<p>I'm having trouble considering what I could consider a safety and what would be a match. I'm currently a junior. I would like to have an idea of some colleges that would be in my reach so I can possibly visit them. </p>
<p>Freshmen yr: Basic college "track" (we consider them academic, one step above average) courses, 4.0 GPA*
Soph: AP American History (B average/3 on exam), Honors English (A average), acad. math and science, 3.7 GPA*
Junior: AP European, Honors English, acad. math and science
3rd year in French, if that matters at all, 3.8 GPA to date*
*Estimated, our school doesn't use the 4.0 system, so I had to use a conversion chart</p>
<p>I've been involved in our school newspaper for 3 years, reading club, Interact, and SADD.</p>
<p>PSAT: selection index of 167 (Crit. Reading-62/Math-48/Writing-57)</p>
<p>Plans for senior yr: AP Gov, possibly AP French, Honors English, acad. math and science
I hope to hold an office in SADD.</p>
<p>Could I consider Pitt, IUP, and Penn State to be safeties?
What about American University, Northeastern, Haverford, Bryn Mawr, Temple and Duquesne? I know that's a lot, but I would appreciate any help, even if they aren't on the list.</p>
<p>IUP is a safety. If you can work on your SAT I math score, quite a few of the other schools are going to fall into into the likely category. You are lucky in that the weak spot on your application is one that you can actually do something about.</p>
<p>Thanks so much! That's why I wanted to start a tad bit early so I know what to work on. :)</p>
<p>You are starting out at a good time. I suggest that you look at Xiggi's test prep advice - most of it is on the first couple of pages on this thread:</p>
<p><a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=68210&page=1%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=68210&page=1</a></p>
<p>My son's psat's were not as good as they could have been, either, and he raised them significantly. If you plan to take them in May or June, you will have time for a retake or two in the fall if you need to. Working on the test a little at a time is much better than cramming. </p>
<p>A leadership position in SADD would be a good thing also.</p>
<p>If you can visit some types of schools you will know better what to target in the fall. Other schools to look at would be Allegheny and Susqhehanna in PA, and Hiram in Ohio. Hiram definately looks at the whole person - very cool school.</p>
<p>IN NO WAY IS HAVERFORD A SAFETY!!! Its one of the top 10 liberal arts colleges out there, and also gives one of the best learning experiences in the country. Also great for getting kids in for grad school. Forget safety, I'd say its a super reach for you (given your psat.)</p>
<p>I'm sorry; I meant to ask what I could consider the rest. I'm not considering it a safety or even a possibility right now, unless I improve on my scores. </p>
<p>Ohio_mom- Thanks very much for the advice and suggestions. I'll look into those tonight. :) I appreciate it.</p>