<p>Be careful if you’re interested in doing research. A lot of “name” schools like the Ivies publish a lot of well known research studies and certainly have strong research departments… FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS. If you want to do research as an undergrad, especially in the sciences you want to be looking pretty much at non-Ivy schools, and maybe even schools with slightly less name recognition. When you’re visiting/reading about schools, make sure to ask specifically what opportunities there are for undergrads to start doing research, even in their first year. The places where that’s possible and encouraged are the places you want to apply. What’s the point of attending a school with high name recognition if you aren’t able to get any practical research experience because the good research studies are only open to grad students or seniors?</p>
<p>Shinto: I take it you are ESL from the spelling and grammar problems. Are you looking at large U’s like Michigan State? With your stats it could be a financial safety and academic safety.</p>
<p>I would suggest looking closely at Pitt, Case, RPI, and Rice. Any of these schools should provide varied opportunities for undergrad research and all consider each applicant for merit aid. You should be able to get your applications together in the next week.</p>
<p>I would also add WashU to your list. Their application for merit aid is more complicated than the others (involves writing) and competition is intense, but it seems to me from your background that you would have the experience and knowledge to complete it within a few weeks. (Their deadline is mid-January or thereabouts.)</p>
<p>I think LACs offer generous merit-based FA if you don’t initially qualify for much $$$. For instance, ivies generally cover need-based $$$, but not merit-based. Given your superb stats, you might find smaller schools really want you and will entice you with nice offers.</p>
<p>Wow, you are fast running out of time. I hope you already are started on the Common Ap and have the secondary school report and teacher rec letters conquered – because many schools have a Jan 1 or 2 or 15 deadline. </p>
<p>Time to start cranking! You may be surprised at how much time it takes to get even ONE done from start all the way to the final “sign” and “pay” click.</p>
<p>Go Buckeyes! If that doesn’t work for you, add some other schools.</p>
<p>*aside from that the match schools like **Vanderbilt would be a stretch financially **that is why only OSU was listed as a safety. *</p>
<p>Vandy meets 100% of determined need without loans. What is your financial situation? Do you have an EFC that your family can’t pay? That would be a problem. However, if you have a low EFC, then Vandy is do-able.</p>
<p>What is the financial situation? Are you a resident/citizen? That can make a difference for FA.</p>
<p>With your stats, there should also be a safety that would give a lot of merit money. Look at some privates or some publics that give a lot of merit.</p>