I need some focus

<p>Hey guys. Ok. I'm planning to study archaeology and eventually plan on pursuing a degree in museum studies. I need an LAC that has archaeology (ancient studies, etc.) that can also let me pursue my interests (not a lot of core or distribution requirements) in music composition, German, theater and creative writing. It's crunch time now with my college apps due to my guidance office by Nov. 16.<br>
Here are the colleges I'm looking at (and it seems to grow everyday):
University of Rochester, Kenyon, Dickinson, Rhodes, Sewanee, Beloit, Lawrence U., and Knox
I just got the results from my 10/8 SAT--I did worse than my first one, with the exception of a higher writing score. With the combined best scores, I received V660, M590, and W670. I also have a 93 unweighted score at a competitive private school in Buffalo, NY. I have had leadership in theater, and am talented in piano and music composition.
With these stats, can I get into those schools with a possibility of some merit-based aid? I would really like some comments on these choices and their relevance to my aspirations. Any new college choices would be appreciated. Please comment!
Thanks a bunch!!!</p>

<p>You've got a very nice list of LACs. SAT scores are not helping you, but I would suspect you'd be accepted at 3 or so of your choices. Make sure you show interest in all of your schools. If you haven't visited make some specific contact with the admissions office via phone and e-mail. I would not count on any merit aid, but explore the less selective colleges on your list for merit aid opportunities.</p>

<p>My D had SATs of 700V/650M, but had a lower class rank & GPA than you do; she got 10K a year at Beloit, & 12.5K a year at Allegheny. She was admitted to Lawrence but withdrew app prior to the merit announcement.</p>

<p>You are smart to apply to schools that are not in the heart of New England. I agree with reidm; make focused apps, visit if possible, communicate with archaeology profs. Do EA at any who offer it; Beloit and Lawrence do for sure; EA is non binding and you get in line for merit faster. </p>

<p>These are great schools that if located in Mass would be 2x more selective overnight.</p>

<p>I am sorry but I do not know enough about the programs to comment on the match with archaeology and the other specific things you name, though obviously Lawrence is great for music as it has a conservatory. </p>

<p>Most LACs will give you the chance to explore/synthesize diverse interests.</p>

<p>Do you think I have a possibility of at least getting accepted into U of R, Dickinson, Rhodes, and Kenyon?</p>

<p>I applied and was accepted to Rhodes with merit aid roughly ten years ago...but I'm not sure how current my info is now. My GPA was higher than yours and I took the ACT versus the SAT but I had a good score. I WAS offered merit aid there, but it was around $35,000 over four years. For my family this wasn't enough and I ended up making another decision. I'm not sure how much merit aid you are looking for, though. I would say you definitely have a shot at admission, but am not sure about the merit aid situation. Things could have changed drastically for the better or worse since I applied. Call the financial aid office there and see if they can estimate the average recipient's profile. That might give you a better idea. If you've never visited the campus, I highly recommend it. It's absolutely beautiful. I attended a summer program there while in high school and was very impressed with the experience overall.</p>

<p>If you're female, definitely add Bryn Mawr. If you're male, add Haverford instead. </p>

<p>Also consider Wesleyan and Bard.</p>

<p>As another option, you might look at Trinity University in San Antonio, TX.</p>

<p>Of the subset of schools you list on your recent post, your best chance of admission is at Dickinson. They have (non-binding) EA and if you are able, I would definitely go that route.</p>

<p>However, for your interests, the subset of schools you list is not really any better than any other four from your list. For example, Beloit, as SBMom notes, would be a very good choice and a much better shot for merit aid. Lawrence is a good option, too.</p>

<p>You've got a very nice list. Don't agonize over getting into the most selective schools on it. Feel free to continue to research and refine the list, though, and take advantage of what I suspect is some good college guidance at your school. However, I would make sure that your priorities are maintaining or improving your current GPA, setting aside time for your apps, and doing well on any other standardized tests on your schedule.</p>