<p>Macalester and Vassar are strong matches. I can't think of any other suggestions, but look/ask around. Try checking the overlap schools.</p>
<p>I would suggest that you add Wellesley to your list, and consider the University of Chicago, which would seem to be right up your alley. Also consider Carleton, which prides itself on exactly the characteristics you like. I know it may engender a storm of protest, but I think that all three of those schools are realistic matches for you--meaning that you would probably, not definitely, get in--<em>if</em> you have taken a rigorous curriculum and write a good essay. If you are looking for a safer U that gives good merit aid, look at the University of Rochester. Take a look at Bates, which also has the rep of being more non-conformist than a lot of LACs in its category, and it certainly easier to get into than a number of the places on your list.</p>
<p>Have you or your parents run the Amherst online calculator? Do you have any idea what your EFC might be? What kind of aid are you hoping to get: need, or merit? Are you in a position where a $10K merit award off of a $50K price tag will be enough, or do you need more like $45K in need-based aid? (Note that I said "need," not "would like." :) )Or somewhere in between? This would have a bearing on which schools you should consider.</p>
<p>BTW, I don't know why you aren't looking to be recruited for crew--tired of it? not good enough?--but I would strongly suggest that you not overlook it as a major plus in getting into the schools you want.</p>
<p>Lastly, if you really like Brown, why not apply and see how much aid they give you if you get in? If you don't apply, you'll never know. The trick is to avoid falling in love with one place too soon. Keep your options open.</p>
<p>Just out of curiousity, which state are you in? And if you're not comfortable sharing that... look into your state system and see if you can find a smaller school in the system. For example, in VA there's William and Mary and in NJ there's TCNJ. Both are great smaller, LAC-feel public schools with great aid.</p>
<p>For Wellesley, I'm still hesitant about an all girls school. Am I shallow for wanting a dating scene? Yes. Does that mean I can talk myself out of it? Not..quite.</p>
<p>I looked at UChicago but they want a rec from a math/science teacher, and I'm not confident in the rec I'd get from any of the teachers I've had in those classes. (One of them was just fired, one of them was a first year teacher and could barely get through the year..) I've also heard that UChicago is a nightmare for middle class financial aid? Which segways nicely into...</p>
<p>Ahhh. Financial aid. I haven't been able to get my parents to sit down and do the calculations out yet. They're divorced, which makes it hard for me to get them to agree on things or sit down together to talk things over...making a fun process even more fun! However, I'm pretty sure I'll fall into the needing "$45k in need-based aid" zone. I've tried to take that into account while making my list (therefore crossing out Brown and UChicago).</p>
<p>I've thought about Carleton...but it just seems like I'm adding more and more schools that are in that highly selective range.</p>
<p>As for crew, I'm exhausted by it. Four years with two seasons is a lot. I'm also pretty short to be rowing at a lot of the schools I'm looking at because they're DI. I'd consider rowing if it could tip the scales, but I'm not sure that's the case with most of them.</p>
<p>^ Heh... that's the same reason I can't quite talk myself into Bryn Mawr.</p>
<p>UChicago does give some merit aid. If you like the school, it's worth a shot.</p>
<p>If you don't mind my asking, how much is your parents combined gross income? Major assets and primary house equity? If you know that much, some CCers may be able to give you a rough estimate. Expect an EFC that accounts for both parental contributions, regardless of whether they are willing. You really need to sit down and calculate, even with estimates--you need to know if you'll get enough need-based aid or if you'll have to look for merit aid.</p>
<p>It depends what you mean by "a dating scene." Wellesley is 13 miles outside Boston and has an hourly free bus to Cambridge, as well as cross-registration with MIT and Olin. It's not a remotely-situated convent. On the other hand, it is true that you may have to make more of an effort to meet guys than at a coed school. Maybe you should consider Barnard. It would seem to have the character you want, there are plenty of guys around, and it is easier to get into than Columbia. </p>
<p>Re FA, different schools look at things differently. Some take home equity and other real estate into account, for example, while others do not. Some penalize the self-employed, others do not. Based on our experience, offers can be all over the lot: my S's ranged from about $15K ($10K merit plus need) to about $46K (need only). Pomona, btw, is one LAC that is <em>very</em> generous.</p>
<p>If you really like a school, don't count it out because of money unless you are <em>certain</em> you won't get enough (OOS at a public, for example, and even then there are exceptions where OOS students can get very substantial scholarships). Also consider applying for some bigger ticket scholarships, such as Lowe's and Coca Cola. If you end up with a merit-only choice, they will help. If you end up at need-only, they may just reduce your award. But take nothing for granted. Even if you get your parents to do the calculators, the EFC it comes up with is simply a guess, and schools will come to very different conclusions based on some of the factors I mentioned above.</p>
<p>Okay, so I applied to Bryn Mawr as a match and I'm going to be there in less than two days. :D Sorry in advance for the long post.</p>
<p>I was seriously seriously thinking about not applying because of the all-women thing, but it's really grown on me. Sure, I'm a still a little worried, but I know some people at Haverford, Swarthmore, Penn, and Temple, and I'm planning on doing some visiting. I almost didn't apply at all because I was that worried- and now I am SO SO SO glad that picked Bryn Mawr.</p>
<p>So now I'm going to talk about some of the points you made, and why you should at least apply to BMC and think about it later if/when you get in.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Love of learning, love being challenged- one of the biggest reasons I was interested in BMC (and a lot of other top LACs, like Vassar... more about that later).</p></li>
<li><p>Strong humanities departments (I could babble but it's on the website Bryn</a> Mawr College)</p></li>
<li><p>TRADITIONS. Bryn Mawr has billions. Lantern Night (free owl lanterns in your class colors are where it's at), Hell Week (fake sorority-ish initiation- I say fake because it's tons of fun and apparently the most fun week it freshman year), skinny dipping in fountains, and it goes on... </p></li>
</ol>
<p>Really, all girls schools aren't the huge "OMG MY NAIL JUST BROKE" fest that people make them out to be. And Hav and Swat guys are seen on campus- especially around meal times, haha because our dining halls are great. Plus you can take all the classes you want at Haverford (with free five minute bus rides) and then some at Swat and UPenn too. It takes more effort to meet guys, but it's not like you'll go an entire week without spotting one.</p>
<p>And with your finaid situation- I don't know if they're like this all the time, but BMC was very understanding. I have divorced parents and my dad REFUSES give me any money for college. I'm still in contact with him and he did provide child support until I was 18, but he doesn't believe that women should be college educated (yeah, crazy). We met with the finaid office and I am completely positive that they didn't consider his income at all. I've heard they're not always like that, but they were willing to listen to me. </p>
<p>Also- I got the same vibe from Vassar. Like they might be just a little too far out there. My feelings might have been completely irrational, but after I got my BMC acceptance, I didn't even care what Vassar's decision was.</p>