<p>My D visited several schools over the summer - University of Puget Sound (too small), University of Washington (too big), Wake Forest (loved it, but wanted more of a "city feel" outside of the campus, and WashU in St Louis (loved it, loved the city). She also has been to Texas A&M, and UT-Austin for other activities - no formal tours or anything, but again considers them "too big".</p>
<p>She wants a city setting, but not a big state school. She is open to any part of the country, but I would prefer the Central Time Zone. She eventually wants to study Physical Therapy, so her undergrad can be anything as long as she is picking up the pre-reqs for grad school.</p>
<p>She is a National Merit Semi-Finalist, ranked 33/550 in her class, 3.92 unweighted, (110/120 scale weighted). Her SATs are good 740V, 710M, 740W, lots of Pre-Ap and AP classes, NHS, Mu Alpha Theta, captain of the swim team, has worked as a lifeguard and swim coach the last 2 summers, currently working 15-20 hours part time this school year. She volunteers weekly with a church daycare for low income children.</p>
<p>WashU is her first choice (that application is already submitted), and I am looking for suggestions for other schools to put applications in at so we have more choices come this spring.</p>
<p>Ditto; Rice. Financially it's a good choice w/ overall costs about $10,000 less a year than similar schools - plus tuition is indexed to some sort of inflation rate, so doesn't change drastically each year. Financial aid is very good, and Houston has a lot of cool resources, especially near Rice. It's beautiful. (And no, Rice is not just for science geeks. Kids there are very nice.) The updated Princeton Review now has a much better, and more accurate portrayal of the school. My liberal daughter is very happy there. PM me if you have any questions... The acceptance rate for out-of-state students is much higher than instate - so she would have a very good shot at acceptance.</p>
<p>Rice could be a great fit for her (National Merit School, Central Time Zone, access to the largest medical center in the western hemisphere). I'm a Rice sophomore, so PM me with questions, if you want. Also, Emory might work.</p>
<p>EDIT: Rice tuition is no longer indexed to the consumer price index, as it used to be. My class (2008) is the first class to not have our tuition tied to it :(</p>
<p>Emory could be a good bet for a student like your daughter with an interest in things scientific and medical--also GW might be worth considering.</p>
<p>brown or columbia sound perfect if she wanted to come east (a planeride is a planeride)- contained campuses in the middle of a city.
northwestern is great.</p>
<p>Jenskate: this is still posted on the Rice website about tuition increases....
[quote]
he tuition rate for incoming students is established by the Rice Board of Governors and is determined annually. Rice guarantees your freshman tuition will rise no more than inflation. Rates for continuing students consist of the Rate at Matriculation, or base tuition rate, plus an annual in-flation adjustment based on the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (CPI-U). Students remain eligible for their Rate at Matriculation for six years from the time they enter Rice. This applies both to students whose attendance at Rice is continuous and to those who withdraw or take an approved leave of absence and are readmitted to the university. After six years, students pay the tuition applicable to the new incoming freshman class.
<p>
[quote]
Undergraduate Tuition: The tuition rate for the entering first year and transfer students enrolling in 2005-2006 was $23,310. By Board policy since the fall of 1994, tuition increases for continuing students each year have been tied to the Consumer Price index and, thus, do not exceed inflation. However, the Board of Trustees recently approved a plan to phase out the undergraduate tuition indexing program beginning with the class entering in the fall of 2004.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>However, the current rate of 23,310 is below the going rate at comparable schools. Not that any of this matters if you are recieving need-based aid.</p>
<p>Rice does give merit awards by the way, including several of 12,000/year.</p>
<p>If Washington U doesn't work out, which it probably will for you, here is something else to consider. Lawrence U has a cooperative Occupational Therapy program with Washinton U. See below.</p>
<p>Occupational Therapy
Program advisor: G. Metalsky
Lawrence offers a 3-2 program in occupational therapy in conjunction with the School of Medicine of Washington University, St. Louis. Students spend three years of study at Lawrence and then continue for five semesters and two summers in the occupational therapy program at Washington University. After two semesters of successful study at Washington University, Lawrence awards the Bachelor of Arts degree. The student then continues for three more semesters and two summers at Washington University to earn the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy degree. Students who complete this program are prepared to address the prevention and treatment of physical or mental dysfunctions that impair people's abilities to perform activities of daily life. Occupational therapists focus on the methods that permit individuals to engage in meaningful life activities. They also assist in modifying environments that make it possible for individuals to function at home, at work, and in the community.</p>
<p>Lawrence students apply to the occupational therapy program of the School of Medicine, Washington University during the fall of the junior year and must meet the entrance requirements established by the occupational therapy program. The Washington University School of Medicine is one of the finest in the country, and the occupational therapy program is competitive. A 3.000 Lawrence grade-point average is a minimum requirement but does not guarantee admission. Students who are admitted may apply for financial aid provided by Washington University.</p>
<p>I'll enthusiastically second Vanderbilt, where I believe your d would have a strong chance not only at admission but also at receiving merit aid. Vanderbilt offers at least 5K annually to admitted NM semi-finalists (not all are admitted, however). Nashville is a wonderful city; the campus is lovely and self-contained, but surrounded by city neighborhoods ranging from upscale to quirky (still safe in this overprotective Mom's opinion).</p>
<p>Volunteer opportunities abound. The Alternative Spring Break program was started at Vandy more than 20 years ago, for instance. Lots of chances for working with kids as a tutor - the school allows students to check cars out to get to their volunteer positions.</p>
<p>Vandy's Med School is world-class, and its orthopedic dept. is highly respected - I imagine your d could find internships or mentors in her area of interest.</p>
<p>Vanderbilt's selectivity has increased considerably in the past few years - last year 34 percent of applicants were admitted. I'd suggest a visit both to check things out and to assure the admissions dept. that she's a serious applicant.</p>
<p>Good luck! Looks as if her chances at WUSTL are very strong, too.</p>