<p>So I'm planning on studying CS in college, and I need some one or two more safety/backup/target schools to apply to. </p>
<p>So far my list is Stanford (EA), Princeton, Harvard, UVA, and Pepperdine (as my main backup). (I have high SATs, perfect GPA, top in class, lots of ECs and service, etc. but it's still a reach for anybody at the first 3 schools.) I'm looking for schools where I would actually want to spend 4 years of my life. The schools I mentioned are all dream schools for me because they have beautiful campuses, great facilities, and lots to do that doesn't revolve around drinking and partying. I'm socially outgoing, I love good weather and the outdoors, but I'm not so fond of the party scene.</p>
<p>So far I'm thinking about Virginia Tech and/or William and Mary.
What about Vanderbilt, Duke, UCLA, or Auburn?</p>
<p>Others?
Thanks!!</p>
<p>(Note: colleges which I have ruled out: MIT, CMU, all of the Ivies which I didn't mention, Rice, Chicago, Wash U, Michigan, UT Austin)</p>
<p>Purdue, plenty to do even for non-partiers. CS program is actually pretty well respected and they have the highest average salary for graduates even though engineering is the main reason to why people apply there.</p>
<p>The financial aid question is important. Very important.</p>
<p>But, just asking if you need financial aid won’t tell the story. You may “need” FA, but you might not qualify if your family’s income is too high. We have kids posting that they need FA, but then you find out that they have families with highish incomes that can’t/won’t pay their EFC.</p>
<p>So…</p>
<p>Have your parents told you how much they can contribute each year?</p>
<p>Do you know what they’re EFC is? If not, do you know approx their income?</p>
<p>There’s no point in us recommending OOS publics that don’t give OOS merit if you can’t afford the schools (OOS publics can’t meet OOS need ) So, only OOS publics that give OOS merit could be suggested if money is an issue.</p>