<p>Took my daughter to see some schools for inspiration ... she loved Bard & Skidmore but she doesn't have the grades... she about an 82-85 student - though her SAT scores are 1470 (w/o the writing) ... and a 790 on the Lit SAT II; </p>
<p>She's leaning toward a small to midsize school - 2,000-7,000 students... probably within 6-7 hrs from NYC ... though she was considering Earlham at one point....</p>
<p>Any suggestions?</p>
<p>She's been interested in japanese, anime, video games creation, theater, graphic arts.. and is conflicted about pursuing any of these specifically or a straight liberal arts program....</p>
<p>Goucher seems to appeal to the creative kids who might also be interested in Bard or Skidmore. I know a kid who is working on the artistic side of video game creation who recently graduated from Northeastern (and worked in the field via a professor and coop there while an undergrad). </p>
<p>Do you have any idea of her rank? Is she generally getting Bs? (At some schools an 82 might be a C+.)</p>
<p>And her school is really small… They don’t do rankings… There is a colorful past with a high school transfer to add to the whole admissions mix… Most importantly is the fact that grades are on an upswing…</p>
<p>I would not be so certain that she has no chance at Bard or Skidmore, especially with those SATs. Clearly they might be reachy–especially Bard–and you are wise to look for suitable matches and safeties. </p>
<p>It just occurred to me that Sarah Lawrence is another school she should look at. I think that it may be a bit easier to get into than Bard, judging by the results of kids I know, but it is a very cool school and great for a creative type. Bennington is another, but it is really tiny.</p>
<p>Do not write those schools off! For Bard, try to do the IDP plan – check it out on the website – but the slots fill fast, so keep checking this summer for when they put up the registration. It has a higher admissions rate and will give your D a good feel for a typical class. Bard is SAT optional, but you should definitely submit her scores.</p>