<p>I'm a senior that's desperate. I am a first generation college student and don't have very much help in the college admission/search process. My school's college counselor is of little help. I come from a small school where most go to private christian colleges. I in no way wish to go to a christian college. </p>
<p>What I'm really looking for is a college good in the in ecology/environment sciences, and I have been looking on fastweb and other sites but have found it daunting. I see what colleges offer programs in what I want, but I have found little information on which colleges offer the best programs in it. </p>
<p>ACT:28
GPA: 3.96
AP US History: 4
Taking AP Calculus and AP Bio this year.
I have a few extracirriculars but nothing impressive besides NHS and close to 150 hours of volunteering.
Hold a part time job and have a talent in photography.
I am mostly looking for larger schools and as long as I'm not in the middle of nowhere for 400 miles in every direction I'll be ok. I prefer suburban but will let that go for a great program.
I dont' think I would be able to handle an ivy league school either. </p>
<p>I suggest SUNY college of Environmental Science and Forrestry. It's a very well ranked school in the field. The campus is located on Syracuse University and ESF students have full access to all of SU's resources and libraries (even dorms, clubs, and classes!). Syracuse itself is a city, though the university is located right on the edge, so it's not like surrounded by big skyscrapers or anything. Tuition is good too, I believe around $15,000 a year for out of state students. Your stats are great, so you may even get a scholarship. </p>
<p>Yes, the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources at the U. of Vermont is excellent. Burlington is a hip city located right on Lake Champlain with the mountains nearby. Great opportunities for field research. The university maintains its own aquatic research vessel, for example. </p>
<p>SUNY ESF is an excellent college at a great price, however, its majors are limited to those areas, so if you changed your mind as a sophomore and wanted to major in say, History, you would have to make other arrangements. </p>
<p>One more thing to look for is colleges or universities that have a separate department or school for environmental science, rather than just as part of the Biology Department, for example. It is usually a sign that it is strong program with a good faculty, budget, etc. Some schools say they have Environmental Studies or such, but are very limited and just a few extra courses. Check out the college website and department offerings, internships offered, etc.</p>