<p>I have been told since the beginning of high school that I could just pick a college and go. It was sort of assumed by all that this would be an Ivy League institution, but now my dream school is a safety. I love it. It's everything I want: Challenging, nurturing, small, liberal arts, close to a big city but with a strong sense of community and amazing academics. How do I go about telling all the teachers, counselors, grandparents, etc., that I just don't wan't to go to one of those lofty big name Universities? Are any of you in this situation?</p>
<p>Yes, I wanted to attend a school that was a safety for me, but ended up at a reach school because of financial considerations...</p>
<p>As long as the college is a good fit, I wouldn't worry too much about what others think, as you'll be the one that will be attending.</p>
<p>Well, it saves a ton of money on application fees...
Considering that you'll probably get quite a bit of merit aid from the college, I don't think it'll be that hard.</p>
<p>Many of us are in that situation, but you won't find too many here, because so many ppl on CC are just obsessed with the ivys and other big name schools.</p>
<p>I'm kinda this way too! One of my TOP choices is a saftey/low match school for me. I don't know why, I just absolutely love every aspect about it :) Of course, I'm still keeping my other options open... but yeah. </p>
<p>What school are you talking of? haha...</p>
<p>Why care about what other people think? Go for your own dreams!</p>
<p>I agree with 1q2w.</p>
<p>Also, what is that college, if you don't mind sharing?</p>
<p>My dream school is also my 'safety' because (1) I will get a substaintial merit aid (2) I want to enjoy the learning part in the college (I am a self-learner) without the cut-throat competition at a selective school.
Go with your gut instincts, not what others say.</p>
<p>The "safety" college is St. Olaf, in southern Minnesota. Progressive (liberal)christianity, an amazing choir, equally amazing vegetarian food, a commitment to sustainability, and excellent study abroad and academic programs. More Peace Corps members than any college of its size. It's sort of overlooked because it's in the same town as Carleton.</p>
<p>Lie and tell them what they want to hear or just don't bother telling them.</p>
<p>As seniors we all get the relatives/random ppl asking bout oh what college you applying/going to. Most of my choices are LAC's which people havent heard of. I just tell them UCLA and theyre like oh and stop asking.</p>
<p>^^^ That is funny because I have a list of LACs I am NOT applying to! I read out this list when relatives and friends ask where I am applying. And my major: undecided! No relative or a distant friend of mine is going to find out until Sept 2007 where I am going...</p>
<p>lol so you tell them LAC's so they stop asking? I find that mentioning LAC's draws the most curiosity/criticism. They think I'll end up in the streets if i go to a liberal art school so they try to convince me not to.</p>
<p>One of my friends is a National Merit Scholar, 34 ACT, Salutatorian, and she chose Olaf. She absolutely adores it there, and doesn't feel "above" everyone. She loves it at Olaf, and it does seem like a great school! The academics seem excellent, and she really likes the instrumental music program as well.</p>
<p>My friend's older sister goes to Olaf, and she loves it there. I've heard nothing but good things about it. If you want to go there, then GO. Don't let anyone stop you :D</p>
<p>good for you. you will get into your dream school and maybe pick up a few scholarships.</p>
<p>Isle Boy, explain going to a reachier school as a result of financial considerations... Did your parents have money burning a hole in their pockets?</p>
<p>andrw,</p>
<p>Speaking purely theoretically, I think a public honors college, which could definitely be a reach, could actually be much less expensive than a private university which is a safety but where the applicant doesn't happen to get much merit aid. Or maybe the reach school meets 100% of need but the safety doesn't... Not common situations, perhaps, but certainly possible ones.</p>
<p>no shame in that, SUNY albany is a safety for me, but it has one of the best atmospheric science programs in the country. Being a big party school ain't bad either.</p>
<p>What would you be studying at St Olaf?</p>
<p>St. Olaf is an excellent school. No apologies needed. It sounds like just what you are looking for so go for it!</p>