Help me pick a college!

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I know, I know, this isn't a topic that's useful for other people.</p>

<p>Anyhow, here are my requirements (note that I can compromise): </p>

<p>Physical details: Warm weather (I'm a Georgia boy), campus with urban center nearby, small size: 5000<, not too too far away from Home (I'm from Atlanta GA).</p>

<p>Academics:</p>

<p>Intellectual, humanities-oriented, "quirky" students body (Reed and Hampshire are examples of this), students talk about their classes outside of class.</p>

<p>There are not many colleges that are both intellectually-driven and have warm climates. So far I've applied to Tulane and UGA, both large schools, but their apps were easy. I'm mainly interested in a) learning some Hidden academic gems in the south, and b) narrowing down the broad list of LAC up north.</p>

<p>I'm looking to apply to Columbia, Hampshire, Rhodes, and maybe Centre. Unfortunately all the extremely intellectual schools are far away from home, and I don't want to be isolated (I'm not applying to any West coast schools).</p>

<p>Me as a student: Hardworking, loves learning, but not obsessive about doing well in school...lazy about homework.</p>

<ul>
<li>3.7 GPA</li>
<li>Rigorous schedule</li>
<li>4s and 5s on AP tests</li>
<li>730 CR 580 math (cringe)</li>
<li>I'm the leader of the handful of clubs I've been involved in, my main two are literary magazine and Mock Trial.</li>
<li>Interested in studying philosophy, English Literature and language, and possibly film composing.</li>
</ul>

2

<p>emory? I know a bunch of people that go there, and they are pretty crazy, in a good way of course. It's a very good academic school known for economics, but also humanities and government. It's a little over 6000 undergrads and right in Hotlanta.</p>

3

<p>You should consider Rice. Your math SAT score is pretty low for Rice, but they have a holistic review that takes into a lot of factors, so you never know...</p>

4

<p>lol...Emory is six minutes from my house. I don't really want to go there.</p>

5

<p>Some to check into are American (DC area), Goucher (Baltimore area), Skidmore and Sarah Lawrence (both in NY), Drew (NJ) and Ct. College. American, Drew and Goucher are good with aid. Drew and Sarah Lawrence are close to NYC. Best of luck!</p>

6

<p>I instantly thought Rice- agree with BlackEyeSusan. Maybe you can improve the math score, or maybe you will get in anyway. College of William and Mary is worth a look, although Williamsburg is not a major city. It has the intellectual atmosphere. University of Richmond may be good.</p>

7

<p>Why don't you try doing an online college search to find out. You can use college confidential's search to find schools near a certain location, our you can do a more detailed search based on 20-30 sets of criteria at [url=<a href="http://www.myusearch.com%5DmyUsearch%5B/url"&gt;http://www.myusearch.com]myUsearch[/url&lt;/a&gt;]&lt;/p>

8

<p>Like several other posters pointed out, your math SAT score might hurt your chances a bit. That being said, the rest of your applications sounds pretty strong, so schools might be willing to over look this one "low" score. Here are some ideas...</p>

<p>REACH: Haverford College (PA), Vassar College (NY), Wesleyan University (CT), Davidson College (NC)</p>

<p>SEMI-REACH: College of William & Mary (VA), Trinity College (CT), Connecticut College (CT)</p>

<p>GOOD FIT: Skidmore College (NY), Wake Forest University (NC), University of Richmond (VA), Dickinson College (PA), Villanova University (PA), The College of New Jersey (NJ), New College (FL)</p>

<p>LIKELY: Wheaton College (MA), Elon University (NC), American University (DC), Furman University (SC)</p>

<p>SAFETY: Guilford College (NC), Rollins College (FL), Loyola College (MD), Belmont University (TN), College of Charleston (SC), Goucher College (MD)</p>

9

<p>Your GPA and SAT scores make William and Mary a real reach for you. Good luck.</p>

<p>Pedsox</p>

10

<p>Regarding hidden Southern gems, Hendrix comes to mind.</p>

11

<p>Thanks for all the responses!</p>

<p>Just got my SAT scores and they've improved significantly, my composite (w/o writing) is now 1430 (630 math, 800 CR), and a 710 in writing. I'd say this ups the ante a bit. Right now I'm having a hard time deciding between all the LAC. Luckily I'm not going any farther west than Iowa (Grinnell). I also refuse to go to Minnesota. Which of the selective LACs would you say are the most intellectually driven, with the quirkiest student body?</p>

12

<p>Swarthmore is the best intellectual+quirky LAC within your geographic limitations; with your new SAT score, it's still a reach but a realistic one. For safeties, I second Hendrix and Goucher. If you like Hampshire, try New College of Florida.</p>

13

<p>If you are into quirky then Tufts, W&M, and Reed.</p>