<p>I've recently been researching colleges and universities. I'm only a junior from california and in a few months, I will be on the road in completing my college applications. So far I have colleges in mind and would really love to have input and feedback from anyone here. I'm currently interested in Kinesiology/Exercise & Sports Science. What intrigue about this major was that I get to be able to witness athlete's performance and help them out right then and there when injury comes along. During my college search process, I am finding out criterias that works or doesn't work in a college. </p>
<p>Location: Suburban or Urban. Sometimes I really like to have an adventure around my environment when I feel bored or stressed. Which is why I like a place where there's a lot of things going on since it diverts me to focus on less stressful things. I am residing in the Bay Area near San Francisco and usually likes to explore the city when I can. Of course, I really like the college's environment to be safe.</p>
<p>Size: I knew that I am going to thrive in a smaller college because I am more comfortable in a place where I get to see familiar faces once in a while. I think a good size would probably be 2000-10000.</p>
<p>Students: I came from a very laid back environment, so having a cuttroat competitive atmosphere wont really fit me. I like students who don't desire designer labels, or not snobby. Having socioeconomic diversity is a huge plus. I seek diversity not only the color of skin, but also of intelligence and personality. Also, I finally decided that having a religious feel won't do for me.</p>
<p>Quality of Social Life: Students should not revolve around Partying and drinking. I am not a party animal, but I do like to have a good time. Extreme partying will really set me off. Other nonsober activities should be available, on or off campus. Maybe a zoo, museum, beaches or amusement parks? Movie theatres or a park? Nightclubs perhaps?</p>
<p>Stats: SAT was average - 1610 out of 2400 first attempt- though I was considering on taking the ACT instead this june, hoping for a 29 at least. I currently have a 3.7 GPA, taking rigorous classes. I keep up with good amounts of EC which I truly love participating in (especially our school's GSA & Dance team). I am also on our school's Swim team, which I really spend a lot of good times meeting and competing with people. Through my college search process, I highly recommend a college with a swim team (either Division school, Intramural or Club team). It's not required, but it's really nice to know that I have a team that I could cheer on.</p>
<p>I confess that I do not have stellar grades. I really don't do well on testing, but I know that my commitment to my activities and being able to keep up my good grades will give me a leg up. I am motivated to be knowledgeable in depth rather than breath, which is why I like a more of LAC-ish type of college (though a university will very well do). </p>
<p>I have a list, but second opinions from anyone is welcome.</p>
<p>Rice University - HUGE reach based on SAT and GPA. But still, I love everything I hear about Rice and its residential colleges as well as Houston!!!! This is my Dream school #1....</p>
<p>Northeastern University - I know it's a reach for me because I heard that they received 27000 application to fill 3000 seats for the freshman class. But I am falling in love with its co-op opportunities with the New England Patriots, which will help me on my Athletic Training/Kinesiology hands on experiences. Dream school #2</p>
<p>University of the Pacific - It's probably one of the closest colleges from our house (1 1/2 hours away). Has good Sports Science department (or so I have been told), but Stockton isn't really the greatest area to be around...</p>
<p>Occidental College - It's location near LA is very appealing while at the same time, keeping a suburban atmosphere. I love this college because its well respected, yet unappreciated or unknown around my area. Huge reach I guess...</p>
<p>Boston University - Hot and cold on this one. I'm going to their Summer Term Program this summer (hopefully), and would like to see if I could live on a college that has "no campus". I'm hoping to have one of the best times of my life there, but I will still see if I can see myself in it. I heard they have generous financial aid.</p>
<p>Holy Names University - I like this university even though it doesn't have most of my criterias. When I visited, I was treated really really well and their financial incentive hooked me to apply to them. I did apply to them which they are going to hold off until the application period rolls around. It's really close to San Francisco too! - Which means, I can visit my family when I need to.</p>
<p>University of California, Santa Cruz - Loved my visit here. My favorite of the UCs, and probably the only UC I will be applying to. Its residential college system is very nice from what I could see! Bay Area is also possible to reach. I love the forest feel and I know I will be happy to have this as one of my choices.</p>
<p>In addition to the colleges above, I am considering these colleges below. I really have no idea about them, but thought I'd give them a try. It seems that Whittier has Athletic Training program, while Skidmore and Pacific U has Exercise Science program. All three have swim teams, which is nice to have. Anyone know about these colleges? or their diversity/typical students?</p>
<p>Whittier College
Skidmore College
Pacific University (OR)</p>
<p>Thank you everyone!!</p>