Are there any colleges with a strong progressive student body? So far I have heard about places like Oberlin, Macalester, Smith etc.
Almost all Northeastern LACs are liberal leaning. A couple that fill your requirements would be Wesleyan and Bates.
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All of them!
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On the west coast, Pitzer, Reed, and Occidental
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Vassar, Wes
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Thank you! I’m really interested in Wesleyn. Unfortunately I’m unable to apply because their financial aid packages for international students aren’t the best.
I immediately thought of Reed and Pitzer, too.
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Antioch College.
Haverford College & Wesleyan University might be of interest to you.
Reed College in Portland, Oregon !!!
P.S. Just read that you are an international applicant in need of significant financial aid. Consider Grinnell College in Iowa & Amherst College in Massachusetts.
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Admissions rates for international students who are in need of financial aid are pretty low across the board. In addition, the vast majority of colleges which have the ability to provide financial aid to international are need aware for international students, so, in those colleges, the fact that you have financial need will count against you in admissions - they will mostly prefer a full pay student with similar profile over you. There are a handful of colleges which are need blind for international students, but these are also colleges with a very low admission rate for international students.
On the other hand, if you have a really good profile, these is a chance that you will qualify for merit aid.
What is your profile, and how much can your parents afford?
Kenyon College if you’re interested in the midwest!
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Thank you everyone for your suggestions!
Yes! I’m aware that most US Colleges are unfortunately need aware for international students. Considering all external costs including flights, I’d be needing almost a full ride to be able to attend College. However, I am eligible for the Davis Scholarship. I also have pretty decent grades.
Thank you for your help!
Looking at the current Davis list, theres a wide range that might fit, to varying degrees: Bard, Reed, Vassar, Oberlin, Colorado College, Kenyon, Grinnell, Sarah Lawrence, the Maine schools, several of the women’s colleges if you’re a woman (or possibly non-binary), etc. And it depends a bit on what else you’re looking for. For instance, College of the Atlantic is a Davis school and is certainly very progressive, but you have to really want their specific program. Brown has a progressive reputation but is larger than the LACs you’re looking at; Tufts could work as well, esp. if you find a political niche there. And a lot of UWCers seem to focus on liberal arts schools, but you could definitely find a strong progressive niche—and perhaps more opportunities for political engagement—at several of the larger state schools on the Davis list, some of which might also give you additional merit.
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Yes I’ve looked into a lot of places you’ve mentioned! The sister colleges for sure are at the top of my list as well. I’ve heard great things about places like Smith for having a very progressive politically charged atmosphere. I haven’t looked much into larger State schools yet though I will definitely add them to my research. I did look into UC Berkley since I’ve heard they have a history of social justice activism. Unfortunately they do not have a good financial aid offer for international students. Hence I’ve been thinking about ED to Pomona instead. Thank you!
Doesn’t the Davis family / UWC have college scholarships specifically reserved for UWC graduates at Middlebury College & other elite schools ?
Any of them. Most lean strongly liberal.
Check out Vassar, Grinnell, and Amherst. I know Amherst has need blind full aid for internationals, which is rare.
Also: Wesleyan, Bard, Oberlin, Reed, and Skidmore
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