Looking For Matches or Any Help at all!

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Hi everyone, it's my first time posting on here so sorry if I accidently leave any info out. And sorry this is so long. I'm a senior in high school [female, white] and am having an extremely difficult time finding colleges that ‘fit’ me. I’ve really become disillusioned by the whole college search process. I’m a NJ resident. My parents haven’t been able to help me much, besides driving me to campuses last year. I have an older brother (27) who wasn’t sure where he wanted to go, so he just opted for Rutgers – I have a lot on insight on that school. My problem is I honestly can’t find a school that I really like, and I feel like I’m getting swayed by ranking and random students’ reviews online. How am I supposed to know if a college will really work for me? I’m seriously running out of time, and I’m extremely grateful for any help.
I feel like I’ve worked extremely hard for three years, just to hit a brick wall!
Stats:
4.65 GPA [weighted 4.0 scale]
3/204 in class
1910 on SATs, 1260 cr+m
4 on AP Biology test – Taking AP Calc, APUSH, and AP Eng this year [the only one I didn’t take that my school offers is AP Chem]
Lots and lots of extracurriculars and leadership roles in and out of school – Student Council President, Model United Nations Officer of Legal Committee, etc.
Volunteer work, but never at places that logged hours – mostly helping out at the school and with my immediate community
Participated in Girls State, Leadership Training Conference, job shadowing, and research at a chemistry and testing lab on new types of asbestos mineral fibers
I’m forgetting a lot but it’s just a rundown.</p>

<p>I guess my search has been hard for me since I am not fully positive as of what I want to go into. Right now I’m looking for biology and environmental sciences programs, and I’d like to minor or look into International Relations. I have so many interests.. As of right now, I’m planning Pre-Med. All I’m solid in is that I want travel to be a part of my career. Whether my job allows me the money and time to travel, or ideally, my work is global.</p>

<p>So, the major problem – finding a school! I’m looking desperately for a school that is medium sized (I’m scared of becoming just another number in a school like Rutgers) and extremely social/active campus since I’m a very socially active person. I want there to be a lot to do. Strong academics, solid in the sciences I suppose. I love the wilderness and outdoors, so I was considering a rural campus for a while, but found that I really want school that’s not so isolated – near or in the city is just fine with me too.
Schools I’ve considered have been Northeastern – many tell me it’s not as academically on par as I personally want it to be, but I love its location – Boston. It’s an urban school yet still has a somewhat traditional campus feel. I’ve looked at Syracuse University – love the academics and school, but do I really want to deal with all of that snow? Of course since I’m in NJ, Rutgers is where almost everyone I know goes. I’m worried about ending up there, not because it’s not a good school, but it is just not on the top of my list. I’ve visited TCNJ many times for different activities, and it’s way too small and circular of a campus and school for me. Rowan/Ramapo/Stockton/Montclair/Monmouth – I just don’t feel like these schools would push me enough academically, and many are commuter since most students are from NJ (I’d really like to avoid a suitcase school at all costs). I’ve looked into U of Miami, and love it, but the rumors and stereotypes seem to have chased me away. I’ve looked at Drexel, but I really didn’t like it’s extremely urban campus and feel. Plus, I’m still not sure about co-op – which makes me question why I like Northeastern? And tons of other schools but for the sake of length..</p>

<p>Financially, I’m from a middle class family. My mom stopped working two years ago due to a disability, so she’s retired – receiving a teacher’s pension and disability. My dad works for SEPTA’s railroad. I also have twin, so my parents have to manage to try to support both of us as much as they can.
So basically I have no idea where to look. Dartmouth is my dream school – it’s activities, campus, spirit, etc. but obviously the chances of me getting in are so low. I’ve read the CC forums for months silently, regarding just about everything. I’m really grateful for any help. I’m so frustrated with myself for running around in circles, basically. I missed the Nov 1 EA deadline for most schools, and I can’t take that back.</p>

<p>If you read this thank you so, SO much.</p>

2

<p>Due to your family financial situation, you need to focus on schools that meet your full financial need. Here’s a list of schools that claim to meet full need:</p>

<p>[Colleges</a> That Claim to Meet the Full Financial Needs of Students - US News and World Report](<a href=“http://www.usnews.com/articles/education/paying-for-college/2010/02/18/colleges-that-claim-to-meet-the-full-financial-needs-of-students.html]Colleges”>http://www.usnews.com/articles/education/paying-for-college/2010/02/18/colleges-that-claim-to-meet-the-full-financial-needs-of-students.html)</p>

<p>Beyond that, I’m not really sure what to advise you. Personally, I think smaller schools are better for people that are not really sure what they want to study.</p>

3

<p>Are you a senior or a junior? Your class rank is very impressive but your SAT score is a little weak, so if you are a junior and you can try the ACT or re-take the SAT it would, of course, help. It would also help to know what you have seen that you didn’t like. Thinking about medium sized schools with that SAT score and those interests brought American to mind but I have no idea how the financial aid is. Pitt would be good for the science interest and possible with that score, I think. What about the smaller SUNY schools? And maybe you should also look at small schools–Ursinus, susquehanna, Gettysburg, Muhlenberg.</p>

4

<p>Biology, pre-med, international relations, urban but adjacent to a large wooded park: I’d definitely check out Pitt. Scores are right in line.</p>

5

<p>I’d add some of the Philly schools that are solid academically, but due to the large number of regional schools, don’t get the love out of the area – LaSalle and St. Joe. </p>

<p>Both have good progams and your stats put you in the running for merit. Both are near enough to Philly, without the urban feel of Drexel.</p>

6

<p>I’m going to suggest some LACs that are similar in feel to Dartmouth and have strong environmental Science programs.
Middlebury
Bowdoin
Bates
Both Bowdoin and Bates are test optional.
I’m pretty sure that Bowdoin and Middlebury meet full need. Not sure about Bates.
Check them out and see what you think.
Good Luck.</p>