Looking for some matches/safeties

College Search & Selection
1

<p>(This was originally posted in the chances forum, but this forum is probably more appropriate as I need assistance with selection. If any mod reads this, please delete the other thread. Thanks.)</p>

<p>2008 (class 10, finals) = 90.3% (national exam, top 10%)
2009 (class 11, finals) = 59% (school exam, school doesn't rank)
2009 (class 12, final year, midyear) = 81% (school exam, doesn't rank, though I estimate it's in the top 20%)</p>

<p>My SAT IIs are: Math II, Phy, Chem (800, 770, 790).
SAT I: (Math, CR, Writing = 760, 690, 730), will possibly retake.</p>

<p>ECs-</p>

<p>Cofounder of the school maths magazine (and consequently editor too)
Tech Support incharge of the school Youth Congress (which was a sucky club, but the job was interesting)
Coordinator of the school's computer club
Editor of the school tech magazine
Won 4 state level competitions (as of Oct 4, next competition is on the 8th =D ) [1 in debating, 1 in marketing, and 2 tech symposiums]
Admin on Wikipedia
Won multiple school level competitions</p>

<ul>
<li>the rest of my laundry list.</li>
</ul>

<p>My essays are good. I haven't let anyone else read them yet (way too personal), but I think they're good. Recs likewise.</p>

<p>I'm looking for safeties + matches, preferably schools which have a COA of less than 40k/annum. I'm not looking for aid, but if the cost goes above 35-40k, I won't be able to afford it.</p>

<p>(Oh yea, I'm an international student, preferred major = comp eng + psycho/eco)</p>

<p>Context= My school is rated no. 1 / no. 2 in my country, so it's very very competitive. I think the admission guys will know that.</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>Wisconsin, Iowa, Kansas, Purdue, Virginia Tech, Clemson, Colorado, Minnesota, North Carolina State, Texas A&M.</p>

3

<p>Look at schools in the midwest for lower costs.</p>

4

<p>Thanks for the advice Schmaltz, overseas.</p>

<p>Wisconsin, Purdue, Virginia Tech, Minnesota, and Texas A&M are all good options. Any others? (BTW, are these safeties or matches?)</p>

5

<p>Logging out now, will check back tomorrow.</p>

<p><em>bump</em></p>

6

<p>The way your school grades looks so confusing.</p>

7

<p>Wisconsin, Purdue, Virginia Tech, Minnesota, and Texas A&M are all good options. Any others? (BTW, are these safeties or matches?) </p>

<p>All would be safeties for you.</p>

8

<p>Clemson University!</p>

9

<p>Schrizto: That’s how they’re sent to colleges…</p>

<p>Everyone else: Thanks for the options. I think I have enough safeties. Any matches?</p>

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<p>(bump?)</p>

<p>Still looking for matches. As I said, I have enough safeties now.</p>

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<p>A match might the honors college at any of those state schools.</p>

<p>The cost factor is what is keeping us from suggesting matches such a Tufts or USC.</p>

<p>Minnesota and probably the other state schools have their own application, not the common ap. The Minnesota one does not have an essay component and applications are being read already. Go ahead and get a couple of safeties in.</p>

12

<p>matches:</p>

<p>Publics in your price range without financial aid: U of Florida, U of Texas-Austin, Georgia Tech, U of Washington (Seattle), U of Virginia.</p>

<p>Not sure about which of these match private schools would give aid to foreign applicants to get you within your price range:</p>

<p>Washington U. (St. Louis)
Northwestern
Tufts
NYU
Notre Dame
Rice
Bucknell
Lehigh
Cornell</p>

13

<p>twomules: I know the cost factor is pretty limiting, but there’s really nothing I can do about that. I’m going to take your advice and get some safeties out of the way (esp. Minnesota).</p>

<p>Schmaltz: Again, thanks for your reply. Your list has been extremely helpful. I’m going to apply to those private colleges too (and hope I get aid).</p>

<p>(Since my question has been answered, I’m not looking for any further replies. Thanks for the help guys)</p>

14

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<p>Is it true that US admission people will know that your foreign HS is number 1 or 2 in your country? Maybe someone here can answer that. </p>

<p>The problem with finding “matches” for you is your budget. Most top flagship states or privates are going to cost more than $35-40k per year.</p>

<p>To get in your price range…most schools will be safeties for you.</p>

15

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<p>I talked to a Yale admissions guy today, and I’m pretty sure they know.</p>

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<p>Yes, I understand. But I really can’t afford it (not like I don’t want to pay). What about the need-blind universities? Would they qualify as reaches (high, low, or anywhere in between) (for me), or should I not bother applying at all? (For example Harvard and CalTech are definitely out)</p>

<p>EDIT- Yes, I know CalTech is not need-blind. It was meant to be an example.</p>