<p>Mattmom,
Slipper was in no way criticizing Davidson or "playing to regional prejudices." In relation to the other schools the OP was considering, Davidson just seemed to be the anomaly in the group. I don't believe she attached any negative connotation to the term "conservative" anyway. Sure, everything is a matter of opinion and taste but slipper's tone in no way "plays to regional prejudices." The comment was, in my opinion, appropriate and objective. I know the school well too...it is an excellent institution with fine students...it has some conservative aspects which can be good or bad...again, a matter of opinion and taste. Personally, I was concerned because the OP stated that her father seemed to like the school. It's the student who has to live with their college decision...not their parents. It's best to leave the difficult task of judging a particular school the students who will live there everyday.</p>
<p>Is anyone concerned about this poster's SAT scores? They seem very low for Swat, Brown, Columbia, and U Chicago (which is NOT going to go for this very low math score in someone who purports to be a physical science major)and barely in the ballpark for Wellesley and Rice. So we know the OP is female, but a URM? This changes the profile.</p>
<p>For one thing, Wellesley has make some remarkable decisions, are town has sent 1050s, 1090s, and 1150's to Wellesley, also, those acceptance rate are pretty high for both Swat & Wellesley.</p>
<p>Alright, I've explained that I can improve my math IIC scores, which is a better indication of math I'm actually learning. That is why I am not mutilating myself over my math SAT I scores. Plus, my dad probably will not let me take my SAT's over as, for some crazy reason, he thinks my scores are good (which I don't). Also, I am aware that my chances at Brown and Columbia are miniscule, but I am applying because my dad wants me to apply to at least 2 ivies. I'm not putting any hope in those, though.
Also, regarding guiltguru's comments about math score/physical science major correlation, I'm not too worried as I've done very well in my physical science classes. However, I do understand your point. I must say, though, that I have tried, through practice tests, to signifcantly raise my math scores, but it just never happens. I might be able to get up to about 670-700 range in practice, only to score a low score on the real test. It's very frustrating as I know I understand the math, but the test is quite a different matter.
Once again, though, you guys must understand that I'm alright with my state school, so I am not expecting to be accepted at all of the schools I apply to. Going to one of the private schools would definitely be a luxury though :).</p>
<p>ninnykins, I do urge you to find a few schools between high reaches & state school; maybe ones that offer merit aid to students with your profile, for example, to act as 'financial safeties.'</p>
<p>Be sure you actually like Columbia. I went there for a year and transferred out. Its a great school, but be aware that it isnt a typical college environment at all. I think your rank might make most Ivies a stretch though.</p>
<p>If you really have to apply Ivy, look into adding Dartmouth. Dartmouth is very focused on attracting diverse applicants -so it might be a slight admissions boost - and the school is much more liberal than Davidson, yet not oppressively so at all. Also, its the LAC of the Ivies, has amazing grad placement, and students love the place.</p>
<p>SBmom and others, what sort of lower-level schools do you guys suggest? I remember reading Smith, Grinnell and WashU. I looked into Grinnell, and, while it looks like an awesome school (with awesome theatre), I wasn't sure I could adjust to the rural-ness and the liberal student body. It was the same thing with Oberlin--I was in love with that school until I realized I probably couldn't roll with the student body. Also, how hard is it to adjust to small towns? I understand the community is awesome, but I'm afraid I might feel suffocated and need to get away sometimes. That's one of the few things that has kept me from rural schools, really.
What about Carleton?<br>
Also, about my top-heavy list, I think the consensus has been that I'd only go out-of-state if I got into a really excellent school. I just don't know how I'd fare, not having been away from home much--I'm very close to my family, yet want an excellent education. Still, and I know this is weird, I don't think I'd seriously consider going to any school in-state except Rice and UT. I mean, Texas is okay, but I'm not originally from here, so I don't feel attached or anything.</p>
<p>I think Carleton is worth adding...its a great school. Dartmouth also, although it will be a big uphill battle to get in.</p>
<p>ninnykins,</p>
<p>Check out the threads on merit aid for more ideas.</p>
<p>as for the rural schools: this is exactly why these schools are a hair easier to get in. Nearly all kids seem to crave the excitement and 'stuff to do' of an urban school or a school with easy access to an urban area. Fewer kids want the sticks. Supply & Demand.</p>
<p>Once you are on campus and busy you may find a rural school has plenty for you to do; the best thing you could do would be to visit one of them and see if you see yourself there or not.</p>
<p>Carleton might be a good idea, as they may not get a lot of URM Texans applying... Maybe Macalester too (in a city--Minneapolis)?</p>
<p>Vanderbilt, Emory, & Tulane might also be merit aid possibilities in decent sized urban environments.</p>
<p>Obviously it's all about how happy you'd be at UT or paying a higher tab at one of the reaches you have already identified. If your EFC is very low, the financial aspect may not be that big a deal.</p>
<p>Oberlin, you can bet away easily. Every student recieve a student transit pass that will get you anywhere in the Cleveland metro area, I think it goes to Cedar Point as well. The town's not the greatest, but you can get away.</p>
<p>You'll find fine physical sciences at all of these schools, and three or four dozen more. </p>
<p>How serious is the theater? The reason I ask is that, with the possible exception of Brown and Rice, you'll find better theater, larger theater department, and more opportunities both in the school and the community at Smith (which is the center of the 5-college theater scene) than you will find at the other LACs listed. I won't try to convince you - just kick the tires yourself - check out the departments, the number of profs, the number of courses, the number of productions, and the community outfits as well, and I think you'll quickly discover that it isn't really close.</p>