<p>Oberlin and Reed in the LAC world; the former because it is a cradle of alternative rock stars and the latter because it’s in Portland which would fit the bill completely. Both are great, demanding colleges that look more for spark than for numbers in their admissions (assuming basic good-student qualification, which the OP’s son would have).</p>
<p>How about Vanderbilt, in another music mecca? Probably an achievable reach.</p>
<p>How long ago the older sister’s admission? 3.5/2000 seems very reachy for UCLA or Michigan out of state now.</p>