Is a liberal arts college perfect for me?/ What are my Chances?

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I hadn't really considered ever applying to one until recently. I want to become an economics professor, so job placement after undergraduate school isn't a big concern for me, but acceptance into graduate school is. It seems like just the right fit, but I have some questions:
-The people I have spoken to (in Florida) about Williams or Amherst, or other LACs, have no idea what I'm talking about. Are these more prestigious LACs more well-known/acclaimed further North/ in other parts of the country? </p>

<p>-What are my chances at Williams or Amherst?</p>

<p>(White Male)
-Math: 680
-CR: 730
-Writing: 790
SAT IIs
-Chemistry 780
-(Taking Literature in December)</p>

<p>My GPA is around 3.87 unweighted, 4.45ish/5.0 weighted. (2nd in Class) </p>

<p>ECs</p>

<p>-NHS Treasurer
-Swim Team 2 years, School 100 yd Breaststroke Record Holder
-Academic Team (Brain Bowl) Co-Captain/ member 3 years
-9th Grade Jazz Band/Concert/Marching Band, Superior ratings in Solo & Ensemble
-UCC Youth Group all 4 years, 330+ hrs of Community Service
-Youth Group Representative on LGBT Committee for making our Church Open and Affirming</p>

<p>Jobs
-Volusia County Beach Lifeguard, 2 years.
-Speedway Emergency Medical Service- Senior Year (First Response Crew at local racetrack, driving ambulance/firetruck).</p>

<p>Do I stand any chance?</p>

2

<p>LACs tend to be less well-known in general than state schools or large well-rounded privates. However, that’s not the case in academia. LACs are good with grad school placement, but also consider whether they’d be a good fit otherwise- are you okay with the lesser amount of classes and departments, seeing the same handful of people day in and day out, and attending classes with ten people in them, or many seminars? If you do look into LACs, keep in mind that less well-ranked ones are often also quality, and that many lesser-ranked LACs give out good merit aid.</p>

3

<p>To answer one of your questions, it would be hard to find more prestigious LAC’s than Amherst and Williams. Middlebury and Swarthmore and a few others are right at the top. LAC recognition tends to be regional in nature by the general public but, like the previous poster mentioned, are very well respected by graduate programs. For the right person, an LAC is a great idea.</p>

4

<p>Williams and Amherst are not wildly out of reach for you, but you do need to round out your list with some less selective choices. In my opinion, the quality of LACs remains relatively consistent as you go down the US News rankings into the 30s and 40s.</p>