Looking For Good Alternates/Matches/Backups

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Hi! I'm a high school senior currently scrambling to finish college apps. Really good student (6% I think), strong extra-curriculars, SAT = 2140, pretty good common app essay. </p>

<p>Currently, Bryn Mawr is my top choice (favorite & only one I think I have a fairly good chance of getting into), but I'm also applying to Brandeis, Middlebury, Oberlin, Washington University in St. Louis, and Haverford. </p>

<p>I'm really struggling with the supplemental essays for Bryn Mawr and Haverford, and am freaking out about getting into any of the colleges on my current list (they seem like they might be too "reach").</p>

<p>I was wondering if anyone could suggest any good small liberal arts schools that are not overly difficult to get into that I could look at? </p>

<p>Thank you!</p>

2

<p>“I was wondering if anyone could suggest any good small liberal arts schools that are not overly difficult to get into that I could look at?” </p>

<p>Macalester
Bucknell
Kenyon
Lafayette
Trinity
Whitman
Furman</p>

3

<p>I would second Trinity (San Antonio).</p>

4

<p>Thanks! </p>

<p>I probably should have specified though - preferably not religiously affiliated</p>

5

<p>North, East, South, Midwest, or West? Rural or urban? Are you applying for FA?</p>

6

<p>Lafayette
U. Richmond
Dickinson</p>

7

<p>Smith, Bennington</p>

8

<p>If youare looking at Oberlin and Haverford, then consider Grinnell.</p>

9

<p>Here’s a plug for Whitman. My S loves it. Yes, it’s off the beaten path which is why it doesn’t get the attention it should. Walla Walla is a terrific little town; the academics are rigorous; the faculty dedicated; the student body is gregarious and very involved in activities, school and the community. Coming from the east or midwest (I’m assuming that’s where you come from) you’d get a bump for geographic diversity. Give it a look.</p>

10

<p>if you’re looking into oberlin and bryn mawr you should consider macalester, grinnell, reed, bard, and/or eugene lang (part of the new school)</p>

<p>and the colleges you’re looking at seem to be in your reach, generally. i wouldn’t worry, though if you’re nervous about it try to find a few safeties just to make you feel better (maybe ithaca?) good luck! :)</p>

11

<p>My impression is that Middlebury and Oberlin are quite different, so it’s hard to know whether to recommend LACs similar to Middlebury but slightly less selective (Colby is probably the closest) or LACs similar to Oberlin which are more artsy/funky (Bard, Skidmore). 2140 and top 6% should get you into Brandeis and Bryn Mawr but you’re right to find a few other places to add just in case. Those stats should give you a decent chance at Middlebury. Probably even harder to get into than Bryn Mawr but definitely worth considering is Wellesley.</p>

12

<p>^^Would you say Reed would be a match for her?</p>

13

<p>Reed? Not if she’s looking for a culture like Middlebury’s, but yes, if Oberlin is a good fit.</p>