apparently it helps to pick them, what should i consider as i'm deciding who to pick? i'm not sure if it would be a good idea to pick reach schools, hoping that showing enthusiasm would help my chances, or safety schools, hoping that showing enthusiasm will help my chances of getting merit scholarships. right now i'm planning on doing one of each; does that sound like a good plan, or does one of those options not actually make sense?</p>
<p>if it helps to give more info, i'm thinking of notifying swarthmore (reach, obviously) and american (relative safety and i've heard they give merit aid). other schools on my list that maybe i should consider: brown, pomona, claremont mckenna, oberlin, macalester, william and mary, bard</p>
<p>what would make the most sense?
thanks for letting me know!! :)</p>