<p>So far I've been accepted into UIOWA Honors program, Illinois state university, and applied to UIUC. And I'm not really excited about my college choices, but I can't seem to muster the energy to apply to more colleges. I'm not sure where I would have a chance of being admitted and where I would fit in. So maybe you CCers can inspired me to apply to my dream school. So here is some info on me: </p>
<p>Personal Characteristics
-passionate about working in public service
-AA/female
-Intellectually curious
-love to read, listen to all genres of music, watch movies and anime
-I especially enjoy trying new things
-I lived in the suburbs for a while now and I hate it so a college in or near an urban environment would be great
-low income. EFC less than a $1,000 so I will need a college that gives a lot of aid</p>
<p>Academic Characteristics
-ACT of 28 w/ writing score of 8
-3.65uw & 4.03w
-Future Major/Minor: economics and political science
-involved in multiple clubs and have at least 60 hrs of volunteer work</p>
<p>Side note: I want to go to a college where I will be engaged and interested in what I'm learning, but I also want to have fun and meet new and exciting people who I can have a decent conversation with without the use of the word "like". I want to find a place I can fit in and not feel as alone as I do in high school so please help me find some options,</p>
<p>Earlham would be perfect for you, except for the urban environment. They have great financial aid for low-income students (run the Net Price Calculators - if admitted, it may even be cheaper than a state U), they seek to attract high-achieving URM students, they’re very service-minded, excellent for political science, are well-known for their engaged, intellectually inquisitive student body.
You could also apply to Grinnell - a reach for you, but same characteristics as above, just more selective, more intellectual, and more rural.
DePaul in Chicago would be a match, Northwestern a big reach (but who knows? You need to have one of those on your list; ask for information from Illinois Wesleyan, Beloit, Lake Forest. Further away, you have Macalester as a reach (but 100% need met and in a cool neighborhood of a great city so worth it to apply?), Carroll College of Montana (located in the state’s capital) is a safety. Mills in the San francisco Bay area, Lewis&Clark in Portland (OR), Agnes Scott in Atlanta, Trinity University in Austin, Simmons in Boston are all matches for you.</p>
<p>Thanks for the reply. I was actually looking into Macalester College ED. But some of the other schools you listed are a bit to close to home (IL) and don’t offer a lot of financial aid. So anymore suggestions would be greatly appreciated</p>
<p>Not urban, but you might take a look at Oberlin in Ohio - not too far from Cleveland. Since you mentioned political science, what about George Washington U, American, or Howard in DC? Lots of opportunities for internships and public service there as well.</p>
<p>I think Macalester does sound like a good fit for you. What about Mount Holyoke? Not in the middle of a city, but part of a larger college consortium, a lovely campus, strong academics, and has good financial aid. Both my kids ended up really liking it when they visited.</p>
<p>Maybe American or Case Western? Both are urban, I think.</p>
<p>I’ve done NPCs at most of these schools and they all require between $7,000-$12,000 in loans and extra money they want me to magically get and since I want to go into public service the least amount of loans I have the better especially if I choose to get an MPA/MPP. So I’m thinking about just doing the honors program at UIOWA since their NPC says they will cover the entire cost of attendance because of my minority status and academic qualifications. And after talking to some future students; I found some intellectuals interested in honors housing. So can any of you CCers give me advice on how to make the most out of UIOWA Honors. I think it is definitely better than ISU and if I don’t like how UIUc is Greek dominated, where most from my school go, and in a sketchy college town.</p>
<p>Have you done the NPCs on private schools’ websites such as the ones we recommended, like Macalester, Earlham, Mount Holyoke?
At American you would have a shot at the Frederick Douglass scholarship (full tuition, room, board, and books I believe).
Most of the above colleges keep the loans to a minimum for low income students. I am certain that in no way would Mount Holyoke require such large amounts ($7,000!!!) in loans.
In fact, the maximum a freshman is allowed to borrow their first year is $5,500, so it means these schools you’re looking at would require your parents to borrow in addition to yourself.
I agree that $7,000-$12,000 in loans as a freshman is not a good idea. Even without a public service job afterwards.
Often, public universities have had their budgets cut so much that they do not meet even their instate residents’ needs, and that’s really sad. But in those states, applying to private schools actually means you could get a better deal by applying to a top private college than at your state flagship.
You don’t sound like you’re super excited about UIowa although it’s a great deal. But you don’t have to decide right now. Explore your options.
Seriously, your stats make you competitive for some of the best colleges out there. Don’t sell yourself short, you have a lot to offer a college. In addition, you’re already in at Iowa, so it’s a no-risk situation for you.
You do not have to commit to UIOWA Honors right now - I assume you’re held to the same National Reply Date as everyone, i.e, May 1? Apply to a couple of schools from the list above (ask your guidance counselor for waivers) then compare the packages and offerings.
It’s probably hard to beat “free”, but if you can get in free into the Honors Program you are likely to have a shot at many strong colleges for intellectually curious students. Iowa’s honors program certainly will include this type of students, but the overall atmosphere isn’t all that intellectual and inquisitive. It’s a solid midwestern school with a large cross section of students, most of whom aren’t especially interested in matters of the mind, politics, and culture to the extent you describe. It’s not UNC-CH or UVA. You still have two months to find schools that may offer as good of a deal as UIowa and would match your criteria better. If you don’t find them, then you have a great safety to fall back upon. If you find them, then you can compare them to Iowa Honors. Win-win.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice I think I’m just going to apply ED to Macalester College because it meets all my requirements perfectly and I’m just not motivated to apply anywhere else</p>
Win-win.</p>