<p>American in DC is SAT optional this year –
I have heard very differing views on merit & aid – some have been very generous & some have gapped (that is the package American offered did not meet the EFC) – I think at this stage, since you do not have any ideas about your EFC, it is worth you looking into</p>
<p>Arcadia in PA (near Philly)–
Small school. They offer some very generous merit packages (15K is the lowest I’ve heard and with your URM status I’d bet you’d see significantly more - merit is separate from Financial Aid and not dependent upon family finances) and in my limited knowledge appear to offer even more to URMs. Many travel abroad opportunities (which are covered by the normal tuition). </p>
<p>Albright in PA (Reading) – small LAC, generous merit</p>
<p>LaSalle in Philly</p>
<p>Rider in NJ (near Princeton & Trenton)</p>
<p>Temple in Philly</p>
<p>Most of the schools I listed aren’t on any top 20 list but all are solid schools with academic challenges. There are hundreds of schools in NY, NJ, PA. Don’t get caught up in the ratings game – you have already proven with your high school record that you can take what you are given & make it into something – some of these “lower” ranked schools & esp the smaller schools may provide more opportunities for you to stand out.</p>