I’ve been trying to create my college list for quite some time now and just when I thought I had my top ten schools finalized I realized that almost half of these schools did not have the major I wanted to study- neuroscience. In addition to that, there were about 2 schools which were fairly larger than the rest of the schools on my list. Which made me contemplate what the difference is between attending a large school or a small one? If you can, please explain. After cutting my list based on this criteria I was left with this:
Safety:
?
?
Match:
Brandeis University
Wesleyan University
Bucknell University
Connecticut College
Reach:
Harvard University
Vanderbilt University
Brown University
Aside from what’s listed, I was also contemplating SUNY Geneseo, Binghamton, Northeastern, Boston College, and Vassar College. But, these schools are either in completely isolated areas, too large, or do not have my major. How much should I care about these factors when choosing a school? Also, I feel as though a lot of the schools on this list are out of league and I don’t want to get too ahead of myself and apply to schools just to end up not being accepted by them. In regards to my application, my extra curriculars are great (this is not only my opinion) and I have above a 4.0 GPA. However, my 1830 SAT score is a big set back. I do plan on taking the test for a second time in October but I’m still unsure. Should I still even apply to these schools? Which ones should I remove? I’ve always wanted to go to what is considered a “top” or “prestigious” school so if you have any recommendations of schools that you think I should look more into please let me know.
Your UW GPA is what counts so it would help if you give us that (you stated you have above a 4.0 so I assume you mean your weighted is over 4.0). GPA is an important factor when trying to evaluate true match schools. If your SAT scores don’t improve try taking the ACT, and/or strongly consider test optional schools (luckily Wesleyan and Conn Coll fit that bill). What are your financial needs- do you qualify for assistance based on each school’s own NPC, or do you need merit aid if you don’t qualify for need based aid? Finally, what does your guidance/college counselor say? Do you have access to Naviance and if so how do you compare to students who have gotten into the schools you are considering?
Strength of curriculum is very important. How many AP classes have you or will you take?
Test optional is a good route but that means your transcript and strength of your high school are looked at more closely. Test optional is not a free lunch.
1830 is hardly terrible but some of the schools you listed will be very tough. St. Lawrence, Gettysburg, Lafayette, Muhlenberg, Siena, Hobart, Clark, might be more realistic choices to include.
Unless your retest gets you over 2100, then your reaches are well beyond reaches.
“which made me contemplate what the difference is between attending a large school or a small one?”
Small colleges are generally exclusively undergraduate-focused. For some students, small colleges have immediate, almost instinctive, appeal. If this doesn’t describe you, then continue to look at both small and large schools until your own preference becomes obvious. As a guideline, the education writer Loren Pope placed the cut-off between smaller and larger schools at “about 2000” students.
“How much should I care about these factors when choosing a school?”
That’s up to you. I would think that not having your major would be a pretty large red flag. But a lot of people can find both positives and negatives in urban/rural/suburban or big/small schools, just as some are very partial to one or the other. Visiting and, if possible, doing overnight stays can help you decide if you have a preference.