Help! What college do I want?

College Search & Selection
1

Hi! I’m a rising senior and very confused, to say the least. Also, somewhat picky, as you will soon find out. To keep it from going too long, here is a basic list of what I want:

  • East Coast (ish - no further west than Missouri/Arkansas)
  • Near/in a big city (would LOVE NYC but that may prove unfeasible)
  • Campus similar to Belmont/Elon/Samford
  • 2500+ students
  • Preferably student body with views similar to those found at Harding/Samford/Liberty

And basic stats:

  • 3.9 UW/4.3 W at top public school
  • 33 ACT
  • 7 APs, rest of courses are honors
  • Volunteer at hospital & humane shelter
  • Job throughout high school
  • Varsity sport (don’t want to play in college though)

I know there are tons of college fit quizzes - trust me, I’ve done them all 5 times over. Just can’t seem to find the perfect one. Any suggestions would be great!

2

We can’t know what colleges you want because we are not you. What are you interested other than geographic and demographic preference?

3

@paul2752 I’d love something with an emphasis on study abroad. Interested in business and medicine (two completely different fields – wish I wasn’t so indecisive). Medium sized classes – say 30:1? Not a fan of huge sports schools/anything with a reputation for a large party scene. It would be great if cost was under $40k/year. Bonus if a fellows program is available. Sorry, I’m not really sure what else to put.

4

So – here are some quality schools with not-too-liberal student bodies (relatively speaking), east of the Mississippi or thereabouts:

  • UChicago
  • Penn
  • Duke
  • Vanderbilt
  • Rice
  • Notre Dame
  • Georgetown
  • Washington & Lee
  • Davidson

These are all reaches -- pick a few you like best.

  • Wake Forest
  • Lehigh
  • U Rochester
  • Case Western Reserve
  • Richmond
  • St. Olaf
  • Trinity (CT)
  • Sewanee
  • Wheaton (IL)

These are match-range (high, regular, low...) schools; pick a few.

Also add an admissions safety and, like all other apps, make sure you like the school and can afford it:

  • Belmont/Elon/Samford
  • Your state flagship, unless it's a top-shelf flagship; if it is, pick a lesser public school in your state.
5

Guy above has it covered pretty much.

6

@prezbucky @blueguy99 Thanks!