Hi, thank you to everyone for helping me with this. Please note this was just previously posted by my daughter, in support of her sister, and I have established a parent account
My daughter is a current junior who is an all around wonderful person. The early stages of her college search have been particularly difficult because, my daughter, who is an incredibly dedicated/motivated student, has mild special needs. This means that in order for her to find a comfortable place for college, it must have certain accommodations and be within at most 3-4 hours from home (NJ).
A quirky down-to earth student body is preferable! Low to no Greek life…
Intended areas of focus: writing, graphic design, or social work
Schools with less than 5,000 students preferred
Some quick stats
3.9 gpa (mostly standard college prep courses, some with in-class support, plans to challenge herself with an honors class next year)
PSAT: around 1000
SAT results have not yet been recieved
Extracurriculars: volunteering, key club, NHS, helping hands, bridges, Girl Scouts (12 years) and gold award candidate
She is currently considering the following schools most strongly: Drew University, Centenary, Moravian, Ramapo
Please share any insight and personal recommendations!
Thanks
Lycoming might b3 worth a look. Small LAC in Williamsport PA. S17 was accepted and I loved it, but too small for him. I forget - 1500 students? There is Greek life, but it didn’t seem overwhelming and it seemed like students and faculty developed close relationships.
I know many kids who are in or went to Ramapo and have never heard a bad thing. Dorms are supposed to be among the best in NJ!
Thank you! Yes, Ramapo is definitely a contender! We will check out Lycoming.
Maybe St. Mary’s College, a public LAC in MD. Right on the water! Environment you are describing.
It might be 3-4 hours from some of southern Jersey.
Good luck, have fun with it!
I’ve heard wonderful things about Susquehanna, though I’m not sure how many of your boxes it checks.
There’s a lot of great Catholic schools on the East Coast that she would likely have a chance at getting into and often have little to none Greek Life. Seton Hall might be one of them. Raising scores from what will probably be an SAT in the 1050-1100 range will probably help, but there’s still a lot of time for that.
Drew immediately came to mind and saw that it’s on your list.
Take a look at Neumann in PA-- small, very walkable Catholic School, non competitive admissions, just a wonderful vibe to the school.
Also Immaculata in PA-- very similar vibe. Lycoming and Misericordia and Keystone in PA also.
In NJ, take a look at Centenary.
Centenary has been having financial issues and has consolidated some academic departments to save money. I am a professor in NJ and I would steer you to Ramapo or Seton Hall within NJ.Ohers have given ideas in PA.
Can she get accommodations for the SAT? That may improve her scores. Maybe consider Rowan as well? Drew also has financial issues, but perhaps not as bad as Centenary.
Thank you so much everyone. Centenary and Drew are definitely on our list, Seton Hall is a bit large for her needs. We would consider a Catholic School, with the understanding that she is Jewish and would need to feel comfortable there as part of the student population. Some work and some do not. I appreciate all of the input and it seems like we are on the right track. She does have extended time on the SAT, and we are praying for between 1000-1100 at least. Please keep the suggestions coming and we are certainly grateful! I also appreciate the feedback about college financials from local professionals in the know, thank you!
Look into Muhlenberg. It’d be a reach but I think they have good accomodations and aren’t too far from NJ.
Seconding g Susquehanna and Lycoming. What about Lebanon Valley? York?
McDaniel might be worth a look. They seem to serve a wide range of kids really well. And the kids I know who have gone there have all been really nice, nice kids.
If you’re looking at Moravian, Cedar Crest College is not too far away, located in Allentown. It’s an all women’s college on the undergrad level (coed grad school) and social work is a popular major. They also offer good academic services and tutoring. Very good merit aid as well.
I’m glad Drew is on your list. No Greek life, <2,000 students, lots of quirkiness, test optional too.
Lasalle has social work I think.
@MYOS1634 Yes it does! That was my major.
I would recommend investigating Wheaton in MA (not the IL school) as one that would fulfill many of the criteria.
For a more urban feel, have a look at Simmons, the small women’s college in Boston. Lot’s of solid advising available.
Clark and Goucher would be two more that I would suggest that she have a look at, but they might be toward the higher end of the 3-4 hour distance.
I would recommend Ramapo all the way for a number of reasons. First, the cost of around $30k total tuition room and board and expenses for instate cannot be beat. The campus is beautiful and safe in northern bergen county and you can have a car on campus as a freshman. The dorms are hands down the nicest in the state. Everything on campus is a short walk and easy to navigate. Only caution would be that unless she does s bit better on the SAT she may have an issue being accomplished, Good luck!
*typo she may have an issue being accepted not accomplished
Seems like the optimal place would have the classes that prepare him for grad school, but that he won’t be competing against as many very strong students…so sounds like UTD.