<p>I'm trying to find just a few more colleges to add to my list. I've applied to a bunch already, all pretty different from each other. So far I have gotten into Tulane (with the Dean's scholarship), St. John's (one of my safety schools), University of Arizona, and Minnesota Twin Cities. I didn't originally plan on applying to all of those, but a few sent me those personal applications where you don't have to pay or do an essay so I figured I may as well complete them. Anyway I'm also waiting to hear back from Boston University and Northeastern. A little about myself:</p>
<p>G.P.A: UNW 3.4/4.2 W
SAT 1: 2200 (1440 w/o writing)
SAT 2: Math 2: 700
Spanish: 790
Biology: 700
Major: Most likely biology or biochem, as I'm looking to do pharmacy or dental school later on.</p>
<p>I've been in I.B all 4 years so 90% of my classes are I.B/A.P/Honors</p>
<p>Class Rank: 37/799</p>
<p>E.C's: Pretty strong. 2 sports (7 total years of varsity and a handful of nice awards), various community service activities, a lot of other things.</p>
<p>Now for the sorts of colleges I'm looking for. Well first of all, a good Biology program and a decent acceptance rate to grad schools is probably my main concern. I want to be near or in a big city at a school with a good social life as far as partying, clubs, sports, etc. I'd prefer a school without religious affiliation, but that isn't necessarily a must. I'd prefer somewhere relatively large as far as student body goes. My high school has 4,500 kids so anywhere around there and up would be good. Like many people, I want college to be the time of my life so I really look forward to going somewhere pretty far from home (though not necessarily completely on the other side of the country). Currently I live in a Los Angeles suburb, and it just isn't what I want the rest of my life to be.</p>
<p>Hmm, how about Fordham? It’s in NYC (around the Bronx, specifically) and 7,000 undergrads. It does have religious affiliation, but I don’t think it affects the social and academic aspects of the college. I definitely think it’s worth looking into; I’d say you could definitely get in.
Good luck!</p>
<p>Hmm. You seem like a strong enough applicant to apply to some more selective schools.</p>
<p>Michigan and Wisconsin are big schools with a party scene and very good sciences…and a climate that’s just a tad different than SoCal Madison is a pretty big city, though not exactly a metropolis (geographically, the city is interesting because it lacks the ring of suburban sprawl you find around most cities). Ann Arbor is pretty big, but kinda dwarfed by UMich.</p>
<p>Also look at Northwestern (a tad reachy), UT-Austin (warm weather) and Lehigh (a tad small and a “preppy” student body that is not for everyone). They mostly fit your desires.</p>
<p>I second Fordham. Your stats are wonderful and they will offer you a scholarship like Tulane. Fordham Rose Hill in the Bronx is about 5,000 undergrads. LOTS of kids at Fordham are there on scholarship and plenty have uber stats like you. You will be challenged but not overwhelmed. Plus its NYC. They have a new alignment with Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Yeshiva University which also benefits undergrad programs. They do joint work with the New York Botanical Gardens and the Bronx Zoo. Opportunities abound.</p>
<p>Its Jesuit, but open and accepting. Its a great school, lots of fun, and a good balance between academics, sports, clubs/groups, entertainment etc. </p>
<p>They are aggressive with kids like you and those stats.</p>
<p>On the other hand, Tulane is also a marvelous school. I know people there as well who love it. </p>
<p>I agree that you seem like a lock for pretty much everywhere you have applied so far and could certainly try some “reachier” schools. Are you looking for merit aid, or are you willing to go with need-only schools?</p>
<p>Maybe try a few shots at places like Emory, UNC or Vandy? I think you have a good chance at getting into any of those three, and they are all in great locations.</p>
<p>I’m definitely looking deeply into fordham now. i never would have thought of it without the help. i am looking to get some merit-aid as well as some need aid as well. i fall in the less than 100k a year range so it shouldn’t be too hard to get a little need based aid. I’ve been told to try Vande as well, so maybe i’ll look more into that one. Same for UNC, especially being that I am a basketball fan. Again, thanks for the help everyone! more responses are always welcome</p>
Madison is a pretty big city, though not exactly a metropolis (geographically, the city is interesting because it lacks the ring of suburban sprawl you find around most cities). Ann Arbor is pretty big, but kinda dwarfed by UMich.</p>