Ideal school for me?

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Hi, I'm a junior. I'm looking for schools to visit, so I need a lot of ideas for possible places! I'll put my school stats down (some will be hypothetical so they match what I'll hopefully have when I apply), and some things I'm looking for. Hoping someone that has gone through the same thing I'm going through can help me out. Thanks so much :)</p>

<p>GPA: 4.0 (UW), 4.15 (W)
Class Rank: 1/380
ACT: 33
AP Scores:
-AP US History - 4
-AP Eng Lang, Macroecon - most likely will get 5s</p>

<p>Junior Schedule:
-Spanish 4 (we have no honors)
-Honors Physics
-Honors Chemistry
-Orchestra
-AP English Language
-Pre-Calc (we have no honors)
-govt/econ</p>

<p>Senior Schedule:
-AP Spanish
-Orchestra
-AP Chem
-AP Lit
-AP Calc AB
-CSI
-unsure of a final 3 electives</p>

<p>Extracurriculars:
-Top orchestra (there are 3), for 3 years, and middle orchestra for one year. 4 years total of orchestra I'll be a section leader for two years.
-I do drawing commissions for money, so I can make a portfolio of all of my artwork.
-Symphony - After school orchestra combined with band. 4 yrs.
-Interact Club - 2 yrs
-Students Leading Students (SLS) Club - 2yrs
-NHS - 2 yrs
-Student Council - 1 yr
-Link Crew (hopefully) - 1 yr
-Track (2 yrs, possibly. I want to join for college but I hate it.)
-Cross Country (1 yrs, possibly. Hate it but it looks good.)
-Pit Orchestra for a different school, I play for the musical they have every year, so 4 years.
-Tutoring - I like tutoring a lot, I usually tutor for physics.
-Various Community Service- Canned food drive, school volunteering, community orchestra concerts, etc.
-Though I'm not in student council now, I still participate in a lot of their activities because I regret not signing up.</p>

<p>My mistake here was not getting involved until this year. I had a select few activities freshman/sophomore year, but I was too afraid to reach out. </p>

<p>Awards (so far):
- Won 2 "___ Student of the year" awards
Orchestra Solo Ensemble- 1 at states, along with a 2 at districts for another event (we go every year)</p>

<p>As far as essays go, I think mine will be okay. I plan to spend a lot of time with them, and I probably will be able to get some good recommendations.</p>

<p>Here are my questions, if anyone would please answer:</p>

<p>-What college would be a good match? A good reach?</p>

<p>-What are some decent sized schools I could get a scholarship at? I only got a 194 on the PSAT so that rules a lot out for me.</p>

<p>-Will colleges look down on the fact that a lot of my ECs are junior/senior only? I plan on writing in my essays about how I learned to get more involved.</p>

<p>-Will colleges look down that I couldn't take some classes due to my school?</p>

<p>Example: I love Spanish, so I really want to take AP Spanish my senior year. However, my school has very few Spanish students, and we probably won't be able to run it next year. AP Spanish would have looked great for college, and I also really want to learn the language, so I'm not sure what to do. I could take it at the community college, but I've heard it isn't that good for learning the language, which I really want.</p>

<p>Thank you so much :)</p>

2

<p>Wow - You are a great student! </p>

<p>A couple of quick follow up questions - Any broad idea what you are interested in studying? (Sciences, Medical stuff, Literature, Music?)</p>

<p>Where are you located? (State is fine)</p>

<p>Without getting too detailed here, will your parents be able to contribute much to your costs or are you primarily looking for schools where you could get most of it from an academic type scholarship.?</p>

3

<p>Aw thanks :)</p>

<p>I’m not really sure what I want to do lol. I’m kind of a person that likes a little bit of everything, so mainly I’m just looking for a job that has variety and pays well… haha. I’ve been thinking about possibly majoring in a science, and then going to law school for patent law, but I have no idea yet. </p>

<p>Most likely something science-y though.</p>

<p>I’m in Michigan, so U of M is the obvious choice, I just want other options.</p>

<p>And I have quite a few siblings, so I probably can’t afford a super expensive place, but I don’t want to rule anything out on money just yet.</p>

4

<p>You live in Michigan?</p>

<p>Well… sounds like you have at least one choice. You should definitely apply to UMichigan. Students who live in states that have internationally known public flagships are really fortunate. With that class ranking and ACT, you have an incredible academic institution and in-state tuition.</p>

<p>There is ZERO point in applying to other out-of-state public schools. You won’t get a better bargain or better education than Michigan.</p>

<p>So, you may want to consider smaller LACs or out-of-state private schools, but that really depends on what you want. Have you considered the type of environment you want? Big university? Small college? City-life? Suburbia? College-town? Rural? Do you want to go out-of-state? Do you want to be within a drive or short-flight from home? Or do you want to travel far? Do you care about climate?</p>

<p>Honestly, for a high-achieving but undecided student in-state Michigan, it is hard to beat UMichigan unless you really want to go far from home, or you really want a small-college experience.</p>

5

<p>I’m a little too close to Michigan for my taste, so I just wanted to see what else was out there lol. Everyone in my family is kinda pressuring me to go there, but I’d rather be a little farther.</p>

<p>I know it’d cost more, I just wanted a few options.</p>

6

<p>WOW! You’re great a Junior.
To me UMich is kind of a safety for you. But definitely apply there.
I don’t want to be offensive in any ways, but, I think, if you don’t know what you want to do with you life (or what you want to major in), cheaper and more diverse schools are better choices. Because, you have the option to change your major, or even double major, or having a minor in whatever you like or … and finishing in 9 or 10 semesters; without being in too much pressure because of money!
I don’t know your family’s financial ability and how much you end up paying which school if get into; but big public schools, like UMich, are good choices in both aspects. (Being cheaper + having a lot of majors and minor + diversity)
[I don’t want to pressure you, like your family, but UMich is the best/ one the best public schools in the country; don’t overlook it just because its too available for you! I hope you get what I mean!]</p>

<p>Again, EFC and your financial ability are important factors. Your interests and personality are also very important. What kind of fields you think you like more? If you could give us more info, we can help you better…</p>

7

<p>Just a gut thought, but Vanderbilt keeps jumping out in my mind for you. They do pretty well with aid and are a large diverse school.</p>

8

<p>

For the most part out of state public Us and private colleges ARE super expensive, up to $65K/year.<br>

That’s really debatable. Alabama for one has a full tuition scholarship for stats like the OPs. Saving $ for undergrad is very important if the OP does intend to become a lawyer.</p>

<p>OP, go the financial aid forum and look at the stickied threads for merit scholarships. Also run the Net Price Calculators for your schools of interest and run the results by your parents.</p>

9

<p>Thank you I’ll do that!</p>

<p>In reply to, fadaee:</p>

<p>I’m open to a lot of career choices at this time, and personally, as long as I don’t hate the job, I would rather find a high paying job so I can travel and do things I’ve always wanted to do.</p>

<p>That being said, a relative suggested I go into patent law/litigation, which would mean I would get a science degree and then go to law school. </p>

<p>Not sure what else I’d like, but I’m considering it.</p>

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<p>At the top you say you going to list some things you’re looking for… Yet you say nothing about this. Large school? Small school? Urban area? Rural area? Class-size? A place where students tend to study abroad? A large Greek scene? A place with lots of intramural sports? And so on.</p>

<p>Like many students you seem to have given attention so far to only one side of the table. Line after line listing what you present to colleges. But nothing about what you want in return. </p>

<p>I suggest you start by identifying a few colleges of various types in your area. Large. Small. Rural. In a larger city. They don’t have to be ones you’re interested in attending. But visit just to get a first-hand sense of what the various types are like,</p>

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<p>And I have quite a few siblings, so I probably can’t afford a super expensive place, but I don’t want to rule anything out on money just yet.</p>

<p>You need to ask your parents how much they’ll pay, since they would be the ones doing the “affording”.</p>

<p>Ask them, and let us know.</p>

12

<p>@Erin’s Dad: You make very good points. But UMich being the best (or at least one of the top 5) public schools in the US, in ANY field, is not a very debatable thing; if you just look at some college rankings, for example:
[QS</a> World University Rankings 2013 | Top Universities](<a href=“http://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings/world-university-rankings/2013]QS”>QS World University Rankings 2014: Top Global Universities | Top Universities)</p>

<p>I’m not saying there is ZERO point in applying to other publics, but applying to some schools like Alabama, just because they give top students a lot of money, is not the best idea. Yes! I agree with saving money for grad school, specially if that grad school is law school, but it doesn’t mean he/she has to reduce her chances to be admitted to a solid law school by going to a not very good public college.</p>

<p>@rivyriv:</p>

<p>I know the feeling! But don’t rush yourself on finding the right/ the best future major/ career. Don’t rush yourself on writing essays either! Take your time. Do a lot of research on the internet about each major and what kind of career it leads you to. The first month of summer is the best time for these kind of things. There many online resources for people like you. (like college board website.)</p>

<p>But remember, right now you are in a position that people can influence you in an enormous way! A career tip from a relative or an advice form a total stranger on the internet are not somethings that should change your life’s path. Choosing a major that ends up with a high paying job is something that most college freshmen are doing! It’s not only you! But, believe me, having a job that you truly don’t love is hell!
Don’t worry though! We’ve all been there! It gets better. With a little bit of logical research and browsing you’ll find what you truly want to become… ;)</p>

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<p>With Michigan as your safety… you could literally apply to any of the top 25 national universities or top 25 liberal arts colleges. But in order to help you narrow down your choices, you need to give more info about yourself:</p>

<p>1.) Big university? Medium-small university? Small liberal arts college?
2.) City-life? Suburbia (not in the city, but close to a major city)? College-town? Rural?
3.) Do you want to go out-of-state? If you don’t mind out of state, do you want to stay in a region close to home? Short flight or long drive away? Do you mind going a great distance away? Is there a particular geographic you want, or another region you want to avoid?
4.) Is there a maximum amount your parents can contribute? what is the max amount of loans you would be comfortable taking? [Answer, seriously, you should never go to a school that will saddle you with great amounts of loans] What is your family financial picture?</p>

<p>As I said before, you have excellent stats and could literally apply anywhere in the country.</p>

14

<p>

Sure, if the OP wants to donate money via the application fee. The OP is a solid student but the ECs are at best run-of-the-mill and not at the level competitive applicants to top colleges show. Member of this. Spent time doing that. All nice things, but no leadership or achievement. Like many HS kids the OP seems to think colleges are impressed by kids that “get involved”. They aren’t.

Classic example. Who told the OP it “looks good”? Probably someone who thinks colleges want to see kids take part in a sport. They don’t. They want to see kids that stand out. Someone that has found a passion and spent the time and effort to excel/lead. Which can be in literally anything. Everybody can join the track team. It takes hard work and talent to win some races at a regional or state level and that’s what the top 25 type schools are looking for. Stanford says

OP writes “Will colleges look down on the fact that a lot of my ECs are junior/senior only? I plan on writing in my essays about how I learned to get more involved.” An even worse idea. What is the OP going to say? “I learned that selective colleges care about ECs, so I joined up thinking it would impress adcoms and let me get into a better college”? Few HS students have the experience to write a good explanatory (really excuse) essay. Mostly they end up blaming their shortcomings on someone else (eg. “nobody told me”) or bemoaning the lack of opportunities they were provided. They think they’ve gotten themselves off the hook, where in reality all they’ve done is underscored their lack of initiative.</p>

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<p>

</p>

<p>Where on earth did you get the idea that people who graduate from schools like the University of Alabama have reduced chances for admission to a “solid” law school?
It’s been established over and over again on this site that law school admissions depend on LSAT scores and undergrad GPA. Period.</p>

<p>We all have different opinions on what makes a particular school “good” but I really think that you are doing the OP and other high school students a huge disservice by implying that attending a state school which may not be ranked in the USN top 50 will limit their options and futures. It’s not true and advice like this is probably responsible for many students taking on debt and mortgaging their futures for no real benefit.</p>

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<p>@Joblue, I was not trying to be offensive in any ways. I’m only talking based on statistics. Some schools just prepare students better for grad school and statistics prove it.</p>

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<p>Yeah pretty sure I don’t want to go to Harvard or stanford anyways. Sounds too arrogant for me (;</p>

<p>And I do have leadership. I’m a section leader in my orchestra, and I’ve gotten to states level in orchestra solo ensemble and got a 1. Also in SLS which is a leadership group I could easily have a position in next year.</p>

<p>Not saying my ECs are spectacular because they aren’t, but if I wanted to I could probably get to states in track too. Sports wise I’m just not competitive and don’t really care. I’ve always been a fast runner lol.
Orchestra is my main activity, I don’t know if you saw that. I simply put track down because I’m willing to do it if orchestra isn’t enough for where I want to go. I don’t mind dealing with it if I’ll get to go somewhere I’ll love in the future.</p>

<p>And the reason I didn’t get involved was social, not because of colleges. I have always been really shy, and taking social risks just freaked me out. I’m not shy, it’s weird I just don’t like getting out and doing things because it makes me nervous. I’ve overcome it a lot since freshman year since I’ve made closer friends. I still do get nervous, but I’m learning not to. You think I did that for college when I had the opportunity since freshman year? Yeah, not really.</p>

<p>Ivy League is too prestigious for me if that’s the mindset it’s based in. I’d rather deal with what I’m comfortable in.</p>

<p>And to the rest of you, thank you so much for your input and I’m looking into what you’ve said :slight_smile: hopefully I’ll have more details soon.</p>

<p>I want to go to a bigger school most likely, my friends at smaller schools say it gets too cliquey and I don’t think I really want that much professor attention. I like solving things on my own.</p>

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<p>but it doesn’t mean he/she has to reduce her chances to be admitted to a solid law school by going to a not very good public college</p>

<p>lol…just ridiculous. Besides, an undergrad doesn’t prepare a student for law school anyway.</p>

<p>and…Alabama has a Tier 1 law school.</p>

<p>BTW…how did my older son get accepted to EVERY PhD program that he applied to and chose to an attend an elite for grad school…and my younger son got accepted to half of the MD medical schools that he applied to when they went to Alabama for undergrad?</p>

<p>I’m only talking based on statistics</p>

<p>What statistics? The ones in your imagination?</p>

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<p>WOW! I don’t know why you are so offended! I’m not saying UAlabama is a bad school! Alabama is a good public and I’m sure it has plenty of students going to top grad schools. But, statistics and numbers, which are not actually in my imagination (!!!), prove that there more students from other top colleges going to top grad schools (including law schools) than Alabama.</p>

<p>Yes! Its a little bit ridiculous to say a college’s name is the sole factor for getting into top grad schools. However, an elite student, like your son and daughter, can be prepared better for grad school at top colleges. Still there is no general rule and it all depends on the student.</p>

<p>And just so you know, that facts are not my imagination:
[Entering</a> Class Profile | Yale Law School<a href=“Yale%20entering%20class%20of%202016,%20there%20is%20no%20UAlabama!”>/url</a>
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/law-school/331975-undergraduate-schools-most-commonly-found-top-law-schools.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/law-school/331975-undergraduate-schools-most-commonly-found-top-law-schools.html](<a href=“http://www.law.yale.edu/admissions/profile.htm]Entering”>Profiles & Statistics - Yale Law School)</a> (Its an old thread, but it is on the internet and not in my head!)</p>

<p>P.S. Counting Alabama as a Tier 1 law school is a little too much!</p>

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<p>Alabama is mediocre school but it provides a decent enough education for lower income families. It is what it is.</p>