Backup Colleges

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I'm going to apply to WUSTL, Chicago, Williams, and possibly Vassar this fall. I need some backup colleges though, because those are tough colleges to get into. Right now I have UT Austin as one of my backups, since I am guaranteed admission. I'm planning on majoring in art history, but I am also really interested in studying foreign languages and taking studio art classes. I am retaking the SAT in October and retaking the SAT IIs in November. Yes, I know the SAT II scores are low, but I rushed into taking them and had about 2 weeks to study. My scores in November should be significantly better.</p>

<p>Here are my stats:
SAT: 2060, CR: 700, W: 690,M: 690
SAT II: US History- 620, Math 1- 630
GPA: 4.6 W (may be higher, I will know at the start of the new semester)
AP English test : 4
Top 10% of class </p>

<p>Junior year classes: AP English 3, AP US History, Pre-AP Spanish 3, Pre-AP Algebra 2, Pre-AP Physics, Graphic Design and Illustration, Pre-AP Studio Art 2</p>

<p>Expected Senior year classes: AP English 4, AP Government, AP Economics, Pre-AP Pre-Cal, AP Environmental Science, AP Psychology, AP Spanish 4,IB Art, Office Aid to counselors ( I had an open block, and I could get a good rec. from them)
This schedule might change</p>

<p>ECs:Art Club president since Sophomore year( this year we're becoming a National Art Honor Society chapter)
NHS member
Teen Docent at Dallas Museum of Art this summer, I'm looking into doing some more volunteer work there during the school year
volunteer at grandmother's church
Celped design and paint mural at the square in my town along with students from the University of North Texas
Volunteer at the Children's art tent at the Arts and Jazz Fest in '10 and '11.</p>

<p>Other: I was accepted to Bard College at Simon's Rock my Sophomore year, but I couldn't attend due to financial reasons
I have been a Type 1 Diabetic since August 2008.</p>

<p>I prefer a school near a large city because I have to visit an endocrinologist at least every 3 months. I will also probably submit an art supplement. What are some good backup schools for me?</p>

2

<p>The school must to have good financial aid. I live with just one parent and they make around $45,000 a year.</p>

3

<p>Top 10% may not make it for UT (isn’t it top 8% now). Keep that on your list. Look at other in-state schools which may offer good merit scholarships (UTD?).</p>

4

<p>You are 10 points shy of your SAT qualifying you for University of Alabama’s Presidential Scholarship…something to look into. It’s a 4 year full tuition scholarship.</p>

<p>[Out-of-State</a> Scholarships - Undergraduate Scholarships - The University of Alabama](<a href=“http://scholarships.ua.edu/types/out_of_state.html]Out-of-State”>http://scholarships.ua.edu/types/out_of_state.html)</p>

5

<p>I certainly don’t want to go to Alabama. I prefer smaller private colleges over large public colleges. Also, I’m actually in the top 6%. As for my SATs, I’m taking a class to raise my scores. I’m hoping for 2200.</p>

6

<p>A safety is a school that you know you can get into and you know you can afford. Can you afford full pay as a smaller private safety college? Honestly, I think you need to think this through. I would not be surprised if you got rejected from your reach schools. You need to make sure you have some real safety schools which is what you asked for in your post.</p>

7

<p>Yes, I know, but I don’t like Alabama. And, I’ve read that private colleges can actually be less expensive than public ones depending on their financial aid programs.</p>

8

<p>This is not a safety (maybe match/reach) but last time I checked Davidson College had a no-loan policy for financial aid packages. Good luck with your search.</p>

9

<p>Oh ,I’m not sure if this helps, but I have earned a score above the national average for the National Spanish Exam two years in a row. My Sophomore year it was only 58%, but my junior year I got 79% cumulative and a bronze medal.</p>

<p>Is Skidmore a good safety college? My SAT scores are well within the range, but I don’t know if they are good in art history.</p>

10

<p>Have you worked through the FAFSA 4caster using the Institutional Methodology? Skidmore uses the Profile which will determine your need.</p>

11

<p>Erin’s Dad: I haven’t done that yet. I’m more interested in compiling a list of backup schools which have good art, art history, and foreign language programs. Then, I’ll narrow them down by looking at financials.</p>

12

<p>Have a look at Goucher, which meets almost all of your criteria</p>