<p>Hey guys, upenn is one of my top choices, but with competitive admissions and economic crisis, I definitely need some safeties that will come through in terms of admissions and merit aid. So basically my criteria are:</p>
<p>Large city/urban environment. This is non-negotiable. However, I want it to actually have a campus.
Not a massive school. 3-15k students is preferable, over that would be pushing it for me i think.
I am planning on majoring in either poli sci or economics, so I am looking for a school that has strong departments in these.
One of the main things I liked about Penn was the One University thing, so it would be a plus if I could take classes in other undergrad schools like business or whatever. Not that important though.
Not a huge party/sports school. Some of that would be ok, but I don't want that to be the dominant thing.</p>
<p>Ok so my stats are:
3.9 UW GPA, I took hardest classes available, though my school isnt that great
2200 SAT: 780 CR, 690 M, 730 W
I will have good letters of rec.
EC's:
Somewhat long, but basically treasurer of beta club in 10th grade, president of history club in 10th grade, founder/president of debate club in 11th grade, pres of debate club in 12th grade, vp of young democrats in 12th grade. not too much community service.
Awards:
NMSF, Questbridge finalist(idk how much that helps)</p>
<p>So basically what are some good schools that I could get into and get a good bit of money? I have the following schools on my list already:
Yale, Penn, Chicago, Rice, Emory, George Washington</p>
<p>Sorry for the long post but thanks for any suggestions!</p>
<p>Boston College
Boston University
Brown University
Columbia University
Cornell University
Dartmouth College
Duke University
Georgetown University
Harvard College
New York University
Northwestern University
Princeton University
Stanford University
Tufts University
University of California--Berkeley
University of Chicago
University of Virginia
Villanova University
Washington University in St. Louis
Yale University</p>
<p>BC, BU, Cornell, NYU, Northwestern, Tufts, UC-Berkeley, UVA, Villanova are less selective. You will get more money at any of the well-known private colleges.</p>
<p>I'm confused. If you applied to Questbridge, doesn't that mean your family is low income? If so, why the focus on merit rather than need based aid. You will probably end up at a much better school if you can work with need based aid. Also, are you a URM?</p>
<p>hmom: yes I applied to Questbridge, and so if I get in, I will essentially have a full ride. I mainly am worried about if I don't get in anywhere during the early/Questbridge round (only about 11% do), in which case I will need safeties. And I am a white male.</p>
<p>I'm not your best source for names, but I'd be looking for schools that are safe and meet need. Grinnell is one and the more knowledgeable parents can add others.</p>
<p>A school in a LARGE city takes out schools like Yale and Brown, and a school with a real campus takes out schools like NYU...which leaves you with schools like:</p>
<p>-UChicago
-Columbia (every bit as selective, but since it's a crapshoot at this level, you may as well double your chance to throw the dice)
-Johns Hopkins
-Northwestern
-USC
-UCLA</p>
<p>I would count these as safeties schools, but think you should look more into the following...
Michigan State University
University of Michigan- Ann Arbor
Pennslyvania State University
University of Washington
University of California- LA, Berkely etc...</p>
<p>If the OP is not a Cal resident then the UCs are NOT safeties. And Penn State is not in a city. I would consider Case Western in Cleveland. If you want to look at a state school then Ohio State would apply.</p>