<p>I'm a senior, and I've already submitted applications to GWU, Northeastern, University of Miami, American University, and Georgetown. I'm looking for colleges that offer an excellent program in Arabic and international relations, in addition to a wide variety of study abroad opportunities. </p>
<p>An ideal setting would be urban, or at least easy access to a large city. I'm having trouble finding colleges that appeal to me because I want to combine Arabic and my desire to be in a big city with an athletic, outdoorsy student body, usually associated with New England liberal arts colleges. I think what I'm basically looking for is a larger, urban version of Middlebury. </p>
<p>Georgetown is my first choice, but is hardly a realistic option considering my grades and test scores. I have a 3.3 UW GPA with 8 APs throughout high school, definitely one of, if not the most, demanding course loads in my class. I would characterize my activities as unique and definitely above average, which I won't get into detail here. My ACT composite is a 28. (24 S, 25 M, 30 R, 31 E, 10 essay)</p>
<p>Any recommendations of colleges with strong Arabic and study abroad programs in an urban environment with an athletic student body would be appreciated. I would also prefer a warm climate, although not necessary, (main reason for applying to Miami), and at least 3,000 undergrads. Thank you for your suggestions.</p>
<p>*I’ve already submitted applications to GWU, Northeastern, University of Miami, American University, and Georgetown. I’m looking for colleges that offer an excellent program in Arabic and international relations, in addition to a wide variety of study abroad opportunities. *</p>
<p>Do you need a financial safety school?</p>
<p>Will your parents pay for wherever you get in? </p>
<p>Thinking outside the box, you should consider joining the navy. They have an excellent Arabic language program at their language school in Monterey, CA. You will get your athletics, plus there are a lot of outdoorsy activities in the area. Monterey is a small town, but Santa Cruz is not that far away and San Francisco is less than 2 hrs away. Best of all it’s a free education with pay and your posting after school will be less than 5 years during which time you will become an expert in Arabic. After that you could complete your BA degree in international relations and you will be highly marketable.</p>
<p>mom2collegekids, i’ve already been accepted to my state school so i already have a backup. i’m applying for financial aid but money isnt necessarily a huge issue. i would love to go to college in california but i dont see any viable options. occidental was appealing and possible with my gpa and sat, but the size is too small and ive heard its location isnt as good as a lot of other LA schools. usc would be nice but unlikely…same deal with claremont mckenna. ucla is also unlikely with my gpa and the out of state tuition would be too much. </p>
<p>ricegal, i definitely considered applying to the naval academy, but decided after the nominations were due. it probably wasnt the best idea in the first place considering the majority of usna’s applicants have been wanting to go there since they were little…and im not sure the lifestyle is right for me. i definitely want to be very disciplined both academically and physically, but i feel like i can gain the same skills at other schools without the military aspect.</p>