Help me decide on some more schools!

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Okay guys. I'm really not sure about what schools I can get into. I have a list that I'mm applying to, so I would love some help in analyzing my stats. However, I am also looking out for some more potential matches! </p>

<p>GPA: 3.5 (should be higher by mid-year).
Rank: Not sure, probably top 30% at a competitive HS
SATI: V: 700 M: 640
SATII: Writing: 780, US History: 680, Lit: 650 (low, I know!)
Honors/AP Classes:
grade 10: Honors English, Honors French, AP French, AP Euro.
grade 11: AP US History, AP Literature
grade 12: AP Government, AP Economics, AP English
4s on all AP tests.</p>

<p>ECs:
Solo/chamber music/orchestra (violin): 25 hrs/week
Teaching music: 4 hrs/week
Assistant editor of the literary arts magazine
Model United Nations 3 years.
Officer in French club 3 years.
Political Campaign Volunteer Work
Various other volunteer work
Bilingual, with multicultural background.</p>

<p>Possible Majors:
International Relations/Studies
PolSci
French</p>

<p>I am applying to:
Bryn Mawr (ED)
Mt. Holyoke
Macalester
Lawrence
Oberlin
Bates (?) </p>

<p>So, am I shooting to high? Don't forget to reccomend schools for me.</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>I have heard that Dickinson has an excellent IR program, and I think it would be a match/safety for you. I don't think you're shooting too high; Oberlin would be a reach, but not impossible. the others I'm not sure about.</p>

3

<p>If you're looking at Oberlin, also consider Kenyon. You can also look at Connecticut College, Hamilton, Lafayette, St. Lawrence, Trinity and Franklin & Marshall. Also agree wholeheartedly with Garland about Dickinson. Think it's a terrific school and could be perfect for you especially with its strong poly sci & IR programs.</p>

4

<p>Your list looks good to me. Just make sure your recs and essays are very good to excellent. You'll have some great choices. </p>

<p>If you want more suggestions, I'd add Bard, Grinnell & Reed to the mix. Just my thoughts. As for Bates, I'm not sure you need it on the list if you are unsure about the college.</p>

<p>Hope this helps a bit. :)</p>

5

<p>Tufts has the #1 IR program in the country - although your stats are bit on the low side, I think if you are sincere about you might want to give the school a shot.</p>

6

<p>Ugh, Kenyon...yeah, I'm in-state, so I've been to most Ohio schools and Kenyon did not appeal to me. </p>

<p>And Tufts, I'm pretty sure that's shooting too high! But someone mentioned Vanderbilt to me, any ideas?</p>

<p>Thanks for all the help, guys!</p>

7

<p>Vandy will be tough -- especially if you didn't like Kenyon, you won't like Vandy.</p>

8

<p>Actually, I disliked Kenyon for several reasons that wouldn't be an issue with Vanderbilt (music school, location) but I don't really want to go to Vandy anyway :D</p>

<p>Anyone else have any general comments?</p>

9

<p>If you like Oberlin, Dickinson may not be a match. They attract very different types of student bodies. Dickinson does have an excellent IR program however. Just be sure to visit. You might want to take a look at Beloit, Skidmore, Wheaton (in Mass.), Wesleyan, Goucher. They are all more Oberlin-type schools. Wesleyan would be a reach, the rest matches or even possible safeties.</p>

10

<p>Thanks for the advice-I'll look into those!</p>

11

<p>To add to Carolyn's excellent suggestions, try Cornell (IA), Denver, Evansville, Kalamazoo, Knox, Lewis and Clark, Pitzer. Good luck!</p>