<p>Gah. I'm the absolute worst decision maker in the world, and I've had about eight different "finalized" college lists in the past month. But I really, really, need to pinpoint it down soon, since we're nearly halfway through October. I know for sure my safeties are IU and Purdue, and I'm definitely applying to Mount Holyoke, Bryn Mawr, and Wellesley.
The other schools I'm considering are WashU, Smith, Scripps, Tufts, and Middlebury. I'd like to keep my college list as small as possible (8 schools) because I have to pay to send transcripts from three different colleges for dual enrollment in addition to test scores. My stats can be found here if you want <a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/1691919-finalized-college-list-any-input-p1.html">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/1691919-finalized-college-list-any-input-p1.html</a>
I'd prefer a smaller, tightly-knit school, without much of a drinking/partying atmosphere. I know WashU is fairly large, but I like the wide range of majors offered there. As I'm not sure what I'd like to major in (but I'm interested in astropysics, computer science, international affairs, Arabic, law, etc.), this appeals to me. Preferably a quirky student body, but not one with a particularly "in your face" atmosphere.
If anyone has any input on the previously mentioned colleges, that'd be great. I'd also appreciate advice on deciding on schools; I'm homeschooled, so I'm pretty unsure about the college process. My mom didn't go, and my dad only applied to one school. I'm kinda lost, really. Anything is appreciated! Thanks! ^-^</p>
<p>Since your top choices are all LACs, how about choosing a match/safety that’s also a LAC, either SUNY Geneseo, Truman State (both public), or Allegheny, Wooster, Hiram, Clark, Goucher, Ursinus, St Olaf, Grinnell, Earlham…?
For a women’s college that’s less selective than those you’re applying to, what about Simmons (women’s college in Boston) or Agnes Scott (has astrophysics and partnership with GATech)?
Of the 4 you mentioned, I’d consider Middlebury (foreign languages, IR) and Tufts (idem) the closest to what you want, followed by Scripps (closer in atmosphere + resources of consortium).
You really should add 2-3 matches to have a good fit college that’s not a reach-for-everyone school
(since your safeties don’t seem very good fits based on your criteria: smaller, tight-knit, partying not predominent, quirky, astrophysics/IR/Arabic ie., intellectual pursuits with likely PHD. Not that they’re bad academically, far from it, but your safeties just don’t seem like schools that’d appeal to you based on your criteria, and all other schools are such reaches even if your stats are good… you really don’t want all reaches and 2 poorly-fitting safeties.)
Even if sending transcripts will cost you a bit bore in transcripts, ending up at a poor-fit safety will cost you thousands of dollars.
So, Purdue, IU, MHC, Wellesley, BMC + Middlebury, Tufts + Agnes Scott + 2 matches. Once you’re done with these, see if you can add WashU, Scripps, or any other. </p>
<p>GB1904 -</p>
<p>You may have covered this already in another thread, but have you verified that all of the places on your list are likely to be affordable? If not, ask your parents to help you run the Net Price Calculator at each website. If you find out that some of them aren’t likely to be affordable, then go to the Financial Aid Forum, and read through the threads pinned at the top on the issue of merit-based and need-based aid.</p>
<p>@MYOS1634 thank you! Agnes Scott is a stellar suggestion–I’ve added that to my list. Do you happen to know anything about Smith? I like the programs offered, but I’ve heard the atmosphere is a bit more brash compared to other colleges.
@happymomof1 yes, they are! Assuming the net price calculators are correct, at least. If so, they’re about ten thousand less than Purdue and IU, but I’m not counting on that–that’s why I have those larger schools as safeties…</p>
<p>Personally, I’d knock Wellesley off your list. From what I’ve heard, it’s pretty much the epitome of “in your face.” My daughter visited it with some friends and told me jokingly that it scared her. She said it felt like there was so much anger there. </p>
<p>Maybe others who’ve actually seen Wellesley can chime in - perhaps my D’s characterization and impression are far from the mark.</p>
<p>Wellesley is considered the most conservative of the women’s colleges - very ambitious and competitive, political in that ambition can be of a political nature, but not at all like Smith or Oberlin. halfemptypockets’ daughter must have had a bad visit…</p>