Help with "safeties." Please!

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Hi, I'm currently a junior and I'm looking for some "safeties." I actually have one (UC Davis; I'm 100% sure I'll get into it through ELC) but I would not be happy with going to Davis. I would like to find a school where I have a good chance of getting in and where I wouldn't mind spending four years of my life.</p>

<p>Any help would really be appreciated!</p>

<p>College Preferences:
+ West or East coast
+ No midwest or south; not a fan of Southern California either
+ guarantees to meet full demonstrated need
+ offers international relations (not international affairs) as a major
+ prestige; I mean, I don't need to go to an Ivy, but when I tell people where I went to college, I want them to secretly think "smartpants!"
+ 90% or more graduate within 6 years.
+ mostly professors teach
+ small/medium classes
+ study abroad (at Cambridge ... ahem)</p>

<p>Stats:
Background: Southeast Asian, immigrant, now US citizen. Mom didn't finish high school, Dad went to a really prestigious university in Vietnam to study economics, but never graduated (it was a school where you had to be in the top percentile to "move on." Like, you could have a 95% on a test, but it wouldn't matter because 100 people got 95.1%.).
High school: Sends most to college (UCs and CSUs), but a select few get into places like Stanford every year.
Rank: top 2%, 10-ish out of 520+
GPA: 4.5 by the time junior year ends (might be higher ... mostly A's with some B's, mainly in math) Valedictorian would have 4.7+, but not 4.8+ (by the end of junior year).
APs: taking only APUSH and AP Lang this year; predicting a 3 or 4 in APUSH, 4 or 5 in AP Lang. Senior year: will be taking a full AP schedule (plus a college class).
SAT: scores come back next week, but if it's not what I want, I'll try again. I'm thinking it might be over 2000 but under 2200.
SAT IIs: Math IIC, US History, World History (taking in June) If I fail math, (very likely ...) I will retake in Fall along with probably a science and Spanish.
ACT: Taking it. High 20s/low 30s maybe. If it's a good day.
Recs.: I think one will be great and the other would be good, but formulaic. My counselor just started this year, but I've developed a relationship with her. I mean, she actually knows my name! (:P) She'll also explain how scheduling problems didn't allow me to have the most rigorous course junior year.
ECs: I don't have a laundry list. Mostly my devotion to community service, writing, and politics (in order of importance). No sports, although I DID win fourth place in the 10th grade PE ping pong championship!
Leadership: Now THIS is a laundry list. I like being in charge. ^_^
Awards: Student of the Year in Accounting! Oh yeah! It takes a LOT of strength to spend a whole nine months doing taxes and income statements without going crazy. Besides that, I have a bunch of awards in Key Club. Yeah ... I have loads of awards ... from elementary and middle school. xD I'm gonna enter in various writing contests this year, though.
Extras: Studying German (two years finished by the end of senior year), and Astronomy (summer after junior year at a local college; don't know if it'll go on my transcript when I send apps, but I'm mainly doing it to get four years of science.) I also self-taught myself how to spell and read in Vietnamese (before, I was only fluent, not literate) during the summer. Question: I really have a love of languages. Any ideas on how to incorporate that into an application?
Work experience: Babysitting (Would it count? I babysit my brothers, but my parents pay me. I've been doing it since I was 11.) This summer: a job. Hopefully will continue with it into senior year.</p>

<p>Colleges I plan to apply to:
Harvard (might as well help their selectivity, right?)
Stanford (It may just be me, but Stanford has a soft spot for my school. We sent about 5 last year and we usually get a couple in every year. ... Yeah, probably just me.)
University of Chicago
Georgetown SFS
Tufts
Wellesley (only women's college I'm considering, by the way.)</p>

<p>So yeah. These are probably some of the most selective colleges in the country. Way to pick, me. I've considered GWU (Would that even be considered a safety school?), but I heard they have really bad financial aid. My parents will be having to spend most of their income over the next few years for various reasons, and they can, at the most, spend ~$5000 for my ENTIRE four years. Of course, I'll definitely sign up for every single scholarship I see and I do have a rich uncle who likes dropping a couple thousand in my lap every few years. But yeah ... I really need financial security. People also tell me that I'm almost a shoo-in for BU, but I'm just not a fan.</p>

<p>So ... just forget everything I said I wanted. I'm not really looking for a "100% IN school," but one where I can expect an acceptance letter.</p>

<p>Thank you so much! (And sorry for the long post. I like to write ...)</p>

2

<p>GW was a safety 10-15 yrs ago, but not now. American University is a safety for you. Mt Holyoke and Smith might be places to consider. Whatever they don't have, the 5 College Consortium'd make up for. Clark, Brandeis, Trinity (CT), and Conn College.</p>

3

<p>
[quote]
My parents will be having to spend most of their income over the next few years for various reasons

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Be careful in believing that colleges will take those "various reasons" into account when determining your need. Remember that even colleges that promise to meet 100% of demonstrated need get to determine for themselves what that "demonstrated need" is. Your definition and theirs will likely be very different if you are not truly "low income" but simply have a lot of obligations.</p>

4

<p>I second the recommendation for American. They have an amazing IR program and are quite good with aid.</p>

<p>Also, look at Santa Clara. It kind of reminds me of a smaller version of Stanford. I don't know about majors, but I know that they're known for having a strong international focus. </p>

<p>And I know that you're not a fan of SoCal, but you may like Occidental anyway. It's one of the best IR schools out there.</p>

5

<p>Willamette and another vote for Santa Clara. People will say smarty pants if you tell them you are at Cal Poly SLO too.</p>

6

<p>I'm going to jump on the American bandwagon. It is however becoming slightly more selective, coming on par with schools like GW. It is certainly less expensive than GW though.</p>

7

<p>
[quote]
GW was a safety 10-15 yrs ago, but not now. American University is a safety for you. Mt Holyoke and Smith might be places to consider. Whatever they don't have, the 5 College Consortium'd make up for. Clark, Brandeis, Trinity (CT), and Conn College.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Thanks for the college recommendations!</p>

<p>
[quote]
Be careful in believing that colleges will take those "various reasons" into account when determining your need.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>I didn't think they would, but my GC told me that my parents' income was enough for me to get at least a large percentage of aid. The rest, I can hopefully cover with scholarships and work. Thanks for the infomation about financial aid!</p>

<p>
[quote]
I second the recommendation for American. They have an amazing IR program and are quite good with aid.</p>

<p>Also, look at Santa Clara. It kind of reminds me of a smaller version of Stanford. I don't know about majors, but I know that they're known for having a strong international focus.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Thanks for the info! I will definitely check American out.</p>

<p>Unfortunately, according to collegeboard, Santa Clara doesn't have my major. =/</p>

<p>For a time, I was really into schools in SoCal such as Occidental and Claremont McKenna (not that that is a safety school) but I really can't stand the environment.</p>

<p>Thanks again!</p>

<p>
[quote]
Willamette and another vote for Santa Clara. People will say smarty pants if you tell them you are at Cal Poly SLO too.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Thanks for the recommendations!</p>

<p>
[quote]
I'm going to jump on the American bandwagon. It is however becoming slightly more selective, coming on par with schools like GW. It is certainly less expensive than GW though.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Thanks for the information!</p>

8

<p>When it comes to majors, also keep in mind that most schools will allow you to create your own major. </p>

<p>It's also a possibility that a major-minor combination of two other fields of study will give you an education very similar to what you'd get from the major itself. (For example: a combination of political science and internation studies would be quite comparable to IR. So would a combination of political science and area studies.)</p>

9

<p>
[quote]
When it comes to majors, also keep in mind that most schools will allow you to create your own major.</p>

<p>It's also a possibility that a major-minor combination of two other fields of study will give you an education very similar to what you'd get from the major itself. (For example: a combination of political science and internation studies would be quite comparable to IR. So would a combination of political science and area studies.)

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Thanks for the information.</p>

<p>Do you think doing something like this would be as ... beneficial (for lack of a better word) than going to a school where there's a program on international relations? As in, you'd get around the same amount of opportunities for grad school, internships, jobs, etc.? (I'm pretty clueless when it comes to what happens after you're accepted.)</p>

10

<p>Perhaps you might want to consider Goucher College, in Maryland (right outside of Baltimore). Goucher has a very strong international focus; in fact, all of its student are required to study abroad for a semester. It would probably be a safety school for you, and they are very generous with merit aid. Another likely safety for you (also generous with merit aid) would be Clark University, in Worcester, MA. </p>

<p>Good luck with your search.</p>

11

<p>Seems like a pretty steep drop from Harvard to GW and American. You should apply to some other amazing schools with great IR programs and generous financial aid, like:</p>

<p>-Yale
-Brown
-Penn
-Columbia</p>

12

<p>It will be difficult to find a school that guarantees full need financial aid in the safety category, but I would absolutely apply to American and GW. I'm in the same boat as you and I applied to both schools, not as safeties but as very good, more reachable options, as well as Georgetown which was my dream school. (You could just come there and hang out with me since I'm in =D)</p>

<p>I disagree with the poster above me in saying it's a pretty steep drop. Yes, AU and GW are not as selective as the ivies, but their IR programs are outstanding and how can you beat a DC location for this major? It depends on what you want, I think. The practicality of DC will be great for you.</p>

13

<p>American and GW are great schools. They're not super-duper-selective, but they're still strong schools that offer amazing opportunities in the field (especially considering the location). And really, places like Yale and Brown aren't going to be safeties. </p>

<p>
[quote]

Do you think doing something like this would be as ... beneficial (for lack of a better word) than going to a school where there's a program on international relations? As in, you'd get around the same amount of opportunities for grad school, internships, jobs, etc.? (I'm pretty clueless when it comes to what happens after you're accepted.)

[/quote]

Yep. What you major in doesn't matter. The opportunities are there for whoever is willing to go after them.</p>

14

<p>I totally disagree with Conn, Trinity and Brandeis as safeties. They would be fits to most objective observers (SATs are competitive, namely, but not stand-out). Clark, however, is certainly a safety in your case.</p>

15

<p>I'm applying as an international relations major and some of the schools I have come across are:</p>

<p>University of the Pacific (has a separate school of international relations for undergrads)
Lewis & Clark College
Seattle University
Middlebury College
American University (as noted)</p>

<p>I believe that most if not all of these would fit into the safety category for you. I don't know much about their financial aid packages, so you'll have to look those up. Also GW has the nation's highest tuition and not so good FA, so I wouldn't consider it.</p>

<p>Good luck! I'm sure you'll find something. :)</p>

16

<p>I'm thinking, a person like you shouldn't have to worry about safeties; keep the lower UCs as your safeties.</p>

17

<p>
[quote]
Perhaps you might want to consider Goucher College, in Maryland (right outside of Baltimore). Goucher has a very strong international focus; in fact, all of its student are required to study abroad for a semester. It would probably be a safety school for you, and they are very generous with merit aid. Another likely safety for you (also generous with merit aid) would be Clark University, in Worcester, MA.</p>

<p>Good luck with your search.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>I've heard really good things about Clark, but I haven't heard of Goucher yet. Will definitely check it out, thanks.</p>

<p>
[quote]
Seems like a pretty steep drop from Harvard to GW and American. You should apply to some other amazing schools with great IR programs and generous financial aid, like:</p>

<p>-Yale
-Brown
-Penn
-Columbia

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Harvard is the dream school I can never get into. xD I don't think I really have a shot at any of the Ivys, but I just wanted to apply to Harvard.</p>

<p><a href="You%20could%20just%20come%20there%20and%20hang%20out%20with%20me%20since%20I'm%20in%20=D">quote</a>

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Congrats!!! (Put in a good word for me, hehe.) Would you mind telling me about traveling in D.C.? Would it be better to get a bus or subway (is there a subway?) pass or a car? Do you think it'd be safe to ride a bike? Thanks! (I think I'm going to apply to both American and GW, by the way.)</p>

<p>
[quote]
Yep. What you major in doesn't matter. The opportunities are there for whoever is willing to go after them.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Thanks for clearing that up! I was only looking at schools with an IR major, but now I can broaden my search.</p>

<p>
[quote]
I totally disagree with Conn, Trinity and Brandeis as safeties. They would be fits to most objective observers (SATs are competitive, namely, but not stand-out). Clark, however, is certainly a safety in your case.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Thanks for the suggestions!</p>

<p>
[quote]
University of the Pacific (has a separate school of international relations for undergrads)
Lewis & Clark College
Seattle University
Middlebury College
American University (as noted)

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Thanks for the suggestions! I actually live near (well, near is like, two hours ...) from University of the Pacific, so I think I'll go visit one of these days. I'm definitely checking out L&C and Middlebury.</p>

<p>
[quote]
I'm thinking, a person like you shouldn't have to worry about safeties; keep the lower UCs as your safeties.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Thanks! =D I've visited most of the UCs, and I just feel like I don't belong, you know?</p>

18

<p>I really wasn't calling Conn College, Trinity and Brandeis safeties like I'd consider AU for you. Instead, they are three very good matches. Nevertheless, I think if you applied to all three you'd safely get into at least one...</p>

19

<p>
[quote]
Congrats!!! (Put in a good word for me, hehe.) Would you mind telling me about traveling in D.C.? Would it be better to get a bus or subway (is there a subway?) pass or a car? Do you think it'd be safe to ride a bike? Thanks! (I think I'm going to apply to both American and GW, by the way.)

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Haha thanks! Buses and the metro are both great options. GU has its own bus system that runs to a metro station and several other routes, including one exclusively to Capitol Hill since so many people work there. This is free to students and the public bus system isn't very expensive. I definitely wouldn't recommend a car because I think it would just be a hassle. Plus, GW doesn't allow any cars to undergrads because they just don't have the space. Also, you can walk to a lot of places without difficulty. You would probably be fine riding a bike if you're used to city situations and feel comfortable with it. </p>

<p>I don't agree with whoever said don't even consider GW because, while they don't give the greatest aid and they're expensive, who knows what might happen and you should keep your options open. No one says you have to go there if you apply!</p>

20

<p>I know it's in the midwest, but it would seem that Macalester might be a school you should look at. It's in Minneapolis/St. Paul, so it's not isolated in a small town, if that's your issue about the midwest.</p>