Hofstra us a notorious suitcase school. A student from outside the NY area, as you are, might find campus life disappointing.
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Purely a suggestion from a $ POV. Clearly the student wants a smaller LAC based on their list. But the student mentioned budget and distance. Hence the mention to look at the NPC.
Once you mention budget, there are trade offs, especially if you are not flexible geographically. Throw in distance, you really limit any possibilities.
I don’t know that Hofstra will hit budget. But they give big merit. Of course many schools don’t stack merit and need.
To really hit the # the OP will need to likely go South. A smaller school that is inexpensive even for OOS is W Carolina. But it’s further away.
Other than it’s isolated and small and I knew a few parents who sent their kids there from Charlotte and both enjoyed it, I know little about it.
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Here’s a list to help you…a meets need list. Many, but not all, are difficult to get into. A few are on your list.
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The drive from, say, West Chester to Gambier would take seven hours.
I’ll have to look …I thought OP said SE PA so I used Lancaster as a proxy. From West Chester yes 7. Either way not horrific.
The main thing is…is OP willing to ‘stretch’ geographically.
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I’m honestly surprised you did not get into Haverford ED. You have a great GPA, SAT scores that are within their range and good EC’s. You need to take a close look at your essay. Do you have a clear story about who you are and what makes you an interesting addition to the class ? What’s the hook?
I would add BU if you want to be in Boston and Northeastern. Fordham if you want city and are good for NYC. Maybe Sarah Lawrence, Skidmore, maybe a womens college like Bryn Mawr, Syracuse … btw, what’s your intended major? Do you only want Northeast? How far would you go?
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Also, maybe UNC Chapel Hill and University or Richmond. American or GW in DC … also should be on your list.
I agree… it’s in a horrid area. Nothing to do and ugly campus. If you are game for Long Island look at Stony Brook University. Better school, better campus and cute little towns nearby (Stony Brook, Port Jefferson …beautiful port side)
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I believe Holy Cross and Lafayette meet 100% need
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I have a son at BC ('25). Last year’s application process was brutal and this year appears to be headed in the same direction. I applaud your resourcefulness in asking this group for help; you make a great applicant (I am a high school English teacher - go English majors) and there is definitely a school out there for you in your price range. If you think you would be happy at BC, I recommend applying ED II. I think the RD round this year will involve fewer acceptances than last year. I would use the NetPrice Calculator to check financial aid potential there, though, before applying ED. Heads up that Tufts is now extremely difficult to get into (my son’s first choice after UChicago deferment and Dartmouth rejection). They also have an EDII that you might want to consider. If you apply to Tufts, definitely sign up for the interview and show lots of love for them (my son did not do either). I will say that though BC was his fourth choice (math/science major), he had a great first semester and is impressed by the class offerings and professors. I hope that the rest of the process goes well for you. Stay strong!
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Hey, I really appreciate this reply. I was feeling really down on myself because of all of this but I think I am a good applicant! I’m adding Pitt and another PA state school as safeties, but I really have to think about applying ED to BC. Anyways, thanks to everyone for your first-hand information.
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BC received 50% more ED applications this year than last year. They said this in their email to ED applicants. I’ve heard it’s become a “hot” school. If you didn’t get into Haverford ED, RD at BC may be a reach. My sense is F&M and Connecticut College are both targets, as you say. You’ve got great stats so I’m sure you’ll find a great school for you.
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Franklin & Marshall is need-based aid only, so make sure the NPC works for your family. Conn Coll has started giving some merit aid, but it’s only been a few years so hard to know what that looks like.
If you’d consider Bryn Mawr, that includes many of the values and benefits of Haverford, plus merit money and an emphasis on women’s education and development. Classes are generally co-ed, at both schools, the curricula and class schedules are fully integrated, and students can major at either school. Students also eat at both campuses. Bryn Mawr has self-scheduled exams, same as Hford, and an honor code, though it does not have the same Honor Code traditions as Haverford, with plenary etc.
edited to add: some LACs that would be more like safeties, if you want some choices for sure in the spring, could include Muhlenberg, Juniata, Susquehanna, Allegheny.
edited again to add: some of those “safety” LACs may not meet full-need so even with merit, the finances may be iffy. Run the NPC!
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Definitely seconding the suggestion that you look at Bryn Mawr, as the association with Haverford is so strong, plus you might get some merit there.
Also seconding recs for Muhlenberg & Skidmore. Possibly Bard?
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If you open yourself geographically, depending on your UW GPA on a 4 scale (meaning no A+), your tuition could be $3k or $8k at Arizona. Yes, not east. Yes not small. Yes, you can still get into Honors and the dorm is spectacular.
When money is involved there’s a trade off. Hopefully, since F&M and CT meet need they’ll come in at the right price point. But it’s always wise to have a safety net.
https://financialaid.arizona.edu/types-of-aid/scholarships/incoming-transfer
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If your strong affinity for Haverford remains, you may want to research its overlap schools (from Fiske): Swarthmore, Hamilton, Davidson, Middlebury, Carleton, Wesleyan (on your list), Bowdoin and Amherst. Note that some of these colleges may be more selective than Haverford. However, one or two may appeal to you as potential reach choices. All of these schools offer excellent need-based financial assistance.
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Bmc has great FA.