<p>Research the schools that interest you. Find out how the upper level courses in majors that interest you are. Large intro lectures occur even at schools such as Harvard. What counts are the classes- labs and discussions. Have that financial discussion with your father now. 6000 entering freshmen (my excellent flagship) means a lot of intellectual diversity and plenty of people like yourself even if you are in a minority. Have a list of reasons for each school on your list. Make a list of priorities also. You may discover your reasons for liking a school are superficial or unrealistic. You may find good reasons to be motivated to do your best to be admitted at some- for financial reasons as posted above. Do your homework.</p>
<p>Has he told you what the price limit is?</p>
<p>Has he told you what colleges would be acceptable to him, and what characteristics are “must haves” from his point of view?</p>
<p>You and he need to talk about these things. Otherwise, you will just be guessing when naming colleges that he will reject, leading to more family conflict and drama.</p>
<p>This all sounds like a big red herring. </p>
<p>My friend was in a similar situation. Her father made her apply to state schools she didn’t want, she got into her dream school (paid the application fee herself) and he wouldn’t let her go, said it was a waste of money.</p>
<p>Your best bet is to turn the question around: what schools does HE want you to apply to?</p>
<p>I doubt if he is shooting down your choices, you would be able to convince him otherwise.</p>
<p>Yes, ask him which schools he wants you to apply to…AND THEN when he provides a list, ask him why those are acceptable. </p>
<p>Counter his global dissent with very niche information about your intended career, the major, and how the school connects/prepares you to the major. Also, price and your admissions stats for the major. </p>
<p>If he hasn’t suggested a school himself, then tell him to do so. If he can’t think of a school, tell him that it’s your choice. Tell him if it’s a good school, don’t worry about it. If he’s paying tuition, tell him that time is running out. If he isn’t, then definitely tell him that it’s your choice, and that you have the right to pick your own college. :-bd </p>