What do you dislike about SUNY Albany - if you can tell us, we won’t suggest universities that share the characteristics you don’t like (as much as possible).
Which SUNY do you like best? Albany is best for business (like Buffalo for Engineering or StonyBrook for science) and the Honors College is decent. If you don’t like Albany look into SUNY NewPaltz or Geneseo (nicer campus, college town…)
BinghamtonSOM as a reach?
Bostons =? BU BC…?
Beside Lehigh, run the NPC on Dickinson, Wheaton(MA) St Lawrence, Hobart&William Smith Trinity CT, Lafayette. Which are within budget?
They would be good matches for you so hopefully some would be affordable.
Then do the same for the following colleges that don’t meet need but could be affordable: Drexel, Drew, Susquehanna, St Joe’s (in Philly), Simmons, Goucher, LOyolaMD, Duquesne, Marist, American, Bentley, WPI.
You need 2 affordable sure things and 3-5 affordable matches -and all of these need to be places you’d like to attend.
Yes, and since I didn’t do well, I’m applying test optional. Although it isn’t what i wanted, it’s going to have to happen… also I can’t travel that far especially financially, I know that it is cheaper but traveling via plane isn’t going to work
What’s your EFC/SAI and can your parents afford it?
For instance if your efc is 13k and your mom can make it work up to 10k (possibly 7k) you’re good. If your mom makes "too much"ie your efc is above 10k then it’s another strategy.
Have you applied anywhere already?
It’d help us help if you could you answer the questions above ,this way we could help you find the most relevant colleges for you.
Also the cost of a plane ticket twice a year may not make the total cost of attendance higher than some colleges. Run the NPC on Davidson or Macalestee to compare with BU.
On the other hand some colleges will take that cost into account when providing a package though we’d need more details to know whether you’re competitive for these colleges.
Take a look at Ursinus in Pennsylvania. Run the NPC there. It is on the Colleges That Change Lives list and is a bit of an unknown gem. I am wondering if they might be more affordable.
Wherever else you apply, BE SURE TO APPLY TO STONY BROOK!
I know, I know, you want to go away, you want to live on campus, you want to challenge yourself, I understand. But Stony Brook is a fantastic school, it is within easy commuting distance for you, and you’re gonna get in. Even if they don’t give you a penny in fin aid, it is your academic and financial safety. Sure, you want to go somewhere else, and maybe you’ll be lucky enough to get a deal somewhere else. But don’t be a fool, and torpedo your best safety. You could wind up driving to community college instead of to Stony Brook.
It’d be useful to know why some SUNYs are liked or disliked. They’d be affordable for sure. Albany is typically the one for business (beside Bing) and OP would likely get Honors college there. Stony Brook is a commutable, academically solid option that nevertheless has dorms. Geneseo is not as well-known for OPs interests but is excellent academically and has almost “private” feel imho. New Paltz has a cute town with NYC access, plus it’s another honors program near-safety.
Wheaton MA would be another CTCL worth looking into.
Btw I listed Macalester as an example because you would need to fly and they’re 100% meet need, so 1° do they include flight costs in your financial aid and 2° would it be affordable?
You mentioned domestic abuse but said your mom is a single parent. Is your dad involved in any capacity?if so, some schools that may ask for info about the non custodial parent.