<p>So after looking through the big-name schools, i.e. Michigan, Cornell, Vanderbilt, I'm starting to feel like I'm going to need a smaller campus to be happier. I discovered how much more easily I learn in classes with sub-17 students and I'd imagine LACs would fit that.</p>
<p>So about me:
GPA - 3.65-3.72 (still in the air)
SAT 2340
APs - 3 of them, feeling a 4/4/5
SAT2s - 3 of them, feeling a total of 2200+ minimum.
I'm Asian.
My ECs center around multiple instruments, writing, and science, in order of priority.</p>
<p>So I heard Asians are considered URMs in LACs... does that mean Affirmative Action helps me?</p>
<p>What I would like:
- Somewhere I have at least a 30% of getting in
- Strongly-acclaimed academics (to the point where it makes the college highly ranked)
- Quiet campus, mild partying, etc.
- Friendly professors
- Great percentage of graduates who go on to med/grad school
- Somewhere I can drive to within 12 hours from Jersey. Unless I get in Mudd or Ponoma. But LOL that.
- Flexible schedules and changes in majors (I'm pretty indecisive now.)
- Semester system schedule</p>
<p>Colleges I've researched:
Wesleyan
Davidson
Tufts (I know it's not a LAC anymore but it used to be!)
That's really it... </p>
<p>I'll be fine with money. And yes, I understand how blessed I am for that and I'm super thankful...</p>
<p>What are some major cons with LACs, besides the lesser national attention, etc.?</p>
<p>Are you a boy or a girl? Because Wellesley is a good one.</p>
<p>I personally didn’t want to go to an LAC because I wanted to be at a big school. For LAC’s, there are things like less recognition from the masses and a more limited social scene, but that’s not true for all of them and it’d be stupid to stereotype. And I know you said that money isn’t an issue, and it wasn’t for me when I was applying either, but I wanted to make sure I’d be able to access really solid resources to get my money’s worth, whereas those things may be more limited at smaller schools. There are definitely solid pro’s of LAC’s for smaller class sizes, more personal attention, a more close-knit environment and whatnot, but for me LAC’s like Wellesley just felt so different. Walking around smaller campuses, it was just… silent, not bustling. I like energy.</p>
<p>Not sure if they meet all of your criteria… but, Goucher College in MD, Sarah Lawrence, Skidmore, and Vassar in NY. Public… but what about College of NJ or St. Mary’s College of MD?</p>
<p>Haha I’m a guy, so Wellesley is out of the question. I saw Holy Cross, Hamilton and Lafayette, and I’m keeping those in mind but I need to look into them more for a better opinion. Same for Vassar and St. Mary’s.</p>
<p>Can someone also answer my question about AA for Asian-Americans? Thanks.</p>
<p>Also, probably going to major in a science-related field. I might try to double major with music but IDK if I’m good enough for it.</p>
<p>As far as the musical instruments, you may want to be aware that “Asian American applicant whose primary extracurricular is piano or violin” (and majoring in biology to do pre-med) may be a too-common stereotype from the point of view of an admissions committee. It may help if your instruments include something more unusual.</p>
<p>Williams, Amherst, Bowdoin, and Middlebury. Wiiliams and Amherst are both reaches, but you should look into them. Williams has a smaller AA population due to not being around a big metropolitan area so there might be a slight advantage. Advantages at a great LAC are many: small class size, great profs, easy to get involved in activities especially sports and performance arts often reserved for the “elite,” and typically a tighter knit community. I can’t think of any disadvantage besides name recognition if that’s important to you.</p>
<p>I suspect that many of the same LACs that are most generous with aid to internationals are also schools that want to attract more Asian Americans. So investigate LACs listed on the following page:</p>
<p>LACs, as a class, tend to be among the top performers for placements into graduate and professional schools. They (again, as a class) have an especially high rate of alumni PhD completions. One disadvantage is that course selection is relatively limited at LACs compared to major research universities. They cannot offer as many majors in relatively arcane or less popular fields.</p>
<p>Thanks for the suggestions guys. So I’d assume that LACs with less than 9% would give me an AA boost right?</p>
<p>"As far as the musical instruments, you may want to be aware that “Asian American applicant whose primary extracurricular is piano or violin” (and majoring in biology to do pre-med) may be a too-common stereotype from the point of view of an admissions committee. "</p>
<p>Haha nah, I play a few instruments but none involve piano/violin. I’m involved in the marching band, indoor drumline, and eventually an orchestra. so I’ve spent lots of hours on music.</p>
<p>You asked about cons with LACs. There are some:</p>
<p>1) A very strong culture, especially if it’s rural or suburban - if it’s not a good fit, it may not be always be comfortable.
2) Fewer majors and fewer classes in each major. Also not every class is offered every semester, every year.<br>
3) If you have an esoteric interest, you will have a smaller group of people who share it.
4) The variety of research is likely to be more limited - though of course you won’t be competing with grad students for the profs attention if you do end up doing it
5) If you don’t show up for class, aren’t prepared for class, or don’t like to participate in class, it will be noticed by the prof and it will hurt your grades - LACs are big on participation.
6) LACs tend to require more writing. This can be difficult for some people.
7) Some people don’t like the class discussion format because it means they have to listen to classmates who may not be articulate or well-prepared - they would rather just have the prof talk, on the assumption that the airtime will be of higher quality.</p>
<p>There are lots of pluses to LACs (S is at one and loves it), but it isn’t for eveyone.</p>
<p>I think Haverford college in Pennsylvania would be absolutely perfect for you. Its a highly regarded school (top 10 LAC), close to your home, not a huge party scene, friendly professors, tightknit and friendly small campus, beautiful campus, great academics. I’m surprised no one has mentioned it yet. </p>
<p>I cannot imagine a better fit for you than Haverford except maybe Amherst, which is a medium reach. </p>
<p>I’d also look into Middlebury, Swarthmore, and Tufts.</p>
<p>I agree, piano and strings are common music ECs for any college applicant. IMO, if you have an aptitude for a unique instrument, i.e. horn, bassoon, oboe, the music departments might have a spot for you. On a different note, I think Swarthmore would be a reach also, with those stats.</p>