<p>I still have way too many schools I'm interested in. These are my stats, abridged. </p>
<p>SAT: CR 720 M 730 W 740
ACT: 32 (retaking saturday, I don't necessarily expect to improve)
Rank: 1 out of 120
GPA: 4.3 weighted. I've always had straight As.</p>
<p>I'm very interested in writing. I am editor in chief of the high school newspaper, last summer I had an internship with the local paper, I write weekly column for that paper now. I also write for an alternative newsweekly. </p>
<p>I also love other subjects too, and though right now I think I'll be an English major, it could change. completely. </p>
<p>My list at this point:
University of Colorado Boulder (accepted, this is my safety and I'd be happy going there)</p>
<p>University of Chicago EA (sent in my application yesterday. I'd love to go there)</p>
<p>Colorado College EA. </p>
<p>I know my schools are pretty random, but I like them all for different reasons. I think I'd be happy at any of the above. Now I'm trying to add some more high matches/reaches. Particularly liberal arts schools. I'm considering
Barnard
Bryn Mawr
Kenyon
Northwestern (journalism..)
Carleton
Wesleyan</p>
<p>Your schools are in cities that you have chosen so far.
So... that puts Kenyon in an unlikely position. Barnard fits the mold (but is decidedly less intellectual than, say Columbia...).</p>
<p>Also -- all girls schools (yeah, yeah, women's colleges; I go to a all girls highschool right now so I'm allowed to say that). The experience is pretty different. If you're relatively outgoing, no problem. But if you expect dates, and some occasional utter rowdy drunkenness, and the deep thrill of a hugely attended varsity game... then avoid them. Also how do you deal with cold? (I'm guessing pretty well based on the schools you chose...) Because NWern will freeze your (insert extremity) off. You are very much competitive for all of those schools. </p>
<p>I personally don't think nine schools is too many. And I also think it's good to have a little diversity, a couple or more rural schools with some city ones. They're all good schools, all strong in your interests. I personally think it's a good list, especially since you're already in at a safety you like.</p>
<p>I am confused about what you are looking for. UC and Northwestern are hugely different (lots of other threads on that topic). We have friends at Boulder and that is nothing like your other choices. I don't object to your number of applications. I would just advise a little soul searching about what type of person you are and who you want to be surrounded by. I think you have a good shot at many quality schools.</p>
<p>I currently live in a small town, which is also one of the coldest place in Colorado. </p>
<p>I think I'd be happy in a big city or a small town.. and I think I'll just let life take me where it wants to go when it comes to this. I know both would be incredibly different from eachother, but whether I end up in at an urban school or somewhere rural, either would turn me into someone I want to become. </p>
<p>So this seems like a good list? I guess the reassurance of strangers makes me feel better. Do I seem like a competetive candidate for these schools? I really have no idea. It seems like admissions is like pulling names out of a hat these days.</p>
<p>I know what you mean about U of C and northwestern being totally different. The thing is, I'm really into journalism. Otherwise northwestern would hold no appeal. If I get into both of these schools, come spring, I'll have to decide if I want to go the preprofessional route or for more of the liberal arts, but I'm not ready to make that decision yet. I think I could change a lot over my senior year. </p>
<p>CU Boulder is also an oddball, but it's a good safety. I have lots of friends that go there. While it's not the college atmosphere I'm looking for, it's the only place I know I can afford and would be happy to attend. It's my last choice, but it's a necessary, affordable safety. Basically, I needed to pick a Colorado state school, and this was it.</p>
<p>You are definitely competitive. You stand out in your class at school, you stand out in the testing pools, and you stand out amongst applicants in your writing.</p>
<p>fireflyscout, that's part of the reason I wanted to shorten my list now! I don't want to be running around the country at the end of April like a crazy person! But after these comments, I think I might let it be. I've already filled out most of the supplements anyway, for the ones that accept the common app. Now I think I even might add Brown to my list, just to have a super reach.</p>
<p>
[quote]
the biggest deciding factor will be money
[/quote]
Could you please elaborate on this? Will your family be eligible for need based financial aid or will you depend on merit money? This distinction will make a big difference in your list.</p>
<p>My next question would be how many of these schools have you visited? There are unifying features across your whole list but I have to agree that Kenyon is the odd fellow out from the point of view of physical surroundings. Not to knock Kenyon, however, which is a wonderful school.</p>