<p>I am an upcoming senior in high school and am looking for colleges that provide intelligent and strong science programs. I have taken all AE classes throughout high school maintaining virtually all A's with an unweighted GPA of 3.9 and a weighted GPA of 4.1 on a 5.0 scale. I've decided on entering college undeclared which I know is not the easiest but I'm hoping to discover my future through my first year or so of college. I can almost say with certainty that my major will be in the science field whether it be Biology, Physics, etc. My only standardized test is the SAT with a score of 2010. My biggest issue with the finding colleges to apply to is affordability. I've been searching for colleges around $30,000 tuition at most and I'm open to exceptions that are beyond 30k if they help financial aid and can improve the affordability substantially. I'm open to any suggestions whether it be a safety or a reach. I live in Massachusetts but my father lives in the D.C. area so I'm interested in any schools around either of those locations. If not, any schools east of the Mississippi will suffice. Thank you so much in advance for any suggestions but above all it's about the science programs and the affordability. </p>
<p>Please clarify: is 30k target tuition only or COA?</p>
<p>Did you select your safeties yet?</p>
<p>New College of FL, unless you want a big research university. They have loads of independent study and internship opportunities, and out-of-state students’ costs this year are under $30k. You might qualify for a decent scholarship at Goucher, too, which would bring your cost down within that range. There’s always UMass, of course. If your father lives in VA, and you can apply in-state, you would have an outside shot at UVA, and William & Mary would be quite affordable for you. VA Tech would also be an option, although it’s huge. You might qualify for scholarships at Temple or Pitt, and they are fairly affordable. U. of Delaware is another possibility. Clark or Wheaton might offer you some good merit aid. I fear that you might have too much competition among talented students in Massachusetts at more selective colleges, and might do better if you were willing to search nationally. </p>
<p>Go to the financial aid forum and look at the pinned threads. There is a sub thread there for schools <$25K</p>
<p>Tufts and Holy Cross have good science programs and Holy Cross meets 100% of demonstrated financial need.</p>
<p>First you need to determine whether you will be eligible for need-based financial aid. Run a few net price calculators for some of the schools you’re interested in to see if your estimated family contribution works for you. If it’s manageable, then you have a wide choice. If not, then you should be looking at colleges that offer merit aid. </p>
<p>There are many colleges on the Northeast and along the mid-Atlantic – all over the country really-- that have excellent sciences. Merit aid as noted is quite competitive so keep an open mind on location. </p>
<p>Don’t worry about declaring your major just yet. That won’t be a problem. I would suggest trying the ACT in addition to the SAT. </p>