Help me cut some + add some matches/reaches! :D

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Quick stats:
Mixed Asian/caucasian male, GPA 3.2 (4.2 last quarter and I'm emphasizing that in the essay.), 800CR/690M/650W, 32 composite (34R/32W/28M/35S), 780 Biology E, 720 US History, APs: 5 in Bio and History.</p>

<p>ECs:
5 yrs leading a group of teens into the local nature preserve to eradicate invasive species, 4 yrs Marching Band (leadership team senior year), 13 years of Judo (Brown Belt and assistant instructor), 3 yrs of Science Bowl and Envirothon (Varsity on both teams Jr and Sr year, Envirothon placed 3rd in the region and made it to state), 4 years of Jazz Band (3 in the top band), 9 years of flute and piano lessons.</p>

<p>As you can see, I tend to focus on quality over quantity. I guess I'm missing a varsity sport, but hopefully Judo makes up for that.</p>

<p>Awards: Nothing special, I expect to make the Ohio University honor band this year. :-/</p>

<p>Recs: I <3 them. They're not generic at all. :-)</p>

<p>Essay: Focuses on my improvement from 3.2 to 4.2. Too bad that 4.2 doesn't affect that GPA...</p>

<p>Current list (in order of selectivity)</p>

<p>Case Western: Has some name recognition and is strong in biology.
SUNY Binghamton: Legacy status like crazy, Good overall school.
Syracuse University: Ditto, plus sme legacy.
Denison University: My English teacher says I'd be a good match, and from what I hear, I agree.
SUNY Stony Brook: Research institution and strong in Bio.
OSU: Cheap cheap fun fun in-state tuition. And good in everything.
Earlham College: My number one pick, unless I can get into a university with some more name recognition (and I like the way it feels). The admissions lady loves me and writes me college spam in handwriting. :-)
University of Dayton: Mom works here - 80% off tuition.
Ohio University: This could be cut easily.
BGSU: Thinking about cutting this one as well.</p>

<p>Basically, I can get along well in almost any atmosphere, but the academics have to be solid, it has to be centered in the NY/Ohio region (relatives in both places), and it can't be super competitive. Cost isn't too much of an issue, ironically, since the family expected pay is something like 10k (I know that's not everything and the cost is more like 20-25k a year, but that's within our reach), but cheaper is better, as always. I plan to go into Biology, but I'm thinking about applying undecided to keep my options open.</p>

<p>Questions for you guys:
Any ideas for matches/moderate reaches? I want to keep the number at less than twelve.
Just how good are my EC's? My friends tell me they're great, since I'm really committed to them, but I feel small compared to all these CCers that are curing cancer, etc.
What's better, applying undecided or going into a major and then possibly changing it?</p>

2

<p>bump10char</p>

3

<p>I think you can (and should) drop at least Bowling Green, since you should be safe at Dayton, OSU and probably Earlham. As for a few moderate reach schools, take a look at Rochester, Lehigh and Lafayette, which are all mid-sized places that are a little more well-rounded than Case but similar in rank/reputation. I’m drawing a blank on finding something similar to Earlham… maybe Haverford but that would be a big reach.</p>

4

<p>If Quaker attracts you, look at Guilford–but it’s in NC. Also consider Beloit (southern WI, right on the IL border).</p>

<p>I’m not understanding your finances comment–do you mean that your EFC is 10k, or that you can afford 10k but your EFC is more like 20-25k? Are you relying on merit or need-based aid? Since any full-need schools would be a reach for you, even if you have an affordable EFC, you need to be prepared for gapping.</p>

5

<p>My estimated family contribution is around 10k, but I know that once everything is said and done, it’s more like 25k with the room, board, etc.</p>

6

<p>EFC is how much your family can pay out of COA–which includes room, board, fees, and usually a transportation allowance. Of course, schools actually meeting your EFC (and then meeting it with a reasonable amount of loans) is another matter.</p>

7

<p>Vassar might be a match/low reach for you. I have a friend who raves about their Bio department.</p>

<p>Cornell has an amazing Ag/life sciences school & a human ecology school (if you’re into that kind of Bio) in addition to the College of Arts & Sciences, and you have a decent chance there.</p>

<p>If you’re looking into the SUNY system, also check out Geneseo. It’s arguably better than Bing academically, and more… home-like.</p>

8

<p>I’m not too worried at the moment, in any case. Apparently, my GPA is a 3.45, though! happy day. bump.</p>

9

<p>Are you looking at studying biology? Look at the University Of Pittsburgh, amazing school at the biological sciences thanks to a strong med program, is in a great city with tons of stuff to do, and the students there are intelligent and proud of their school!</p>