Davidson is ranked (in US News and other college rankings) much higher than it is ranked by SAT scores, meaning that by going there, you can get a degree that is more prestigious than it “should” be, based on SAT score rankings. Looks like a wise move to go to Davidson. I’m not aware of other schools that have such a mismatch between US News ranking and SAT score ranking, and I wasn’t aware of this when I was at Davidson. I found the school very rigorous.
What’s the possibility of me as an international applicant to get any type of scholarships from Davidson if accepted? I’m not applying financial aid btw. And how much would they offer depending on the kind?
Based on my stats and interests, should I apply to Duke or Northwestern? I don’t want to apply to both. And which one might have a slightly higher chance? Thank you!
108 TOEFL and 2230 old SAT(CR710, Math790). My GPA is 4.0 out of 4.0 because no AP is offered. SAT2 USH 780 (math2 score is not yet available), AP WH and USH both 5(self-study). Average EC, pretty good recommendations and fairly good essays. I’m not really fond of STEM. I’m not sure about my major. And I’m Chinese but I will have 3 years of American high school experience.
Duke v. Northwestern: each accepts approximately 10% of applicants, so it’s hard to say whether you stand a better chance at either. You should choose which ever seems to be a better fit for you. One thing to consider: Duke operates on a traditional semester system (August - December; January - May); whereas Northwestern has quarters (Sept. - Dec.; Jan. - March, March - June). So Northwestern starts later and ends later than most American colleges. And, of course, the climates and locations are vastly different.
With regard to scholarships once you enroll at Davidson, there is some money available for research or special projects and travel, but I would not count on any major awards.
@wstrav Thank you very much! I might just apply to both eventually. My top options are Duke, Northwestern, Vandy, and Wustl. Do I have a slightly higher chance at the last two? I think academically the first two are just a little bit more rounded than the last two IMO.
Congrats on the Math2 score. For the next 2 schools you mentioned, Vanderbilt appears to focus on high test scores, more than most schools, so your SAT subject test scores should help. I don’t know much about Washington, although it does appear to be less well rounded, as you mentioned.
All of the schools you mentioned have ridiculously low acceptance rates, and they use subjective standards, so I can’t say which would be more likely to accept you. It’s wise to apply to a variety of schools that you would like to attend and see what happens. Best of luck.
Davidson is in the South; it’s predominantly center-left politically, but Middlebury, Vassar and Wesleyan are probably more to the left, and they’re Northeastern (meaning more diverse and more secular).
Don’t waste that 800 math score. Apply to the Ivies.
@HappyAlumnus I wont be able to apply to any schools if Davidson accepts me by 12/15. Speaking of Ivies, I don’t really know about any of them except for Duke that I’m gunna apply to if ED fails. Any practical recommendations?
The students at Duke, Northwestern, Vandy and Wash U are about equally accomplished overall. In terms of admissions chances, overall admit rates at the schools are between about 10-15%, so your chances would be roughly the same on paper. But they are different schools: different locations, environments, vibes, strengths and weaknesses. Check them for fit and rank them accordingly.
In terms of political climate, Davidson is not as liberal (in American politics) as many top schools in the Northeast. But I think the line should be drawn at the amount of in-your-face activism you are willing to withstand – some schools are more “polite” politically than others. The simple existence of differing views and philosophies shouldn’t put you off, IMO – respectful debate is a good thing.
@prezbucky Thank you! Do you think it’s realistic for me to apply to Ivies? First of all I’m international and my ECs are just average. Secondly, those schools require more tough supplemental essays.
But if I’d have time to apply to one, what would be a practical choice?
It’s hard to get into Ivies as an international, but the only way to have a 0% chance is if you don’t apply. If you want to, I suggest reading about those eight schools and deciding which you’d like best. Then, if you don’t get into Davidson, you’ll be ready to send out your RD apps.
If going to school in the US is a high priority for you, i think you should also be prepared to apply to some less-selective schools. All the schools you’re talking about are very selective – Davidson, prestigious Northeast LACs, Ivies, and Duke/Northwestern/WUSTL/Vandy – and there is no guarantee that you’ll be admitted to any of them. So maybe look at some less selective private schools and public schools and pick a few that you like and can afford.
@prezbucky I’m aware of that. I’m also applying to Case Western, Boston College, Brandeis, W&M, U of Richmond, Colby, F&M, and Penn State. I think that’s enough.