<p>If you're not opposed to a school with a heavy Greek influence, you'd get substantial merit money from DePauw in Indiana. Some other possibilities to check out for good merit money would include: Trinity U in San Antonio, Beloit in Wisconsin (might be on the small side for you though), Boston U, the University of San Diego (not hot!), Santa Clara U (ditto), Dickinson in Pennsylvania, St. Olaf in Minnesota.</p>
<p>Of those, I've heard of DePauw, Boston U, St. Olaf, and Dickinson. Though I've heard bad things about BU's administration: anyone care to clarlify that?</p>
<p>Also, how would USD not be hot, lol? Not hot as in it's not 100* but 90<em>, or not hot as in 70</em> all the time?</p>
<p>Lotus, My kids both go to high school directly across from the USD campus. There are plenty of winter days when the temperature hovers in the 60's and they need sweatshirts and sweaters. For the most part, during the school year, temps at USD are in the low to mid 70's. I personally don't consider that "hot" more like very comfortable.</p>
<p>Yeah, that actually sounds quite agreeable! What have you heard about some of the institutions that you've mentioned? Anything, whether good or bad, would be appreciated :></p>
<p>Lotus123, nothing on cangel's list, or carolyn's list can be a bad school. Trust their judgment in recommending a school for your review implicitly. I do. They 're not suggesting you go there, just check it out. When those two tell me to jump, the only question I ever have is "how high?".LOL.</p>
<p>As far as SAT retake, D's in the same boat ,did retake, and went down in two areas. :eek: Thank God the first scores were already sent. I'm advising D to take the ACT again, as she had a 32 with one aberrantly low section that costs her a 33, maybe even a 34. Since ACT has score choice the schools would never see any negative test. Other than that, if she gets all her apps done, and done to her satisfaction, and if she has extra time and if she promises not to stress too much, then I think she might want to take the SAT1 again. I think to cram for them while ignoring the other important parts of the puzzle would be foolish. OTOH, a 1500 is still a mark to shoot for.</p>
<p>Southwestern is in Georgetown , Texas. A short 30 miles from Austin, home of that other school.</p>
<p>Heheh, yeah I know what you mean. I guess I'll just have to search around for some more prespectives on those schools to get a better idea. It seems like I can get a plethora of info on my match/reach schools, but safeties are proving a bit harder...</p>
<p>anybody have any other thoughts?</p>
<p>Denison has a beautiful campus and gives a lot of merit money.</p>
<p>Lotus - temp wise, the nice thing about Southern schools is that you are there during the best weather (unless you are a skier). The first month or so may be hot but then it gets REAL nice. Take a hard look at Trinity U, San Antonio is a great city.</p>
<p>You have a good point about the SAT, I would suggest trying the ACT, get a book and review, see if you do better or worse on the practice tests. The ACT, unlike the SAT, has score choice, so you can take it over and over for scholarship purposes, without the colleges seeing what you did. I know a girl who took the ACT about 4 times, but ended up with a 36 and a full ride scholarship to Big state U (Auburn) which was her goal.</p>
<p>Lotus:</p>
<p>If you are looking for a lot of financial aid have you thought about applying for an ROTC scholarship? In my situation, financial aid was very important and I received a full tuition NROTC scholarship to the University of San Diego. On top of that, the University of San Diego offers a grant to cover half the cost of room and board for NROTC students. With your statistics, you'd also be in line for a Dean, Presidential, or Trustee scholarship that would take care of the rest of your expenses with thousands to spare.</p>
<p>Just a thought. ROTC works for some people, but I understand it isn't for everyone. However, it is always good to keep your options open.</p>
<p>If you have any questions about the University of San Diego or NROTC, I'd be more than happy to answer them. I'd recommend at least taking a look at the opportunites NROTC has to offer. </p>
<p>Good luck with your search Lotus. . .</p>
<p>You can email me at <a href="mailto:mdsass@mail.com">mdsass@mail.com</a></p>
<p>P.S. The University of San Diego is within two hours of the mountains and is only five to ten minutes from the beach. With the near-perfect weather, it is hard to beat location wise!</p>
<p>Well, ROTC didn't really cross my mind, but I was thinking of going the Air Force route to pay for professional school (either M.D. or D.D.S., whatever I choose.) So how are the academics like a USD? Good, bad, depends? What's your opinion?</p>
<p>Lotus:</p>
<p>I am an incoming freshman, so I haven't had the first-hand experience with classes you are probably looking for. However, I have sat in on a few classes and can tell you I was very impressed with the professors.</p>
<p>At USD you will get very small class sizes. For example, I have two classes this fall that will have less than 12 students in them. At USD teaching is the primary role professors play. If a professor wants to focus on research, they will choose another school. </p>
<p>The one negative at USD is the choice of majors. The selection is very traditional, although they are beginning to offer a few more choices. If you don't have any idea what you want to major in that could present a problem. However, if you know you want to major in, say, something science-related, you shouldn't have a problem.</p>
<p>I have also found the administration at USD to be VERY helpful. Anytime I've had a problem with, say, my schedule, I've made a quick two minute phone call and, without asking, had an adviser personally call me within 24 hours. I can tell you from personal experience that that isn't always the case at larger, public universities.</p>
<p>When it comes to academic reputation, you aren't going to get the name recognition of an Ivy League school. However, USD is gaining a lot of ground in that category. They have only been around since the 1950's I believe and are already in the top 100 universities in US News and World Report's latest issue. Also, they are committing a lot of their funds to marketing their "brand" across the country which should help.</p>
<p>For me, I am majoring in engineering. I turned down Purdue University, the Georgia Institute of Technology, and the Univesity of Wisconsin-Madison to come to the University of San Diego. In fact, USD was the lowest "ranked" school on my list and I felt it would give me the most options when I graduate. </p>
<p>If I were you, I'd check out the Air Force's ROTC program. I have heard nothing but good things from what they have to offer. It is worth a shot at least. Also, most times you don't have to commit to an ROTC program until the second or third year. For example, I have a 4-year NROTC scholarship, but can choose to walk away from it sophomore year, without oweing anything to the Navy.</p>
<p>If you have any other questions, just let me know. I'd be more than happy to offer any advice I have as I've already gone through what are beginning to do. It isn't always fun, but you will make the right decision FOR YOU in the end. Good luck!</p>
<p>I forgot to read your whole post Lotus!</p>
<p>One more thing:</p>
<p>I know that if you were to choose the ROTC route, there are very few slots available for ROTC students to enter into professional school. It is all based on the needs of each service so you would for sure want to talk to someone who knows the Air Force better. </p>
<p>If becoming a doctor or dentist is the goal you have, just keep that in the back of your mind. I don't want to "sway" you into something that may limit those options for you. . .</p>