Is it out there?

<p>The college that's right for me, I mean.
This selectivity deal is about to drive me up the wall (literally).
I'm a guy who's put everything into my education. My grades? Impressive. My GPA? Admirable. However, there's one catch: my SAT scores, as you all might have guessed. I'll be candid, they're not atrocious, but they're most certainly not flattering. Decide for yourself:
Math: 550
Reading: 710
Writing: 580
I'm not the type who believes I'm a hell of a lot smarter than I actually am, but I can't question the validity of these numbers enough. There's obviously a great disparity among my CR score and the remaining two, but for what reason? I scored a 5 on my AP English Language & Composition Exam. Doesn't that count for something? My english teachers incessantly comment on the clarity and persuasiveness of my writing. For crying out loud, I placed first in an essay contest emcompassing each and every one of the schools in my neighboring counties. All in all, it just doesn't make sense. If it's any consolation, perhaps it's important to note the test anxiety I'm inclined to succumb to during the middle of test like the SAT.
Regardless, it is what is, and I can't let these scores drag me down.
I need some suggestions, or anything, that will help guide me to one of the many colleges that could potentially be a match.
Aside from my strong academic background, excluding the SAT of course, I possess one that includes a long and dogged commitment to work. I've been employed at a place for nearly two years now and put a lot of time and effort into what I do. Additionally, I have a respectable amount of service hours and all that jazz.
However, things of that nature come second to my love for learning, or more specifically: my passion for both reading and writing. A day without a book is like a day without Jersey Shore for most.
Again, moving on, I need you all to point me towards schools which:
1.) De-emphasize or completely disregard test scores in the admission process.
2.) Aren't extremely selective, but rather "self-selecting." (i'm unique and i can show it)
3.) Are small, well reputed LACS (i'll accept smaller universities as well) that foster both unique and productive learning environments, inside and outside the classroom.
4.) Offer a high quality of life.
5.) Produce a number of students who go on to pursue Phd's (again, i take my academics seriously.)
6.) Are located on the east coast (i'll consider anything in relative proximity to NC). However, it's really not that important of a factor, but if I do take a jump I want to know that it's worth it.
7.) Harbor a vibrant, passionate, and intellectual student body, who know how to HAVE FUN.
8.) Employ professionals, who are dedicated to the success of their students.</p>

<p>Again, I'm not looking for exactly the most selective school out there, but one that will change my life for the better and faciliate my growth as an individual. My parents? useless. My friends? wrapped up in their own affairs. My guidance counselor? entangled in far too much for his own good. I'm depending own you all! Thanks for any guidance in advance.</p>

<p>You sound like a great candidate for the ACT. Have you tried that yet?</p>

<p>potentialsuccess, your post is a breath of fresh air. If you can put that kind of writing into your essays I’d say you’ll find a good match. As I don’t know that area of the country I hesitate to offer a suggestion, but I’m intrigued and I know you’ll get some good suggestions here. Best of luck!</p>

<p>by the way, I also would suggest taking the ACT.</p>

<p>Have you looked at Bowdoin? A small, highly reputable, selective liberal arts college in Maine which doesn’t require standardized test scores. Look into it.</p>

<p>I agree you should take the ACT. Some do much better at, then that’s what you submit. Consider a retake of the SAT, use the xiggi prep method from this board’s archives.</p>

<p>SAT optional schools include some great LAC’s Boudin Bates and Colby (I know people who loved these schools, one is an MD now.) Tos of good schools here (ignore the for-profits)
[Optional</a> List | FairTest](<a href=“http://www.fairtest.org/university/optional]Optional”>ACT/SAT Optional List - Fairtest)
[Optional</a> List | FairTest](<a href=“http://www.fairtest.org/university/optional]Optional”>ACT/SAT Optional List - Fairtest)</p>

<p>Bowdoin is really tough to get into but is worth a try. Bates would be more possible. St. John’s in Annapolis if you want a completely different (great books) option. What about Bard? Have you taken SAT II’s? A few good scores there would help. Middlebury, for example, will allow you to submit SAT II scores instead of SAT I. What about AP’s? If you decide to look toward the mid-west Kenyon is supposed to good for the passionate writers.</p>