Looking to add that decisive school

<p>I am a high school senior from New Jersey looking to add one final school to my list. I'm an African-American male (dual citizen of both the US and Nigeria). My stats are: 2.8 GPA, 2000 SAT (660 CR, 550 M, 790 W; first and only time I'm taking it), one AP class (European History this year), pretty good EC's, very good essay. The schools currently on my list are (questionables marked with an asterisk):</p>

<p>UMass Amherst (already applied)
Northeastern University
UNC Wilmington (already applied)
Bentley
Syracuse
CU-Boulder*
Quinnipiac (already applied)
Hofstra
Stetson (already applied)
Rutgers*
Rider (already applied)</p>

<p>I've a few weather and altitude concerns regarding CU-Boulder (I'm an asthmatic), and I'm not a very big fan of Rutgers; my dad is.</p>

<p>I'm looking for a school that has:
- between 4k-25k undergrads in a suburban/urban setting
- a reputable business school (looking to major in either management or international business)
- a good general academic reputation
- down-to-earth students
- decent school spirit
- vibrant student life
- good campus food</p>

<p>East Coast schools would be preferred, but I'm open to suggestions for schools anywhere in the country besides the Deep South or West Coast. It's important to note that I'll be full pay anywhere I choose. :)</p>

<p>what can your family afford? always the first question. ask your parents. run the net price calculators at each school.</p>

<p>Boulder is a great school, but the asthma and the cost is a concern. Boulder will cost you 51K before travel. Talk to your physician about your asthma and the altitude and smog in Boulder.</p>

<p>@jkeil911‌ I’ll be full pay anywhere, so the cost isn’t too much of a problem.</p>

<p>okay, as long as your dad knows this (I hear he’s favoring your state flagship, sometimes a sign that he’d prefer something less expensive). </p>

<p>What about Temple? It seems to have most of what you want. Or Delaware?</p>

<p>@jkeil911‌ my dad likes Rutgers because of its supposed academic reputation. Temple was actually one of the first schools I ever considered. However, it is a commuter school and I dislike Philly. And I’d consider Delaware if it wasn’t so popular amongst my schoolmates.</p>

<p>How did you decide Temple is a commuter school? Have you seen all of the new dorms? And why do you dislike Philly? I came (long ago) for college and have stayed very happily. We can discuss for hours.</p>

<p>@Wordworker‌ they’re defined as a commuter campus on the College Board website, and only 18% of students live on campus. I dislike Philly because of the sports fans, who are incredibly disliked by sports fans all across America.</p>

<p>My son lives and attends college in Philly. He resisted Temple when he first applied to college, pronouncing it “The University of Flyers Fans.” He’s trying to transfer there now. We are also in NJ, and he went to boarding school in PA. It’s too bad that you dislike Philly - it’s a fun, affordable city for young people (the sluggish job market and fiscal problems complicate matters once you’re ready to settle down and raise a family).Although a high percentage of Temple students live off-campus, they mostly live in apartments nearby. What about Loyola of Maryland or Duquesne? I would suggest DePaul and Pace, but they’re at least as “commuter” as Temple. Maybe Butler? Howard? </p>

<p>@woogzmama‌ @Wordworker‌ you know what, on second thought, I haven’t been to Philly in a long time. If you look past the sports fans, it is a great city. You’re right. Let me check Temple out! :)</p>

<p>Also, funny that you mention Loyola MD; along with Michigan State and Miami Ohio, they made up my first top three schools!</p>

<p>@woogzmama‌ I looked up Butler…and found that the campus food is terrible.</p>

<p>My nephew goes to Butler and likes it. He said the food is OK!</p>

<p>Every college student thinks their campus food is terrible, especially after a full semester of it and a return trip home at winter break.</p>

<p>@MaineLonghorn‌ that’s awesome!! What does he like about Butler particularly?</p>

<p>@"Erin’s Dad"‌ Even those that go to UMass? :)</p>

<p>I’ve had Pitt suggested to me…any thoughts?</p>

<p>I would second Pitt. Great city and seems to meet all of your criteria. Can’t opine on the dorm food however; I was a grad student there. The city has great restaurants all over though!</p>

<p>@blprof‌ fantastic, thanks for the opinion! :)</p>

<p>Anyone else agree/disagree on Pitt? All opinions, how ever subjective or objective, are welcome. </p>

<p>aye, Pitt. D’s there now. Akin to PSU, the other large PA state school. Pretty campus in the Oakland neighborhood of the city. City streets cross the campus in places. Skies are clear over Pittsburgh these days. Nice town with lots of museums and vibrant college and pro sports scenes. Good merit. Pretty good social life. About 43K.</p>

<p>@jkeil911‌ awesome! Mind if I ask what drew her to the school in particular? :)</p>

<p>budget. it wasn’t UMD. it was far enough away without being too far. her favorite girl cousin goes there. it had every major she could think of, and she had thought of many, and it was strong in neuroscience, Italian, and linguistics. it had The Cathedral. It was a pretty campus with nice kids. </p>

<p>@jkeil911‌ ah, I see!! Great that she found so many great things about it!!</p>

<p>What do you think my chances would be at Pitt?</p>