Looking for a Little Guidance

College Search & Selection
1

<p>hello all.
I've been stalking these boards for a while now and finally decided to take the plunge and make an account! I am a rising senior who has already started my search for the "perfect" college. So I'll get straight to it and tell you about me, what I'm looking for, and what I'm not looking for.</p>

<p>I am from a small city in Alabama. Your typical southern conservative college town. We have a nice college that I could attend but do not plan on even applying to (I have my reasons, tell me if you have reasons you think I should). I'm mainly looking to broaden my horizons, go out and meet a variety of new people, and "find myself" all while getting an excellent education. You know, the typical story of a college person. Now for my academic background.</p>

<p>As of right now I have only taken the ACT, with my highest score being a 28 (I believe I SUCK at test taking). :( I'm trying my hardest to pull that up, but in the meantime I refuse to be discouraged!
My grades are great. No C's, a couple B's, mostly A's.
GPA- 3.8
ECs- Ambassador (where I am secretary) of my school. Member of concert and gospel choir. SGA. NHS. Mu Alpha Theta. graduate of a local very presregious leadership program. did some summer volunteer work at a children's museum. member of a social
club. This is not a lot of stuff but it's been very rewarding to me I must say. Hopefully colleges will be able to see that.
Let's see what else? I am interested in a science major I'm pretty sure. Pretty flexible on campus size, nothing too large though. Also I'm not interested in paying out-of-state tuition at just an "okay" public schools. There are other schools in Alabama that I am considering as safety and match schools. But I would also like 'plausible' reach school (no Harvard or Stanford please, just yet anyway lol).
Let's say money is no factor other than that though. I would like to hear all of you alls suggestions for good out-of-state schools for me!
Also I am African-American if that helps. Very smart, motivated, and willing to work hard! Keep that in mind also! Thanks. :)</p>

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<p>Assuming University of Alabama with its [url=&lt;a href=“http://scholarships.ua.edu/types/in_state.html]scholarships[/url”&gt;http://scholarships.ua.edu/types/in_state.html]scholarships[/url</a>] is your safety…</p>

<p>Less expensive OOS publics that may be worth a look include University of Washington, Virginia Tech, Penn State (University Park), and Cal Poly SLO. If cost is no object, good OOS publics include University of California (various), University of Texas (Austin), University of North Carolina, Georgia Tech, University of Virginia, William and Mary, University of Illinois (Urbana Champaign), University of Wisconsin (Madison), Purdue, University of Maryland (College Park).</p>