HELP! I need reach schools!

<p>So I put together a list of schools to apply to and the only reach school I really have is University of Virginia. I know there are plenty of schools that could be considered a reach school for me but I haven't loved the top schools that I've visited. I'm really looking for a school that isn't in the middle of nowhere but also not in the middle of a huge city with no real campus. I also tend to like bigger schools. I don't know what I want to major in yet. I have a 1930 SAT score and a 96.89 average. I am involved in a TON of extracurricular activities. I only took one SATII and I didn't do great. I am willing to take more if necessary. Below are the schools that I am already most likely applying to. My favorites are UMD and Binghamton if that helps with anything.</p>

<p>Northeastern Univ
SUNY Albany
SUNY Binghamton
SUNY Buffalo
Syracuse Univ
U of Delaware
UMD College Park
U of MA Amherst
U of Rhode Island
U of Virginia</p>

<p>Oh I forgot to say that I go to an IB school. I’m an IB Diploma candidate so I’ve taken IB classes in every subject.</p>

<p>You don’t need a reach school unless you want it. Applying takes time and money. You can save both.</p>

<p>Yeah, I totally agree. My parents just want me to have reach schools. This list isn’t good enough for them. haha</p>

<p>You have a LOT of out of state publics on your list.</p>

<p>What is your home state?</p>

<p>Will your parents pay the full OOS cost to attend those schools? Have you asked them? If they won’t pay all the costs, then those will be unaffordable.</p>

<p>However, if your parents will pay $40k-60k per year for any school you pick, then your current list is fine. </p>

<p>UMD and Bing are very different schools. What did you like about each?? </p>

<p>Why Univ Rhode Island???</p>

<p>What is your intended major?</p>

<p>What about maybe UNC-CH? or UFlorida? (if your parents will pay all OOS costs)</p>

<p>Major? Cost factor?</p>

<p>Binghamton- Reach if you are applying to business school.
UD and Maryland are “reaches” for all NYers due to the stiff competition for spots at these popular schools. (Well, really a “match” but it is up in the air if anyone will be accepted.)
If you are going into the sciences, Buffalo is a better choice than Binghamton.
(By the way, son is engineering major at Buffalo, thriving. He was accepted to Binghamton and loved the school but not the engineering program. Since that time I’ve really become aware of the great sciences/healthcare programs at Buffalo. Cost at either is great as well and the kids are very happy at both.)</p>

<p>UNC only accepts 10% or so OOS. UF or some of the Big Ten schools are great for most any major and have a similar vibe to Maryland as far as size and school spirit. Reach- Michigan. </p>

<p>Agreed that a “reach” is not necessary. You have a great list.</p>

<p>Reach school should be ones that you would LOVE to go to. If you don’t have any reach schools that you like, then keep your current list! :)</p>

<p>But, I would recommend College of William & Mary and any big football schools, like UT or UA.</p>

<p>If you can’t afford an OOS school like UT it will be a reach no matter what - maybe not an admission reach but a reach because of finances.</p>

<p>You do have a number of solid match schools so I don’t really think you need another reach. My D applied ED to a school that was a great match for her, got in, and absolutely loves it. This process should be about finding the right fit, not the highest ranked school you might be able to get into. That said, if you really want another reach or two you can consider schools like: Duke, UNC, and UMichigan, Boston College, Villanova. And I have a different opinion than crazed - all things being equal, I’d choose Binghamton over Buffalo, but they are both great options.</p>

<p>@mom2collegekids
My home state is New York.
Some of the schools are academically below me I guess, so I’m hoping to get scholarships. My mom wants me to go to Binghamton if I get in because it’s a great school at a great price.
I liked UMD because of the atmosphere. I took a tour and immediately felt like I could see myself going to school there. I also love the location.
I also felt like I could see myself at Bing. I guess I like the big state school kind of feel. I also love all of the resources available to me. I really don’t know what I want to major in but I feel like these schools have so many options and opportunities for me to experiment in different fields.
Univ Rhode Island is on the list because my cousin goes there. I would considerate a safety.
I think I would love UNC-CH or UFlorida, the only issue is they are a little far.</p>

<p>@crazed
I’m not sure about a major yet. However, I don’t think engineering is my thing. My parents have not been very straight forward with me about what they can afford, I think if I fall in love with a school that is expensive, they will try to make it work.</p>

<p>@pandamic and Erin’s Dad
Thank you so much! I’ll look into those schools!</p>

<p>@happy1
Thank you for the advice! I would much rather go to a school because I like it than because it’s well-known. I’m sure my parents would love to brag about a top ranked school but I’m the one who will actually be going there. Thanks for making me realize that. I will definitely look into those schools because I might end up loving them but I won’t apply just because they’re “better”. Thanks!</p>