Great liberal arts colleges with thriving social scene and top notch academics??

<p>Hey guys!</p>

<p>So this is just a shot in the dark, but I'm so worn out doing the whole college search, I thought I'd give this forum a try.</p>

<p>So I'm applying to colleges for Fall '13. I'm looking for a small (under 2,000) liberal arts college, under 35,000 a year EVERYTHING included, not to selective but with a great reputation. Great social scene and greek life and high student retention rate. Preferably with no religious affiliation, but this is optional. Gorgeous historic campus is also optional, but would be nice :)</p>

<p>About me: I was homeschooled in high school. I'm from PA, was a B student in high school with a 3.4 overall gpa (looking for a second chance in college). Very active in drama and public speaking, did a lot of volunteering. Looking to major in sociology or criminology. My dad is a Lehigh University professor (not sure if that's relevant). </p>

<p>Hope to hear from someone, thanks in advance!</p>

<p>Does your dad get any kind of tuition reciprocity (discount)?</p>

<p>Yeah, he gets $20,000 towards any school</p>

<p>What about Allegheny, Muhlenberg or College of Wooster in Ohio (I know both Muhlenber and Wooster have 2/15 deadline)</p>

<p>You also might try looking at the threads specifically for B students. </p>

<p>Is the $35,000 cost you can afford before or after the $20,000 discount from your father’s position?</p>

<p>after the discount :-/ my family’s already putting two kids through college. I’m thinking U of Tampa or Hillsdale? How much of a chance do you think I would have?</p>

<p>SAT scores for math & critical reading?</p>

<p>CR was 620 but Math was really bad- 400</p>

<p>Look at Alfred University NY established in 1836, Division III athletics, merit aid, need-based aid, small classes-know your professors. A regional university. Deadline is Feb 1st. No Greek life, about 2200 undergrads. </p>

<p>USNWR Great Schools Great Prices
Fiske Best Value
Fiske small schools strong in engineering
Fiske small schools strong in art & design
Princeton Review’s Best Business Schools
Princeton Review’s Best
Fiske Guide 2012</p>

<p>[Alfred</a> University : Financial Aid : Undergraduate Freshmen Scholarships](<a href=“http://WWW.Alfred.edu/finaid/scholarships/]Alfred”>http://WWW.Alfred.edu/finaid/scholarships/)</p>

<p>Furman University accepts over half of all applicants, but some call it the Harvard of the South anyway (It’s in SC). I would never call it that, but I’ve heard it from some. The people are all friendly and engaged, and definitely have fun, the academics are great, but it’s more expensive than what you’re looking for if you got no Fin. Aid and you meant 20K before your dad’s discount.</p>

<p>might look at Holy Cross(don’t have to be religious). hc has very nice cmpus 1 hour from Boston and is SAT optional.</p>

<p>Deadline for Holy Cross was January 15th.</p>

<p>If you don’t want religious I would stay away from Hillsdale. It isn’t religiously affiliated but its students are among the most religious you’ll find anywhere. Huffington Post ranked it the second-most religious student body after BYU and Princeton Review also put it in the top 5.</p>

<p>Ripon College in Wisconsin. Read the Princeton Review guidebook’s review. It’s a low-profile school, but academics are solid, kids are very content, good town-gown relations, and the pretty campus contains a number of landmark buildings. Greek presence. We’ve toured, and liked it.</p>

<p>The 400 math-score will limit your options. Hillsdale and Holy Cross are likely “reach/super reach” for you. Check out the Tier 2 schools - USWNR 100 - 150 ranking.</p>

<p>Putting Ripon on my list; thanks!</p>

<p>As for Hillsdale, it is a reach, but they like my Dad, and he’s given speeches there, and I’m hoping that will give me some leverage. As for it being religious, I don’t mind so long as the college administration doesn’t enforce any kind of religious rules. </p>

<p>What do you guys think my chances would be for Florida Southern?</p>

<p>Roanoke college in va or HWS in Geneva New York </p>

<p>Sent from my iPhone</p>

<p>My stepdaughter attended Ripon and had a great experience. They really impressed us.</p>

<p>It is a Catholic school, but maybe look into Siena College (NY, near Albany). It is a nice LAC, not impossible to get into, and it is cheaper than most other private schools. They take applications through 2/15.</p>

<p>You are a transfer student, rose812, as you have stated on a previous post?
Many schools require a certain GPA from transfer students, so check their websites for their requirements.</p>

<p>@slumom I actually dropped out of the community college due to some family problems; so thats something I wont have to worry about thankfully!
@happy1 it looks like a good school, thanks for the tip</p>