Hi everyone!!
I am currently a Junior and am beginning my college journey! I have done a lot of research already and have compiled a broad list of schools I love, but am not sure how balanced it is between safety-match-reaches. I am hoping for some unbiased feedback to help me trim and balance my college list. I would like to be as realistic as possible!
Here are the stats I will have by next fall:
Female, Large Public High School
International Affairs, Linguistics, or English Major
UW GPA 3.6-3.7
W GPA 4.1-4.2
29 ACT (will retake, aiming for a 30 or 31)
School doesn’t rank, but definitely top 25%, maybe top 15%.
No hooks
Best Buddies-3 years
NHS-3 years
International Thespian Society-2 years
Critic for Theater Publication-2 years
Cappies (student critic)-2 years
Lead Copy Editor for student newspaper-2 years
Student Tutor at Writing Center-2 years
Religious Youth Group Chapter Board- 3 years
Chapter President- 2 years
Job at Coffee retail shop-2 years
College List
In-State
College of William and Mary
Mary Washington University
Virginia Commonwealth University
Christopher Newport University
University of Richmond (private)
Out-of State
Dickinson College
Lafayette College
Bucknell University
Juniata College
Franklin & Marshall College
Muhlenberg College
Allegheny College
Kenyon College
Any feedback on how I stack up for each of these schools would be AMAZING! Also any input on which are most humanities-oriented and have inclusive/down to earth student bodies would be grreeaaaaaat. Thank you to anyone who actually read all of this lol.
I will also have total of 9 AP classes by graduation.
I’d leave Dickinson on, maybe take F&M off (they are stronger in sciences). Assuming you are looking to trim your list… Kenyon is probably a reach. Linguistics may not be a major everywhere on your list, too.
Hi rosal2016! I am not familiar with all the schools on your list, but I am familiar with the College of William and Mary, it is where I am a student this year after all. The international relations and global studies departments are some of the strongest at the college, so you certainly won’t be at a loss if you decide to study that here. Linguistics and English are also quite good, and I have some friends participating in research in those departments as early as their freshman year because the faculty is quite accessible. I chose the school because of its inclusive and friendly nature, people here are definitely very down to earth. Heck, even the greek life parties are mostly open to the public. There humanities are pretty good here, being a liberal arts university, but there are a good mix of other students as well. Since your list is comprised of many liberal arts colleges, I suspect that many of them will be strong in the humanities as well. Lafayette and Bucknell may be slightly more preprofessional due to the presence of the engineering and business schools. Kenyon has been talked about on these boards as having a good English and creative writing department if that’s what you’re interested in.
All in all, you seem to have a good list. I’d definitely do your research on each of these schools and visit if possible, some of these schools take into account demonstrated interest. I’d take another jab at standardized testing if you can. For W&M and other similar schools, you may want to consider interviews and definitely writing the optional supplemental essay, because they seem to value the story behind the applicant. Good luck with the rest of your year and your applications
I am sorry but I can’t speak to your in state schools but I do know most of your out of state schools. I would suggest you do a little bit more homework on your out of state schools if you can as they are all pretty good but there are some differences. Greek life being a big difference in these schools. Bucknell, F&M, and even Dickinson have a large Greek scene. At Bucknell and F&M it is a large part of the social scene. I would recommend visiting Muhlenberg and Lafayette as they are close to each other. Maybe squeeze in a school like Ursinus on that trip. Best of luck to you!
I applied to Richmond myself and I’m waiting for a decision. I suggest for you to take the SAT because schools will give you more credibility if you excel on both the ACT and SAT tests. Also I would try to do projects with the clubs you’re in because right now it seems like you’ve only been listing clubs that you’ve participated in rather than actual accomplishments. You should get more involved in things like debate, that’s the best way for me to get involved at least. It looks like you have a decent shot at everywhere you’re applying to. Keep William and Mary because, although a reach, it’s a school that you never know. I hope you find use of this and please chance me back!
Thank you everyone for such helpful advice! After a few visits and more research my list has changed dramatically from this post ahah but all of your thoughtful comments helped me to do so. I definitely plan on getting more involved in my clubs this semester and am actually starting a current events discussion club soon if my school approves. 