<p>I wanted to get your opinion on my application shortlist. Here's what I've got so far: </p>
<ol>
<li>Stanford</li>
<li>U of Chicago</li>
<li>Harvard</li>
<li>Columbia</li>
<li>Duke</li>
<li>Princeton</li>
<li>Dartmouth</li>
<li>Penn</li>
<li>Cornell</li>
<li>Northwestern</li>
<li>University of Michigan </li>
<li>???</li>
</ol>
<p>Some may note the lack of safeties, but I think Michigan should be a pretty safe bet. </p>
<p>For more reference, I have a 4.0 UW GPA with a 35 ACT and 780 Math II. I have to get one more good SAT II score, but that shouldn't be a problem. I would like to major in economics. </p>
<p>My question is this: </p>
<ol>
<li> Does this seem like a reasonable list?<br></li>
<li> Are there any other schools that I should be applying to that I may have missed? I would welcome any input.<br></li>
</ol>
<p>Let me know if I forgot any important information! </p>
<p>First of all, are you a resident of Michigan? If not, can your parents afford to pay up to $60,000 a year? If you are a resident of Michigan, can your parents afford to pay the instate COA at UMich? If not then you have no safeties. 0. Even if you answered yes to any of the three questions, you should still have at least two other safeties.</p>
<p>Judging by your list, it just looks like you picked the most prestigious schools and decided to apply to them. Columbia and Dartmouth are totally different schools, even if both are prestigious and good in econ. What made you like the schools on your list? What are you looking for in a college? But most importantly, what can your parents afford? </p>
<p>The Princeton Review gives a good definition of what constitutes a safety school. The bottom paragraph is the most important:
<p>It’s difficult to recommend other schools without knowing more about your interestts & objectives. Otherwise, this is a solid list lacking a sufficient number of safeties.</p>
<p>Paying for Michigan would not be a problem, but I retooled my list to include Tufts and Miami. That way if all else fails, I would be able to choose between Michigan and Miami. I also removed Dartmouth from my list after some pondering about the size/location of school I would like to attend. The reason I had both Dartmouth and Columbia is that I feel that I would enjoy a school of any size. That being said, I probably have a slight preference for a bigger school/location. </p>
<p>I initially had UC-Berkeley on my list, but dropped it due to a couple of factors (including the one you mentioned, Axelrod). </p>
<p>To give you a better idea, I am very interested in economics and statistics in general. I want to be able to participate in a great intramural program while I’m in college. I’d like to be a part of a great student body that is very active politically. But I think all of the colleges on my list would accomplish this, so that is why they are all there. I could go into some specifics for each, though. When it boils down to it, I just want the best education I can possibly get in a nice location with fun opportunities; nothing incredibly specific. That’s why I’m open to a lot of broad advice on the matter.</p>
<p>With a 4.0 GPA & a 35 ACT score, you are targeting the right schools. Miami, however, is an unusual choice based on your stats & other targeted schools. Don’t sell yourself short.</p>
<p>Well, even though you listed U of M as a safety, I’d totally recommend it! I chose a cheaper school in Michigan, but I sometimes regret it. Michigan is internationally known for its med school and undergrad programs, and its law school is in the top 10. Its stats aside, it’s a beautiful campus in a beautiful city, and I’ve personally always been drawn to pretty campuses and cathartic atmospheres. </p>
<p>But the rest of your list is very impressive as well. You’re probably going to have to just see which schools accept you, what they offer you, and then gravitate towards the better “feel.” There’s a plethora of opportunities, but there’s only one true path for you! </p>
<p>Michigan has a solid Honors College/Program & great variety of majors. I don’t see any problem with Michigan. Miami, however, is in a different world academically than the rest of your targets and has a 10% attrition rate.</p>
<p>I absolutely agree with that. What school would you suggest in place of Miami? I’m almost positive that I’ll get into Michigan, but I want one more safety just in case. And are there any other schools you would suggest in general?</p>
</p>