<p>Hi, I'm a HS Junior in need of some serious college search help. I have over a 4.0 GPA and great EC's and volunteer work, so I feel like my options are open. I'm trying to find a good college of medium size (1,000 to 15,000 students) in an urban or suburban area. Not a lot of drug activity.
I live in Northern CA, but I'm open to anything on the west coast. And I don't want to go to a religious school, so those are out. I would love to be in a city, like Portland, but there aren't many small schools around those areas. </p>
<p>Some advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!</p>
<p>Hello! Another HS junior girl from NorCal so I felt compelled to respond. Off the top of my head, I think Stanford would be a great school for you—fits your size and location preferences, and with a 4.0+ GPA you could have a great shot depending on your ECs, though needless to say Stanford is practically always a crap shoot. I love Portland too, and I think depending on how much you love to learn/study, Reed would be a great fit. It has ~1,400 students and is really pretty renowned (especially on the west coast) for killer academics, especially in the humanities.</p>
<p>You did mention drugs; I don't know anyone who goes to Reed, but I've heard through the grapevine that there is quite a bit of weed (maybe other drugs too). That being said I'm sure since it's such a laid-back college there would be no pressure and plenty of other socializing opps. Also, I think you would love the Claremont schools—you'd probably have a great chance at Pomona, one of the best liberal arts schools in the country, with a pretty small student body but surrounded by the Claremont school consortium (Pitzer, CMC, Harvey Mudd, Scripps), I'm sure you've heard of it. One of my good friends goes to CMC, and she ADORES it (actually missed it after coming home for a single day!), I think the quality of life at the Claremont schools is really high. </p>
<p>Good luck in your college search! I'm right there with you haha</p>
<p>I second the Claremont schools...Scripps sounds really nice, if you're even somewhat interested in a women's college. You're not completely removed from men because you have the other four schools, so it's the best of both worlds. You can also take classes at any of the other schools. I've also heard the campus is beautiful; there was something on their website like a student blog or something that talked about picking oranges on the way to class and doing homework by the pool...Sounds very relaxed and laid back, but they are supposed to be very smart women. I'm looking at transferring to an all-women's school and I would apply, but it's too far away for me (I live in SC).</p>
<p>How about Reed, Lewis and Clark, U of Portland?</p>
<p>Those are all great options, I do like the Claremont Colleges. Stanford isn't for me...I've been there and it's just not up my alley haha. As much as I love the sun, I really love Portland. I don't really love Reed but I'm not sure about Lewis & Clark...</p>
<p>Does anyone have anything good to say about Whitman College in Washington? It seems to be in such a rural area...</p>
<p>*My ECs: Started my first school library through money from our recycling program (that I established), Spanish tutor and teacher's aid, competitive dancer, hoping for a job at Borders, member of CSF, etc.</p>