College search.

[Iknowwhocares]

<p>Hi. I am currently a freshman in hs, or the equivalent. I live in France, where information about the whole American college experience is quite hard to get. Which is why I decided to post on this forum.</p>

<p>My mother might get a fellowship at Harvard, and if she does, I might move to Boston next year (only for 1 year, though). Anyways, I am trying to make a list of colleges I want to visit there.</p>

<p>According to the WES grade converter, I have a 3.9 GPA. But I don't know if it's accurate.
I want to major in either Political Science, English or History. ( don't tell me it'll change, I've known this since I was 8)</p>

<p>Anyways, I would appreciate I you guys could help me with that safety/ match/ reach school list.
Make it as long as possible, as I have 3 years to reduce it.</p>

<p>So far I have </p>

<p>Reaches:
-Brown (dream school n1)
-Columbia (dream school n2)
-Yale
-Stanford
-Johns Hopkins
-NYU
-Vassar
-Amherst
-Wesleyan
-Bates</p>

<p>Matches:
-BU
-Syracuse
-University of Michigan
-Sarah Lawrence</p>

<p>Although these schools might be reaches as well, I really have no idea.</p>

<p>I am looking for a laid back atmosphere, somewhat prestigious (I know I'm the kind of person who travels a lot, and I don't want to explain myself every time I want to find a new job -does that make sense?-) but the most important part is the quality of the education, I love learning, I actually wouldn't mind if college lasted longer, but that doesn't mean I want to loose my time.</p>

<p>I am mostly interested in schools on the east coast,or in california.</p>

<p>Also, I've heard that the American program in hs, was waugh easier than the French one. No offense, but we apparently have one of the most rigorous program.</p>

<p>Also, if that Harvard thing doesn't happend. I'll most likely move to South Africa. Anyone knows about school here, and if the fact that being schooled in africa might be "helpfull" I'm any way ?</p>

<p>And, does the fact that my mom got this fellowship at Harvard could give me some kind of boost, if I decided to apply there ? (although that's not likely) my cousin went to Harvard, but for graduate school...</p>

<p>Is there a maximum of schools where you can apply to ? Do you have to mention all the other schools where you applied on an application ? If so, is'nt a high number fround upon ?
I know you have to pay a application fee, that's not a problem.</p>

<p>Sorry, I know that's a lot to answer. I would really appreciate if you took the time to help me.
I apologize for my English, I hope that by the time I graduate, it'll be almost perfect.</p>

<p>PS: I'm part Egyptian, is that considered like a minority ? Should I present myself as Egyptian on my applications ?</p>

<p>Thanks a lot.</p>

[M_s_Mom]

<p>There is no maximum number of schools you can apply to, although writing school-specific essays can get tiring. Most people don’t apply to more than 12 (and only that many if they are applying to a lot of ‘reach’ schools or small liberal arts colleges with small class sizes or need a lot of financial assistance. ) The colleges and universities don’t know how many you apply to or which schools you’ve applied to - only your school will know that because they have to send transcripts and letters of recommendation. </p>

<p>How rigorous your academic preparation has been will be clearer after you have taken the SAT or the ACT. Without test scores it is very hard to advise anyone on where to apply. For now, I suggest you just google 'top undergraduate programs in (subject)" and see what schools come up - then read more about them. Also google the Common Data Set for each school to see the stats for the kids who were admitted to that school the prior year (under Student Profile). It will give you a clear picture of whether you have a good shot or not.</p>

<p>Egyptian is not considered an underrepresented minority for affirmative action purposes, but it certainly does suggest that you may bring a unique perspective to the school (as does being French or educated overseas). Of course if you are Egyptian and black, you would indicate that and be covered because you are black.</p>

<p>Don’t know the impact of your mother’s potential fellowship on admission chances to Harvard. This doesn’t sound like the usual legacy preference category, but I wouldn’t know.</p>