<p>Hello everyone, my name is Andrew and I currently live in California. I'm currently a junior in a decent and not so competitive suburban high school. So far, I notice how my high school's top 10% students seem inclined to go to UCs especially UC Berkeley, UC Davis and UCLA. It seems that all of those who have the grades want to apply to the UCs and/or CSU systems and those who dont settle for the community colleges. Personally, I want to stay away from UC Berkeley since like every smart kid from my school has high hopes of being admitted there. I do not want to follow the footsteps of my fellow classmates and would like to have more open mind to schools outside of California.</p>
<p>Size: I really like schools that are not so overwhelming when you step into their doors, which means I like a small to medium size schools. I want to meet a lot of people, and socially I think I will do okay. VERY big universities and colleges turn me off since I feel like getting lost in the crowd. Besides, very big universities may have a lot of options and resources, but I would rather go to a college where I feel at home.</p>
<p>Location: I did say I want to have an open mind, but as far as location goes, I'm more inclined to schools on the west coast and the east coast (preferably the northeast). The great lakes region seems okay as well. It is rare for me to like rural areas (unless there's definitely a way to get to nearby cities easily), so a suburban and urban schools will do.</p>
<p>Religion: I do not want a college where religion is part of the social/school life. This is because I'm an atheist (or something similar since I don't believe in god). I may be a catholic-born individual, but religion is a major turn off (no offense).</p>
<p>Diversity: This is a plus for me, because I like colleges that encourage open mind individuals to meet different people. A snobby preppy school where everyone has porsche or BMWs with popular clothing labels is not what I really want. Definitely dislike homogenous student body. I want colleges where everyone feels at home and not be degraded by their race or sexual orientation. It is also important that the student body are accepting of gays.</p>
<p>Housing: Colleges must guarantee housing for undergrads. Since I am also looking for out of state schools, it is great to be able to live in the college for the first couple of years (but preferring for 4 years if possible) to get a campus feel and not worry about where to live.</p>
<p>Greek Life: The first time I heard about greek life, I did not want it. Because the first time I heard it, I learn that sometimes greek life dominates the schools with parties and drinking (sometimes even recommending to join it to fit in). I am an independent person and would prefer universities without frats and sororities. HOWEVER, if there is a greek life, I would like to have it as not being so outrageous. I would like its influence to be okay, but not too overwhelming.</p>
<p>Sports: I do not care if a college is good or not on sports, as long as it encourages students to be part of the team. I feel like having a school spirit and team respect is more important than having schools that wants to win all the time. In my college search process, I require a university with a men's swim team. I am swimmer and may have an option of swimming, and it would be good to meet other swimmers if I decided not to do college swim.</p>
<p>Academic Life: Students sometimes always want to get an A or be on the top of the classes. I don't want that, but rather incline to schools that encourages learning for the sake of learning. Academics do not need to be top notch, but definitely not like "you go there and get an easy A". Cutthroat colleges are really a turn off for me, because what is the use of very competitive colleges without actually encouraging what you can do in the real world. I mean, you cannot always win in the real world. I would also like to meet a lot of intelligent people who likes to share and help each other out.</p>
<p>Major Interest: So far, I have an interest in the Kinesiology department, preferably Athletic Training. Even if I'm not like an all around athlete who does every sport, sports starts to become a part of my life. I mean, I love every bit of it and I like the idea of working outdoors and be physically active. In the past, I liked the idea of Psychology and business. But because psychology is like one of the most picked major now, it seems pointless for me to pursue it. Maybe if I can be a sports psychology, it seems like a good option. Notice that I encourage myself not to follow the masses and would like to do things that I like to do (okay you can call me rebellious =)). What change my mind about business is that in the business world, there is usually instances where you want to compete. I do not see myself in that position. I'm not sure if this help but I am good at English (but loath math, science and history, esp. foreign lang. even though I get good grades on those).</p>
<p>Financial Aid: Cost is very painful for us. My mom is the only one supporting me and my other two siblings (i'm the oldest), so I was hoping to get a great financial aid (or even a full ride perhaps). It won't be easy, but I want to make my college life cost-stress free.</p>
<p>Social Life: I'm not a party animal, so a party school is not ideal for me. I do like to go out from time to time to get away from studying and the like. Parties are okay, but should be not be over the top. I would like colleges that are near to nightclubs. If not, then somewhere to have fun, may it be beaches, cafes, libraries, museums, parks, zoos, theatres, convenient stores, malls etc.</p>
<p>Other: I'm applying for out of state, so I was hoping for schools with a great chance for OOSers. Usually state schools has like 10-15%, so i didn't want to take on state schools. The Ivies seems promising, but I don't see myself in it.</p>
<p>I know Stats do not define a person. But to help you guys get a good idea, here it is: Filipino w/ 3.6 UW GPA (hoping to raise it up to 3.8 UW by end of senior year) and currently rank 11 or 271 (in top 10%). I get As and Bs except the 2nd semester my Freshman year (I had problems that time and hopefully I can clear that up with the colleges). I am currently taking 2 AP classes this year and 3 next year (5 is the max AP classes that my H.S. can offer, 6 if I took spanish freshmen year). I'm in one varsity sport and city club sport - swimming - all throughout my HS year, except freshmen year. Aside from that, I've been in leadership positions of Class Vice President (03-04) and President (04-05), Elected ASB Secretary (05-06) & [will be] ASB President (06-07) next year. I'm not taking this leadership positions just to look good on colleges, but rather love the challenge and drive on moving my apathetic fellow classmates to have class and school spirits! In terms of community services, it is decent. Community services include clean ups and weedings and raising fund raisers for libraries. In addition, I volunteer in a hospital in the summer too. During the summer I took a UC Berkeley summer class (yeah I know but that doesn't mean I'm going to UCB) and got an A.</p>
<p>My inclined universities:
So far I'm looking through Northeastern, UConn, BU, UMich & U of Indianapolis. Anyone have other suggestions or would like to help me evaluate these colleges?</p>