Looking for help to expand my college list!

College Search & Selection
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Hi! I’m a senior looking to expand my college list. I go to a fairly competitive private school and have a 3.84 GPA, 33 ACT, and around 50 hrs of community service. I’m the head of 2 clubs, one which I founded, and have 2 fairly good letters of rec.

I’m looking for a college in the Northeast (preferably less than 4hrs from NYC), with rigorous academics, a size of around 5k-20k, some party culture (though not Bama level), a good English/Creative Writing Program, and not single-sex. Preferably takes the Common App too.

I’m already considering UVA, Binghampton, BC, Northeastern, Northwestern, UChicago, Syracuse, The New School, UMass, and Wesleyan.

UPenn was my dream school but I’m not applying because I really doubt that I’d get in–but I’m searching for schools with a similar vibe.

Thanks!

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If UPenn is your dream, you should apply. I see no reason to have schools like UChicago and Northwestern but remove UPenn from your list.

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What can you afford? Do you need FA or merit?

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Neither!

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Based on your interest in creative writing and English literature, these sites could serve as a source for further ideas:

As you would expect, you will see some of your current choices included in the above.

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For creative writing, I prefer this list, since it is produced by people whose career is in creative writing, and is updated, as well (at least for 2019):

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Why is UChicago on the list? It doesn’t seem to fit your criteria for 4 hour drive within nyc, and some party culture.

Is your home state NY? Can your family pay $300k+ for college?

For strength in English, you might add Brandeis, Colgate, and Fordham.

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Thanks!

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My counselor suggested I add it as he said he could “see me there.”

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Thank you!

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Hamilton and Colgate are worth a look.

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