I need help finding colleges!

College Search & Selection
1

Hi there! I just realized I’m a Senior and I have no idea what I’m doing college-wise, so I could seriously use some help finding schools to apply to. I have a few ideas, but to be completely honest, I feel lost.

So I really don’t know what I like or want to study, but let’s just say that my default is either Math or Economics. I’m really looking for schools that I can realistically get into right now. I’ve been told I can get into anywhere because of my stats, but I feel like that is not true at all. As for what I’m looking for in schools? There isn’t much specific – I can see myself at either a tiny liberal arts college or a massive state school, cost isn’t something I’m particularly worried about, and any location is probably fine by me, though urban settings are preferred.

With that in mind, here are my stats:

SATs:
790 math, 730 English, 1520 composite
750 math, 800 English, 1550 composite

ACTs:
28 English, 35 math, 30 reading, 32 science, 31 composite
36 English, 34 math, 35 reading, 36 science, 35 composite

GPA:
Unweighted: 4.00
Weighted: 4.204
Rank: 6 out of 306

AP’s: (All 5s on past APs)
Past: US History, Physics 1, Physics C: Mechanics, Calculus BC, English Lang, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics
Current: Physics 2, Comparative Government, US Government, English Lit
Possible: Physics C: E&M, Computer Science

I’m not gonna lie, I am proud of those stats. And yet I am still worried about where I can get into because of one thing: extracurriculars. I’ve done a bunch of things I enjoy, including Debate, Robotics, Astronomy, Band, and a lot more here and there, but I haven’t really done anything that looks impressive with them, like competing at the national level. Also, I don’t have much volunteer experience or any internships or any research or any other really cool crap that I know colleges love. I know colleges are looking for students with a passion, and not just a well-rounded student. But thats just the thing – I don’t have a passion, I feel that I am naturally “well-rounded.”

I’ve put a little thought into where I want to go, and I have some reach schools (Columbia and Carnegie Mellon), but I otherwise am lost. I feel like a doofus for putting this college thing off so much!

Thank you so much for reading and even more for any help you may give!

2

For some urban choices, this Newsweek article will offer you some ideas: https://www.newsweek.com/25-most-desirable-urban-schools-71889.

For a combination of math and economics amid a generally balanced curriculum, Hamilton would be tough to beat. Its setting, though, would not suit your preference for an urban environment.

As with other highly academically qualified applicants, you should include schools with acceptance rates of above 25% on your list. Regarding your ECs and how they might impact your chances at ultra-selective colleges, let the admission committees decide whether they suffice.

3

Is there any part of the country that you really want to be in (or not be in) for school? (I know that you wrote that “any location is probably fine” but didn’t know whether you had any preferences one way or the other.)

4

Maybe worth looking into NYU and Pitt since they are in the same cities as your two reaches. NYU is still very competitive but less so than Columbia and Pitt would be a safety for you and you would probably get into their honors college. You may also want to consider some of the schools in/near Boston and Philly since you prefer urban locations. Temple could be another safety. Boston College could be another target.

5

Four important questions:

What is your home state?

What is your budget?

Where would you prefer to attend university? Do you have a preference regarding north versus south, east versus west, city versus small town? Do you want to consider only US schools or would you want to consider schools elsewhere?

Small school or large school?

There are thousands of universities in the US. You have great stats and have a good chance at the top 50 (ranging from reach to match), then all of the rest might be matches or safeties for you. This leaves a huge number of schools that you can get into. You will need to narrow it down.

I think that you have a chance at Columbia and Carnegie Mellon. With a 7% acceptance rate Columbia would obviously be a reach. Your chances would be a bit better at Carnegie Mellon. McGill would probably be a safety and would not care much at all about your ECs – they would care about your GPA and SAT, which are superb.

You need to identify one or preferably two safeties where you would be happy. To me this is a priority.