<p>Hey guys, I'm new to CC. I'm reaching a state of desperation and am in need of major college guidance. I am a hs senior, and my basic stats are:
ACT: 32
GPA: 4.2 (top 10% of my class, private school)
A few really strong ECs, mostly hospice volunteering, tutoring refugees, & soccer
Intended major: undecided, probably polisci or environmental studies
Political views: slightly left of center
Not really into the Greek scene (more of the outdoorsy/tomboy type) but not against it
I tend to be a rather open minded person
Personally I'm not into the drinking/drug culture</p>
<p>I know that many of you are well versed in the world of colleges, so please give me your opinion as to where you think I would fit in. I would prefer to stay in the southeast (at least for undergrad) but am not opposed to going elsewhere. By no means do I mean to play into the stereotypes associated with certain colleges, for I know that most of these are not accurate. I am simply asking what college atmospheres would best fit my personality/interests. </p>
<p>At this point my list includes: Vanderbilt, Rice (reachhhh) Rhodes, Davidson, Tulane, Wake (maybe?), Emory, & Sewanee. Any additions or suggestions? All help is much appreciated!</p>
<p>Oh and I've applied to two backup state schools in case all else fails.</p>
<p>For slightly left of center political views and no Greek scene, there are liberal arts colleges in the Northeast that would be good if you are willing to go farther. Middlebury and, slightly easier to get into, Colby, for example</p>
<p>Middlebury was on my list for a long time but I recently decided that it was too far and too cold for me.</p>
<p>And my EFC is probably around $30,000 but I would really like it to be lower than that, hence why I love Tulane, Rhodes, and Sewanee for their merit aid programs. Ideally, my family would pay less than $20,000 a year, but I know it’s not too likely.</p>
<p>I don’t mind a Greek scene at all, I just don’t plan on joining (though that could change I guess).</p>
<p>If you are not into the Greek scene, or a drinking culture, you may want to reevaluate Sewanee. It is an excellent LAC, however it has a huge Greek scene and lots of drinking. This is one college that really needs to be visited. Great academics and outdoor scene. I think Tulane is a good option and you may also want to consider Furman since it meets many of your criteria. Good luck!</p>
<p>I’ll second BobbyCT’s vote for a look at Furman. Plus your stats would place you in a position for one of the named scholarships. Separate application and interview but the money value is high as well as other internship and study abroad money.</p>
<p>An alternative to Rice in Texas would be Trinity University in San Antonio. I believe your stats would get you nice merit there. The campus is very pretty, and it has what you say you would like to study. Except for one national frat, the Greek scene is local only. Lots of internships. Really wonderful Study Abroad as well.</p>
<p>Whitman College. It’s in Washington State and gets wintery, but nothing like the Northeastern winter, the sun shines and the temperatures don’t plunge so far. It’s on the eastern side of the Cascades so it’s not rainy like Seattle and the Olympic Peninsula. It has Greek life but they don’t dominate the social scene and they’re very involved in community service. Great environmental studies and political science. Outdoorsy (very active outdoor program + strong IM and club sports participation), active friendly student body. Good art, music and theater. The campus is in the heart of Walla Walla, WA which is a friendly, charming and vibrant smallish town (30,000). They also give merit aid and are looking for geographic diversity. Check it out and good luck in your college search.</p>