If my reaches don't pull through, what looks best for me?

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I was planning on majoring in political science when I sent in my applications, but now I'm leaning towards history. I took note of how much I would enjoy working at a national historic site as a historian, tour guide, etc. while on vacation, and I can see myself working for years in that career path.</p>

<p>I am applied at two schools with fine history programs, but I don't hear back until April 1st, and I'm not completely confident that I will be able to afford them when it's all said and done. I am in and financially secure at the following schools:</p>

<p>-University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
-Allegheny College
-Washington & Jefferson College
-Knox College</p>

<p>The Civil War is my favorite area of history, and that interest is what brought me through Pennsylvania and got me interested in Washington and Jefferson and Allegheny, but I haven't heard much of anything negative about UIUC and Knox, and I've looked pretty far into all of my schools.</p>

<p>What would you suggest?</p>

2

<p>Gettysburg College perhaps</p>

3

<p>Knox is the best academically imo</p>

4

<p>I am really beginning to regret not applying to Gettysburg.</p>

<p>I love the town, but when I visited the school just didn't feel right.</p>

<p>Can't explain it, but knowing what I know now I think I could have sucked it up if I were accepted.</p>

5

<p>Did you read about Knox's history in regards to the Underground Railroad?</p>

6

<p>Timely! Knox was home to one of the Lincoln-Douglas debates. UIUC is a great school, but I would go for Knox if you want small classes and individual attention. Town of Galesburg is small.</p>

7

<p>Think about contacting G-burg and begging them to acdept your late admitt with the passion you now feel.</p>

8

<p>
[quote]
Think about contacting G-burg and begging them to accept your late admit with the passion you now feel.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>I agree. </p>

<p>Their website seems to imply a little bit late is OK. It says "Since February 1 is a Sunday, applications received the week of February 2 will not be considered late." </p>

<p>But if you appear really desparate to get in, don't count on much merit aid.</p>

9

<p>Go ahead and try to apply. If your states are competitive it will look good. Also, I personally would go for UIUC, but Knox is also very good.</p>

10

<p>And don't forget that once you are actually engaged in the academic discipline of History you might change your mind again. You might take a psychology class and find that psych is your true love. </p>

<p>I would calm down about Gettysburg. You have a bunch of schools on your list that will accommodate a wide range of majors. I would not waste time agonizing about any school until you have all your acceptances in hand AND the FA/merit offers too.</p>

11

<p>My personal opinion, UIUC, but then again I love the idea of a Big Ten school.</p>