College list help!

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Okay, I need help building a list of schools for me to consider. I dont have much help on this from home (first generation college student) but my guidance counselor told me that I would be a candidate for top schools. I guess I have a lot of things going for me (I'm black, have high grades at a good high school, am active with volunteering with tutoring and with my church, do Model UN) but I definitely don't think I'm going to get into any school automatically, so I need some help in a list of schools. I already have at least one safety-- my in-state school.</p>

<p>Anyway, here are some things I'm looking for in a school:</p>

<p>I'm an undecided major, but interested in English, philosophy, classics, cinema studies, and probably a lot of other subjects too. I might want to go to law school in the future.</p>

<p>Ideally, I would like the campus to be the least money-centered as possible... my family is not poor, but not rich, and while they do want to pay for me to go to college, we don't really have money for designer clothes and stuff. I really don't want to go to a school where I will feel left out because I don't have money to buy the same clothing as everybody else. (I kinda feel excluded because of that right now in high school). Also, I don't want to go to school in a place where you have to spend a lot of money to have a good time.</p>

<p>I think a college that's "intellectual" would be nice... as you see, my academic interests are pretty diverse, and I want to meet people who like the same things I like. I mean, I'm sure every school is pretty intellectual.... but I really like going to class and being in class and working on homework and it would be great to be in an environment where other people liked the same things. Some social life would also be nice too (of course), but I don't really need a campus where everybody gets drunk all the time.</p>

<p>Another thing that's really important to me is GLBT life. I identify as a lesbian, and I want to know that the community supports and respects me for who I am (NOT who I choose to be-- I did not choose to be this way). GLBT life doesn't need to play a major role on campus, but I would like to know that a GSA is there and that the GLBT community is respected by everybody-- to the extent that that is possible.</p>

<p>I think that's enough for now.... btw I don't really know yet about size, location, etc. and I guess I can narrow my choices down later, after these requirements are met first.</p>

<p>Thanks so much!
--lnr1991</p>

2

<p>With your interest in humanities and desire for an intellectual atmosphere, I think you'd like LACs. </p>

<p>Look at Sarah Lawrence, Skidmore, Bryn Mawr, Bard, Scripps, Pomona, Mills, Mount Holyoke, Swarthmore, Oberlin, Vassar....</p>

<p>All are very socially accepting.</p>

3

<p>second the bryn mawr</p>

4

<p>Macalester, Wesleyan, UChic, Reed, and everything that world changer said.</p>

5

<p>If your stats are up there, you would like Brown.</p>

6

<p>Thanks for the suggestions!</p>

7

<p>I second everything people have mentioned (as a Wesleyan student, I think you should CERTIANLY check it out...it fits EVERYTHING you said, and has one of the best film studies departments around. Vassar too). I'd also add Carleton college...if you can stand the cold, it sounds like a really great school for you. Also check out Grinnell and Haverford.</p>

8

<p>Do not assume that expensive private universities are filled with wealthy kids. Over 50% of the students at most private elite universities receive need-based financial aid in one form or another. Universities that would be good for you in my opinion include:</p>

<p>Bard College
Barnard College
Brown University
Bryn Mawr College
Carleton College
Columbia University
Macalaster College
Mount Holyoke College
Oberlin College
Reed College
Sarah Lawrence University
Swarthmore College
University of California-Berkeley
University of Chicago
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Wesleyan University
Yale University</p>

9

<p>according to the advocate, USC and Penn tied for most LGBT-friendly institutions.</p>

10

<p>I second the U of chicago as a choice for you. They are really trying to increase their minority representation and you sound like the perfect candidate. The atmosphere there is really what you are looking for. In terms of the lesbian/gay atmosphere, it is welcoming and I know from my child's friends that there is some community there, but I am not sure as to how extensive. I do know that they have a pretty strong gender identity studies department and the city of Chicago is extremely gay friendly, with many options for the gay community. There is a book published which is sold at one of the bookstores on campus outlining everything about gay life in Chicago.</p>

11

<p>The liberal-leaning LACs are probably best, but intellectual schools like UChicago and Brown, with their undergrad focus, are just as good.</p>

<p>Sarah Lawrence, Oberlin, Reed, Swarthmore, Brown, UChicago, Wesleyan, and the like are all good options.</p>

12

<p>UC Santa Cruz is very accepting as well...If you are applying to any CA schools it should be on your list. Beautiful campus and wickedly brilliant people. Classics is offered as a major and you can design your own if what you want isn't currently available.</p>

13

<p>Scratch USC. It's not nicknamed the University of Spoiled Children for nothing. SoCal is expensive, and the majority of the kids have $$$. </p>

<p>It's also slightly more party-oriented than intellectual.</p>

14

<p>I think Swarthmore would be a GREAT fit. Macalester and Mount Holyoke too.</p>

<p>Think about whether you want to be in or have easy access to a big city. That will make a difference and rule some colleges out.</p>

15

<p>Oberlin also fits all your criteria, both academic and social. One of the most LGBT-friendly schools in the country, with a long history of egalitarianism and students who are invested in their classes.</p>