<p>On a scale of 1 to 10, Carleton’s a 10. Even URMs need to be tops on everything, as Erin’s dad pointed out.</p>
<p>As a parent who just finished this process, make sure you have a balanced RANGE of schools that you apply to: 2-3 reaches, 4-5 strong possible matches, 2 safeties. Do your homework on the style of school and the intellectual and academic rigor. Matches don’t necessarily mean easier academics… Understand what is available to you as a URM and take every opportunity offered by a school as a sign of interest; make yourself standout in the admissions process!</p>