<p>Ok, so I am looking for a strongly academic college (party scene minimal to none, please) that fosters curiosity and learning. Academic discussions outside of class and an overall intellectual atmosphere would make me feel right at home. Basically, a nerd's college is what I'm looking for. I intend to major in a science related discipline (biochemistry or astrophysics are my top two right now), so a college with top rated science departments is a must. I really like the sound of Caltech, but I have not revolutionized cancer therapy or something like that, so there's no way I'm getting in. I mean, I have research experience, but that means nothing to them because they expect that. All of the applicants are top notch. Anyway, could someone recommend a few colleges that would suit my needs well? Possibly a few colleges similar to Caltech, but not as impossible to get into?</p>
<p>carnegie mellon in pittsburgh</p>
<p>Haverford? Swarthmore? Any of the top LACs? Not saying there is no party scene, that’s almost impossible outside going to BYU, but most of those schools aren’t known for it, they definitely have an intellectual atmosphere, and with no grad students around, you’ll have first shot to all the good research projects. Haverford even has a 3/2 program with Caltech where you can do your first 3 years at Haverford and your last two at Caltech. Not easy to get into that particular program, but they do mention it.</p>
<p>[Haverford</a> - Caltech - Engineering](<a href=“http://www.haverford.edu/engineering/caltech/]Haverford”>3/2 Program | Engineering | Haverford College)</p>
<p>They specifically call out engineering at Caltech, but you’ll see on the link that a few other majors are available as well.</p>
<p>Harvey Mudd??</p>
<p>Many LACs would probably be a great intellectual fit, I have looked into many (including the ones mentioned above) prior to my post. The problem with many of these schools is that they only offer need-based financial aid (there are a few exceptions such as Harvey Mudd). For some reason, I have a very high EFC (well over half of my family’s total yearly income) and this is simply not possible. The only way I would be able to attend one of these is to obtain outside scholarships (which I will apply to as many as I can), or if I get the president’s scholarship at Harvey Mudd (very unlikely since I don’t think I fall under the “underrepresented backgrounds” category) or a scholarship of equal or greater award at a different LAC. Any suggestions for colleges that offer substantial merit scholarships?</p>
<p>No family’s EFC should be half their yearly income, that’s simply unreasonable, unless you’re sitting on a large pile of assets. If it’s a case of a family business, then the EFC calculator will not work correctly, as I believe it assumes that your assets are liquid, and when you own a family business, they’re not.</p>
<p>I would pick a school you’re interested in and talk directly with their financial aid office to get a more realistic picture of what you may have to pay. I’ve heard of 1/3 of income, which is still unworkable in many cases, but I’ve never heard of 1/2. It’s possible, I suppose, but don’t take yourself out of the game without being absolutely sure you can’t afford it.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Quite a few LACs offer merit scholarships. Consider some of the women’s colleges or LACs in the Midwest and South.
[Kiplinger’s</a> Best Values in Private Colleges-Kiplinger](<a href=“http://www.kiplinger.com/tool/college/T014-S001-kiplinger-s-best-values-in-private-colleges/index.php]Kiplinger’s”>http://www.kiplinger.com/tool/college/T014-S001-kiplinger-s-best-values-in-private-colleges/index.php)</p>
<p>For example, Oberlin, Grinnell, Macalester, Colorado College, Smith, and Bryn Mawr all have strong science programs and offer merit scholarships. Depending on how much merit money you need, you may need to consider less selective schools to have a good shot at getting a large enough award.</p>
<p>I’ve been looking into Oberlin since I’ve heard a lot of good things about it. I’ll have to check out a few more on that list to see what’s out there. And in response to MrMom62’s reply, yes there is a business involved. I just assumed that since the net price calculators have a special section for it, that it would take it into consideration for what it actually is: a non-liquid asset (actually, it’s more of a debt, but whatever). Thank you for your input.</p>
<p>I just re-ran the net price calculators for a few colleges (taking out the business entirely) and I’m getting the same result: over half of my family’s yearly income for the EFC. What other factors could be impacting this result? It’s not like we have a ton of assets or anything, either.</p>
<p>Once a business is involved, all sorts of things can go squirrelly that we just don’t know how to deal with, but the Financial Aid office will. Take a few minutes and call your favorite college (or two), explain where you’re coming from, and see if they can help. It’ll be faster and more accurate than us guessing. It might help to have a family member in on the call that can answer questions you’re unlikely to know the answer to, plus have the family and/or business tax return on hand.</p>
<p>UChicago might be what you’re looking for, except it’s not easy to get into.</p>
<p>I’ll have to contact the financial aid offices and see what is possible at a few different colleges. I’ll also check out what UChicago has to offer and if I have a chance for admission. Also does anyone know if the simpletuiton Tuition Coach EFC calculator located here [TuitionCoach</a> Lite](<a href=“http://www.tuitioncoach.com/collegecost/new_lccc.jsf]TuitionCoach”>http://www.tuitioncoach.com/collegecost/new_lccc.jsf) is reliable? I get a much better result with that than on net price calculators (about 1/7 of the total yearly income).</p>
<p>I’d love to hear the answer after you talk to the Financial Aid offices, even in generic terms.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>I second UChicago.</p>
<p>do you want us to keep guessing or do you want to tell us what your stats are? just as you were surprised to learn your EFC, we might be surprised to learn that there’s no way you’re getting into harvey mudd and we ought to be recommending colgate or reed.</p>
<p>Rice University.</p>
<p>I think u are looking for MIT</p>
<p>Just that it IS very hard to get in. But u know ur stats, and probably know ur chances.</p>
<p>Keep working on the need based aid dilemma. I’d suggest that your parents call (or visit if you’re close) the financial aid office of a couple of schools. The formulas are set up to deal with the majority of cases, but individual schools are open to discuss the exceptions.</p>
<p>If that works out, certainly pursue Swarthmore, Wesleyan & Haverford. Maybe less obvious culturally, but still strong in science – especially for women – Williams and Hamilton.</p>
<p>For merit aid and strong sciences I’d second Grinnell, Smith.</p>
<p>EDIT: I see on your chances thread that you are a junior. That’s good, you still have some time to work through the financial side and research your options more thoroughly. What state are you in? [LOL, as in “state of the union” not “state of mind.”]</p>
<p>Since one of your potential interests is astrophysics, be aware that it may be harder to find a good department in compared to biology, chemistry, or biochemistry.</p>
<p>Look in each school’s course catalog and schedule to see if:</p>
<ul>
<li>Junior and senior level physics courses are offered frequently enough (I would say at least yearly; if only once every two years, missing a course due to study abroad, co-op job, medical leave, or other semester off school could result in substantial delay to graduation).</li>
<li>Astronomy and astrophysics electives are available.</li>
</ul>
<p>Among smaller LACs, Oberlin and Reed satisfy the first criterion for physics offerings; Oberlin also has a junior level astronomy elective. Others may satisfy the criteria also, but you should check yourself if you are interested in such schools.</p>