<p>The schools that I'm going to be applying to are Kenyon, Amherst, Hamilton, Vassar, and Wesleyan.
Unfortunately, these are all highly selective, costly schools that I'm not sure I'll be able to afford (if I can get in).
Can anyone recommend some schools that are similar to my Top 5 (smaller, liberal arts-oriented, with good English and Theatre programs) but are easier to afford or may offer bigger scholarships?</p>
<p>I'll still be applying to my Top 5, but I need something to fall back on if I can't get accepted/can't afford my top choices.</p>
<p>bard, sarah lawrence, skidmore.
ignore par72's suggestions- bates and colby are the same level of a hamilton or a vassar, and holy cross has a completely different feel than the others.</p>
<p>Here are LACs that are sometimes compared to your choices and that are slightly less selective than your top picks; unfortunately most are not financial safties:</p>
<p>Kenyon: Denison, College of Wooster, Allegheny
Amherst, Hamilton: Bates, Colgate, Colby (similar to Hamilton in selectivity, slightly less selective than Amherst)
Vassar: ConnCollege, Wheaton (MA), Sarah Lawrence
Wesleyan: Oberlin, Skidmore, Bard, Hampshire</p>
<p>A great thread on colleges that are willing to compete for top students by offering generous merit aid:</p>
<p>I second Denison. English is among its strongest departments and it has a very active theater scene... boosted greatly recently by Jennifer Garner being an alum.</p>
<p>So far many above suggestions feel more like matches to me, if the Kenyon/Amherst group are your reaches.</p>
<p>My D applied to many of the same schools that you like-- and she chose Beloit, Lawrence, & Allegheny for safties. Beloit and Allegheny gave her merit aid of about 10K each. Both have EA. Their costs start out lower, too.</p>
<p>She had apx 3.85 (W) and 1350 (old SAT) and is an athlete.</p>
<p>Goucher, Clark, & Wheaton are good possibilities too. For a female consider a women's college like Smith or Mt Holyoke. </p>
<p>Not a safety, but Grinnell is in line with your top picks and has good financial aid.</p>
<p>To be really really safe, apply to one school at least where you are CERTAIN you can afford it. Maybe a smaller LAC-like public (U Maryland College Park?)</p>
<p>I am looking at theatre programs in small liberal arts colleges (for my son). If you were broadening your list to perhaps increase the probability of aid, you might consider Muhlenberg, Beloit, Sewanee. Muhlenberg and Beloit have been recommended by those who know something about theatre programs. They do not know much about Sewanee, but, of the three Sewanee has been on the top of our list. From my understanding Tenn. Williams (or those managing his estate) left a substantial endowment to the writing and theatre programs. Also, if you compare tuition/board of southern and mid-western colleges, you will find that your bill may be as much as $10k less per year. You can go to some of these fine colleges at about the same price as out-of-state tuition, and the education/service is likely to be a lot better.</p>