(Sorry for the long post! I wanted to provide enough detail.)
I’m a junior from PA trying to build a college list. I’m mostly interested in schools in warmer climates and I’d prefer not to go much colder than where I live currently. (A little snow is tolerable, but generally the warmer the better.) California is not an option due to parental objections.
SAT: 2260 (710 M / 800 CR / 750 W), 2240 single sitting (710 W)
GPA: 4.0 unweighted in challenging classes, taking AP/Honors whenever available
Class Rank: currently 1 / 271 (liable to change but shouldn’t go below top 10%)
ECs: Pretty good I think? My main EC is the Technology Student Association. I’m extremely active in state-level leadership as a state officer and have consistently placed top ten in competitions at states and nationals. I also am involved in NHS and Key Club (50 service hours a year) and have played piano for ~8 years.
Potential Major: Biology or Neuroscience, also interested in Computer Science, considering pre-med
Finances: Probably not eligible for any need-based, but I do have a twin, so it’s possible. Parents have a lot saved for college but are encouraging me to find merit aid, especially since med school is a possibility.
Size: preferably mid-sized, don’t mind large if there’s an honors college
Location: Urban or suburban, definitely don’t want to be in the middle of nowhere
Here’s what I’m currently looking at, just to give you an idea:
Reach:
Johns Hopkins - Strong bio, honestly don’t know too much about it yet and would hate to apply just on reputation
Match:
University of Miami (first choice) - Visited and loved it. They have strong programs in my areas of interest plus I’m a legacy and there is potential merit aid.
University of Pittsburgh (maybe a safety because I’m in-state?)- Willing to overlook the cold because of in-state tuition and very strong bio department
Safety:
Temple - Eligible for full-tuition plus stipend, like the urban setting and they have decent science programs
University of Alabama, Birmingham - Strong neuroscience if that’s what I decide to do / strong science in general, lots of merit aid
University of Alabama - Will consider more if I make National Merit because of the scholarships
Any suggestions, especially for matches or reaches? Also please let me know if I miscategorized any of the schools on my list.