<p>I am currently a sophomore in HS in Indiana. I have a 3.8 unweighted, and my PSAT and practice SATS lead on that I'll hopefully score a 1900-2000 on the SAT (I'm taking it in May). I want to study International Relations in college, and my particular career aspirations would require a graduate degree so I'm trying to find a college with a good rep that would get me into a good graduate college, but isn't too expensive so that I'd have money left for the graduate and not be totally broke! I would really like to study on the East Coast, but any suggestions are good! Mostly just looking for places that have good international affairs programs, without being impossible for me to get into and ridiculously expensive. I'm desperate for any ideas or help!! :) </p>
<p>Among your three criteria, I’d give the IR program the lowest priority when you start making your list. Since, as you say, you’ll probably get a graduate degree anyway, most any school with rigorous academics and a good track record for getting its students into prestigious graduate programs, could be considered. Degrees in political science, history – or really just about anything will do. The key is to find strong internship and networking opportunities during your undergraduate years.</p>
<p>As for selectivity, it’s difficult to say without knowing your scores, your rank, your ECs, your talents, your demographic, your life experience. All of these play a part in determining the possible. A 3.8 UW is a good start. At any rate, you want a balance of reach/match/safety.</p>
<p>So that leaves “not ridiculously expensive.” The first step, if you haven’t already done so, is to figure out how much NEED based aid you may be eligible for. Ask your parents to use an online calculator to get an idea of your expected contribution. If that works, you can build a wide list of schools, but if it turns out that you’ll require MERIT aid you will have to tailor your list accordingly. Many private schools in the northeast do not offer merit aid. Merit aid loosens up a bit as you go further south and toward the midwest. </p>
<p>But first get a good understanding of your financial situation.</p>
<p>Once that’s done you can start thinking about preference factors like small/medium/large, urban/suburban/rural and other cultural attributes like fraternities, political leaning, sports focus etc. You have some time to do this.</p>