<p>I have a bunch of schools I want to apply to. I am a female who is fairly conservative but highly ambitious. I've lived in Rhode Island, Washington, and Virginia. I am considering applying to Brown, University of Washington, University of Virginia, Mary Washington, and Harvard. I have good grades and test scores and am a student-athlete who has several leadership positions and is an active member in the community. I've started many initiatives and even started a club. I'm a member of honor societies, clubs, sports, I babysit and nanny... I do a lot and hope to continue to do a lot in the future. My question is, what school can help me accomplish this? How do you know for sure that your choice is right? Also, any feedback on the schools I have selected? I am interested in studying political science and later attending law school. Thank you!</p>
<p>What I did was screened through a couple of college that I thought would be a good and realistic fit before I started, and strong programs in what I wanted to study. Then I visited the campuses. I’d say once you visit, you really “know” if that is a correct fit for you just by the feel of the campus. Do you currently live in Virginia? If so, I’d also suggest looking at William and Mary, which is well known for its political science department.</p>
<p>I’d say visiting is really of uptmost importance along with talking with some people. There were a couple on my list that I wanted to apply to “for sure” then after visiting, I wasn’t really feeling it. The opposite was true of some that were low on my list, and then I realized I really ended up liking.</p>
<p>I think you have a good range, although obviously Harvard and Brown are extremely hard to get into, so those are “reaches” for anyone. But w/o knowing any details, that’s the most we can help you with.</p>
<p>You’re already on the right track since you’ve got a general idea for major/career plans. A student’s “fit” can be influenced by all sorts of things–like diversity, political climate, networking oppurtunities, and social scene. Obviously, cost is a factor for most families as well (if you live in VA, then you’ve got some great in-state options).<br>
My advice is to simply ask yourself “What things will make my college experience the best that it can be?” Hopefully, your answers will help to narrow down your choices. Good luck!</p>
<p>First ask what your parents can afford. If you are out of state for UW it will cost >$45K/year. Run the Net Price Calculators for each school.</p>
<p>A few random comments: 1) Check affordability of your schools, both private and OOS 2) Brown is a great school but might be the most (or one of the most) liberal of the Ivy schools 3) not knowing your stats, you might want to consider slotting in a couple of schools that are between Harvard/Brown/UVa and UWashington and Mary Washington in terms of selectivity 4)you can study political science and go to law school from virtually any school. </p>