Don't know where to apply?

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I'm applying to college this fall, and I still have no idea what colleges to look at. I can't even decide what type of college would be best for me, so I'm just completely lost. </p>

<p>I am stuck on what kind of school I want to go to. Liberal arts colleges seem absolutely fantastic. They seem so supportive, I like the small sizes of the student bodies (I've felt so overwhelmed and number-like at my overcrowded high school), the classes offered seem really interesting, students seem very friendly, and I like that they're usually situated in smaller towns and seem kind of slow-paced. LACs seem good for people like me who are undecided in what they want to study (I literally don't have a clue about what I want to major in) and it seems good for getting to form relationships with people. However, what worries me is that classes at LACs seem to be so small that it's almost intimidating to me. I have social anxiety and am somewhat shy, and I would hate having to be expected to actively participate in class every day because it'd just provoke so much anxiety, which would be awful for me to deal with. I feel that I would fare much better in lecture classes where I could sit back and listen to the professor without having to worry about being expected to participate, but it seems like lecture classes are only available at bigger state universities, which don't have any of the traits I like in colleges. Also, I don't know if this plays into anything, but I DETEST busywork and I like being able to have freedom in the way I get my work done. I don't like huge, back-breaking workloads. Should I stay away from LACs, and if so, what types of colleges should I look at?</p>

<p>I'm an Asian female from the Northeast. As far as stats and such: I have a 3.8 UW/4.47 W GPA, 3 AP classes and the rest Honors, a 1370/2100 SAT (1400/2130 super-scored), and two subject tests (660 on Math I, 690 on Literature). I have average extracurricular activities, with only a few leadership positions.</p>

<p>Also, I'm only considering the Northeast and the Midwest, and money isn't really a constraint for me (although schools where I could get good merit money would be great!). I'd prefer private co-ed colleges that are intellectual, and I'm very favorable toward liberal-leaning schools. I would like a good college town or a small town (that isn't too isolated), and a school where students really care about their academics. I want to avoid big party schools. I don't like Greek life, although I can deal with it if it isn't too prevalent on campus, and good study abroad programs are a must. Schools with an international focus and good language programs would be really awesome. I'd like a school where the overwhelming majority of students live on campus. I don't want to go to a school that is either too small or too big. Strong academics, of course, but I don't want to go to a school with a huge, challenging workload where everyone is so super amazingly smart (because it'd intimidate me, as I am not very strong academically).</p>

<p>I hope I don't sound excessively picky with my specifications, but I hope you guys can come up with some suggestions for me. Thank you so much!</p>

2

<p>Grinnel or Wesleyan</p>

3

<p>Denison, Kenyon, Smith (if you like a woman only college).</p>

4

<p>Williams
Grinnell
Amherst
Swarthmore
Wellesley
Bowdoin
Vassar
Smith
Colgate
Oberlin</p>

5

<p>You sound like a perfect fit for a LAC. Having to participate in class might not be so bad if you are among close friends which you will be in a small LAC. It will help you grow, too. You don’t want to hit the job market being painfully shy. IMO, your SAT scores won’t get you into any of the schools listed above. Retake the SAT or take the ACT. Consider a school with SAT scores optional.</p>

6

<p>Your SAT scores are in range for all of the schools listed above. Retake if you want but don’t kill yourself over it.</p>

7

<p>Oberlin sounds perfect for you.</p>

8

<p>Why do people keep thinking her SAT scores are in the range? She posted scores out of 2100, not 1600. That means she averaged 470 on each section. Did she really mean 1400 out of 1600?</p>

9

<p>SAT is scored out of 2400. Thus, I would assume that 1400 is referring just to CR+M while 2130 refers to CR+M+W. Both of which are rock solid scores, and are within range at all the schools mentioned so far.</p>

10

<p>All of the above; I’d add Beloit, Bates, Bard, and Skidmore.</p>

11

<p>ricegal, I meant 1400 out of 1600! 1370 and 1400 are combined CR+M, from my highest single sitting and super-scoring, respectively. 2100 and 2130 are total scores.</p>

<p>And thanks everyone!</p>

12

<p>Look into Beloit, Lawrence, Knox, and Kalamazoo, which are all good Midwestern LAC’s, where you would qualify for some merit aid as well. Good luck!</p>

13

<p>If you are into study abroad and languages, Middlebury would be a good choice.</p>