Hello! I just finished junior year, and I recently started researching colleges I’d like to apply to but I’ve been having some trouble figuring out which schools to consider.
I’m not sure what major I want, but I am interested in math/computer science, life/social sciences, and music. I’d want a school that’s academically strong in general so I can figure out what I want to do + have a solid education once I decide. I’m not sure what I want in terms of size/location, but ideally it’d be in or near an urban/suburban area. Financially, I wouldn’t qualify for most aid, so I’m trying to find schools that have generous aid for middle-income families and/or good merit scholarships. Also, I was hoping to find schools with strong/supportive communities that aren’t too competitive + had a friendly student body.
For my stats, I have a 4.0 unweighted/4.7 weighted GPA and a 1550 on the SAT (800 math, 750 EBR). I’ve taken the AP math/comp sci tests, Spanish, Euro, APUSH, Lang, and Bio.
With my extracurricular activities, I’m going to be editor-in-chief of my school’s yearbook and president of the debate team and feminist club. I’ve also been playing/competing in violin since I was little.
So far, I’ve looked into the UCs (since I’m from CA), Northwestern, Rice, and Haverford, but I’m not sure about my chances with those, whether they suit me or not, or how I should expand the list. Would any of you happen to have any advice on how to direct my search or any suggestions on schools to look into? Thank you so much!
UC’s have their own GPA calculation so I have linked the Rogerhub calculator below. They will consider UW UC GPA, Capped Weighted UC GPA and Fully Weighted UC GPA.
Here is some statistical data for UC Freshman admits so you can gauge your chances. What is your college budget and being in-state for the UC’s should make them attractive financially. The UC’s mainly give need-based aid, there are merit scholarships available such as Regents and Chancellor’s scholarships. You look like a competitive applicant so best of luck. I would add Santa Clara University to your list.
2018 Freshman admit rates for UC GPA of 3.80-4.19 capped weighted and not major specific:
I’m a Rice parent and highly recommend the school in general, but the high quality of the conservatory does not translate to particularly great music opportunities for non-majors. Peer schools that have better access to music opportunities outside of the BM/BFA path would include Northwestern, USC, Vanderbilt, and Hopkins. Slightly less competitive but still excellent mid-sized U’s for academics+music include URochester and Case Western Reserve U; another step down in competitiveness but also great for music+academics are UMiami and U of Denver. Smaller schools that are terrific for scholar-musicians include St. Olaf and Lawrence U. (St. Olaf’s music culture and performance ensembles are amazing, and the school is also known for their math and CS - could really be worth a look.) Public flagships with great music for non-majors include UMichigan, CU-Boulder, and Ohio State… U of Utah can be a great financial bargain and is strong in all your areas of interest too.