<p>Hi I'm looking to get a head start on my list of colleges that I could possibly apply to. Right now I am liking UChicago, Reed, and Emory, but hoping to expand.</p>
<p>I am looking for a school that would be a good fit for a quirky student. Name brand recognition is not important in the slightest. Somewhere where people like to learn and aren't just doing it for the grades. My current high school is very grade-oriented and I really hate it. Looking for a mediumish school (size won't necessarily make or break it for me). No schools w/o real campuses a la NYU or BU. Hoping to major in English.</p>
<p>My GPA (projected) by the end of junior year will be around 3.7. Projected SAT is around 2150. I have pretty good ECs - two V sports for 4 years, captain of both teams for 2 years, plus 300+ hrs of volunteering, and more. I go to a REALLY REALLY competitive high school in CA that regularly sends grads to the Ivies. I know this is not much info to go on, but any recommendations are appreciated.</p>
<p>Location wise I want a college that is located somewhat close to a major city. I currently live in CA but am not a fan of the state as a whole. However, my parents may insist that I stay in state, so recommendations from CA are great too.</p>
<p>definitely look at Swarthmore. you'd be a great fit. beyond that, i agree with UChicago and Pomona. </p>
<p>given that all of those are QuestBridge partner schools, i would VERY VERY HIGHLY recommend that you look into the program - you could get a full four-year scholarship to one of them. and i mean VERY, VERY highly.</p>
<p>Lewis + Clark near Portland might make a good saftey. Also Goucher in Baltimore. </p>
<p>I agree with Haverford, Pomona, and Swarthmore; if you like Pomona's location (or your mother insists on staying in state) check out Pitzer as a safty or low match. Occidental in LA is another safer option for CA schools.</p>
<p>I agree with the Haverford and Swarthmore recs. Tufts and Brown also come to mind. Macalester is another LAC in a city.</p>
<p>Hey all thanks for the quick replies. I have looked at Swarthmore and Pomona before, and they both seem like they match some of what I am looking for. But I'm afraid that my grades won't help me there. I know UChicago is probably more selective, but since they place a huge emphasis on essays I am hopeful. Will look into other suggested colleges as well</p>
<p>Also some things that I forgot to mention...a really big plus would be for a school to have a Hogwarts-esque feel. Another reason why I love UoC. Also I DO NOT want to go to a school that has like a ton of school spirit and big sports teams and all that jazz. Eugh.</p>
<p>Take a look at Rice. I often hear the residential colleges described as "Hogwarts-esque," though I've never read Harry Potter so I'm not sure how valid that comparison is.</p>
<p>I was looking for the same sort of thing, and I'd suggest Chicago, Reed, Carleton, and Brown in terms of having their own, intellectual, not quite typical vibe.</p>
<p>Keep in mind that QuestBridge is for very low-income students. The OP didn't mention anything that would imply her qualifying for it, unless I've missed something.</p>
<p>Sorry that I didn't previously mention that I'm pretty middle class, not low income.</p>
<p>I really like Brown as well as the other colleges I mentioned, but again, grades are the main problem there. Same as with Swarthmore, Haverford, and Pomona. Anyone think I have a shot?</p>
<p>Also I looked up Carleton, and the rural setting is a bit off-putting. I don't know how big of an impact this will make on my decision yet.</p>