My College List!

College Search & Selection
1

I’ve been trying to create my college list for quite some time now and this is what I have finally arrived to:

CUNY Queens College
Syracuse University
Skidmore College
Brandeis University
Wesleyan University
SUNY Binghamton
Franklin & Marshall College
Vanderbilt University
Brown University

I feel as though a lot of the schools on this list are out of league and I don’t want to get too ahead of myself and apply to schools just to end up not being accepted by them. In regards to my application, my extra curriculars are great (this is not only my opinion) and I have above a 4.0 GPA (not exactly sure the number but unweighted it is a 3.88). However, my 1830 SAT score is a big set back. I do plan on taking the test for a second time in October but I’m still unsure.

Should I still even apply to these schools? Which ones should I remove? I’ve always wanted to go to what is considered a “top” or “prestigious” school so if you have any recommendations of schools that you think I should look more into please let me know. If it helps, I plan on majoring in Neuroscience.

2

I’d definitely apply to Syracuse, CUNY Queens College, Brandeis, and SUNY Binghamton. Out of the reach schools you have listed I would still consider Skidmore and Brown University. Vanderbilt is very score oriented. Franklin & Marshall doesn’t offer any form of merit aid.

3

What do you think about me having Wesleyan on my list? And are there any other schools you would recommend? Thank you so much!

4

Wake Forest is test optional and U Rochester would accept a combination of SAT2s and AP scores if you had any. And for Brandeis, you can submit a graded paper instead of test scores. Do you need financial aid?

5

I’ve heard about Wake Forest but it doesn’t have neuroscience as a major & yes I do need financial aid!

6

If I were you I wouldn’t apply to Vanderbilt or Brown. Wake Forest would be a good addition as a reach though!

7

Vanderbilt is out of reach for your current score, or with any realistic increase. You would really need to be over 2100 to have any shot at all.

8

What do you know about neuroscience? Have you had any exposure to the field?

Syracuse is less selective than you might think, and your SAT [falls well within the range](College Navigator - Syracuse University) of admitted students. Wake Forest does have a minor in neuroscience, and if you intend to go to grad school in the field, many of the top phD programs admit people with limited background in general neuroscience.

You may also want to consider the following schools:
-University of Miami
-University of Rochester
-Pitzer College
-University of Albany

9

Besides Vanderbilt & Brown, are there any other schools do you think I should remove from my list?

10

what is your intended major?

11

Neuroscience

12

It is impossible to get even close to making a judgement without knowing about the rest of your application. Notable actual achievement could open doors to the most competitive schools for students with less than stellar scores. I’m obviously not talking about a long list of generic EC’s though. But true achievements or unusual circumstances (working an almost full time job to help support the family throughout the year and still pulling a 3.8, for example or publishing a paper or doing well in a national competition or being a highly ranked athlete, artist, math wiz).

Whenhen, the extent to which SU is competitive depends upon the school. Newhouse is as competitive as many of top schools, for example,

13

As a female science student, who needs financial aid, you might look at Grinnell College in Iowa. Emphasizes collaboration, inclusion, with surprisingly strong science for a small school, and significant research opportunities for students. They have a neuroscience concentration.