Doing college visits next week-are these good matches?

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Hey guys, I'm doing a huge college visit trip next week and I'm not really sure what kind of schools I should be looking at. Here are my stats:</p>

<p>High School Junior
-Average 3.74 GPA unweighted (with low freshman scores, but better sophomore/junior scores). Also I tend to do much better in core classes than electives. Don't know why.
-5 APs: U.S. History, Lit, French, European History, AB Calc, possibly Bio (Sorry, no scores yet, but expecting at least a 4 on U.S.)
-Mostly honors classes, At least four years of all core subjects.
-Also taking SUPA Economics and Leadership (rigorous government class)
-PSAT scores: CR-70 Math 63 (I think I can raise my Math score to at least 660 on the SAT)
-I think one of my biggest strengths is that I'm a good writer, so I'm hoping to do well on both the SAT essay and the application essays.
-Knowledge of French (from school) and Russian (from self-teaching)
-Hoping to do a summer language program. Suggestions?</p>

<p>Extra-Curriculars
-Not a big sports guy, but I play Ultimate Frisbee on the school's team and am a member of the club.
-Member of the local Rotary Interact Club. Ideally going for a leadership position next year.
-Plenty of volunteer work, including raising awareness and funds for the DEAAF cause (probably the thing I'm most proud of)
-Also play classical guitar, golf, and ski.
-Co-founded a debate club</p>

<p>What I'm looking for:
-Medium-sized school (2,000-10,000. Around 4,500 is ideal)
-Basically anywhere west of Wisconsin and north of Georgia, but I'm flexible.
-Most likely doing a double major in econ and math. Interested in a minor in political science or a language.
-Athletics aren't a big deal for me
-VERY low faculty to student ratio
-A social and connected school, but not a party school or a huge drug scene</p>

<p>On our list for visiting is:</p>

<p>Case Western Reserve University
University of Rochester
Villanova (not very interested)
University of Virginia
University of Richmond
College of William and Mary (very interested, but I know it would be a reach for me)</p>

<p>Planning to apply to Rice U even though visiting it is not really an option unless I happen to be accepted.</p>

<p>I already visited SUNY Geneseo and I liked it a lot.</p>

<p>SO. Sorry that I'm getting sidetracked. I'm really tired. But do you think these schools are a good match for me? Also could you recommend some others I might like or have a chance with?</p>

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<p>Do you mean east of Wisconsin?</p>

3

<p>Several of those schools had a 100 year storm yesterday and are literally buried in snow, as well as their surrounding communities. Checks roads, flights and hotels before you leave.</p>

<p>Add to your list Fordham University: main campus, Rose-Hill, Bronx. Gorgeous, right size for you, strong academics, strong school spirit, all the amenities, in New York State (state aid and federal financial aid available), and unparalleled opportunities for internships and jobs after graduation. Fordham is definitely a “writers” school, because you will write a LOT of papers at Fordham. Your grades and likely SAT scores are a PERFECT match for Fordham.</p>

<p>Otherwise, good luck. UVa and Richmond are great schools. Very tough to get into UVa out of state, however. You might also look at Loyola Maryland, Washington and Lee, George Washington and William and Mary. And if you can travel further south, then look at Furman University.</p>

4

<p>UVa would be a reach for an OOS student.</p>

<p>When are you taking the SAT and ACT (take BOTH!!!)?</p>

<p>Is money no object? Will you be needing financial aid?</p>

5

<p>Thanks everyone. And yes, I meant east. My bad.</p>

<p>I’m taking the SAT in March and the ACT in the spring. I will probably need financial aid, but I’m not really to that stage yet. This is just a preliminary trip to see some schools that I might have a chance with. I just wanted to make sure I’m not shooting too high.</p>

6

<p>^^^</p>

<p>If you’ll need financial aid…</p>

<p>Keep in mind that most out of state publics cannot give financial aid to out-of-state students. UVa will, but it’s a rare public that will do that.</p>

<p>Some OOS publics will give merit aid, but that is different from financial aid.</p>

7

<p>Ahh I see. Well hopefully I’ll get Merit Aid, but I don’t think I qualify for much need-based aid anyway.</p>

8

<p>I’m surprised American University in DC isn’t on your list. It’s very strong in your areas of interest, the size is just what you’re looking for, and the internships and opportunities for students are unparalleled.</p>

9

<p>I’m surprised too, considering it’s one of the places I’m going. I was really tired when I posted this. I forgot to include:</p>

<p>American University
Georgetown University
George Washington University
Boston College (If we have time)
Tufts University (ditto)</p>

10

<p>For VERY LOW student faculty ratios, maybe you should add some liberal arts colleges to your list. Grinnell, Kenyon, Bates. Carlton, Middlebury, Bowdoin probably Davidson would be reaches unless your math score goes up more than you expect, but it certainly might.</p>

11

<p>Ahhh thanks for the suggestions but I’m not really looking at LACs. I don’t really like the atmosphere of it as opposed to other medium-small universities.</p>

12

<p>Marist, St Josephs, Loyola MD, Fairfield</p>