<p>I need help finding colleges that fit my criteria. I've run some searches and done a fair bit of research on my own, but I'm sure I've missed some, so I thought I'd try to tap the vast knowledge of CC users.</p>
<p>First and foremost, they must have good need-based aid. This is a must since my parents can contribute virtually nothing, and I am not interested in graduating with a heaping pile of debt.</p>
<p>Second qualifier: no schools in the middle of large cities. Suburbs are good too, but rural, outdoorsy (athletically speaking, not tree hugging) types are mainly what I'm looking for.</p>
<p>Finally, they must offer engineering. I love the idea of a liberal arts school, but am not interested in any 3-2 programs, so please only schools that actually offer engineering.</p>
<p>Are your grades good enough for that list? At least 3 of your schools have 10% admission rates. But if they are that good, you could add Harvey Mudd to your list.</p>
<p>What are the in-state options like for you?</p>
<p>While I’m not quite arrogant enough to believe that I have a high chance of being admitted to the likes of stanford or duke, my stats are indeed competitive.</p>
<p>My only in-state option is CU-Boulder. I have lived in Boulder my entire life and love it here, but I would really like an opportunity to get away if at all possible. If I don’t make it into any of these schools though, I will be content to attend CU.</p>
<p>Harvey Mudd was at the very top of my list for quite some time, but somewhere along the line something changed. I decided that I wasn’t particularly fond of the atmosphere and it just wasn’t the right place for me. Naturally, though, the horror stories of the massive workload and stress weren’t particularly enticing.</p>
<p>Redroses: Thanks! Already one turned up that I hadn’t even considered. I’ll have to have a more thorough look later on, but at first glance Union seems to be just what I’m looking for.</p>
<p>If you want a financial safety, and could do Utah, then Utah State University has strong engineering and would be tuition free if you have Ivy quality stats. Certainly has the rural/outdoorsy covered.</p>
<p>Alright thanks I’ll check it out. Utah doesn’t sound terribly appealing, but I’ll try to research it myself rather than going with stereotypes. Who knows, it could be just what I need.</p>
<p>I did look at Lehigh, and I remember crossing them off the list, but I cannot for the life of me remember why. I guess I’ll have to check again.</p>