looking for schools! (I'm new to this...)

College Search & Selection
1

<p>So, I've recently started looking for schools to visit and consider as part of the college process. I'm a junior in HS with:</p>

<p>97.5 GPA
Top 5% of class
SAT scores (planning to retake):
CR- 640
M- 670
W- 670
Decent ECs, leadership positions, community service, work experience etc.</p>

<p>I'm on the hunt for a small to medium sized school (LAC or universities). I'm pretty much open to any type of location—rural, small town, or city. I'm interested in staying in the Northeast, or the east coast (I live in NY), but I'd be willing to go to school near family (such as in Texas). That being said, the one school that I've found that I really like is Rice. I want a sense of community on campus, and preferably a pretty campus. Any other schools like Rice out there? Preferably closer to home? And while I'm looking to have at least a decent social life, I'm not too big on Greek life. I'm planning to major in biology or neuroscience (but I'll probably end up sticking with biology—so a neuroscience major is not a necessity). Money is an issue, so I am really looking for schools that give good financial aid (I'm also open to public schools). I'm also having a hard time identifying safety, match, and reach schools, so I'm open to schools across the board, with all different acceptance rates. I haven't really been able to find that many schools that meet what I'm looking for, but then again, I'm new to this! I apologize for any spelling errors, as I'm typing this quickly. Thanks in advance for any suggestions!!</p>

2

<p>Brandeis, Rochester</p>

3

<p>Hamilton, Colgate.</p>

4

<p>Skidmore (safety?), Bates (match?)</p>

5

<p>Look at the SUNYs.</p>

6

<p>SUNY Binghamton, perhaps?</p>

7

<p>nyu_poly?
stevens?</p>

8

<p>I know Rice well as I have a son who attends there and it's a GREAT school. Of all the east coast schools we visited, the only one that I think came close in terms of a close knit, collaborative non-Greek vibe is Bowdoin.</p>

9

<p>my advice to you is after you do all your research, and lets say you fall absolutely in love with Rice, is to really consider doing early decision there.</p>

10

<p>Tufts (MA), Ct College and Drew (NJ). Drew would be the easiest as far as admissions goes and they are also very good with merit aid.</p>