Need Help in Making College List

Applying to College
1

<p>Well every senior I Know told me to start my college search now (I am a Junior). Here are my grades:</p>

<p>GPA 91-92
Didn't take SAT or ACT yet
Taking AP American and AP Bio right now
Don't know school rank but its Midwood High School in Brooklyn, large school, 3800 kids so I'm definately not in the top 50.
Also in a social science class and will be writing a 20 page research paper (so i'll staple that to my applications.)
EC Activites: Lacrosse, Was in a club for 1 year, school newspaper for 3 years (10th, 11th, and I will try to be editor in chief next year, am Sports Editor this year.) I also did Model Congress for 3 years (its once a year.)
No volunteer work.</p>

<p>My list.
NYU, Columbia, Cornell, Stony Brook, Binghamton, Baruch, Fordham.</p>

<p>Looking into majoring in political science.</p>

<p>Anyway, I would love to go Columbia but 31k is way too much. I don't think I will receive any financial aid from FAFSA. I think I can afford up to 20k a year for school. Any advice at what I should apply for, not apply for, etc. All help is appreciated, thanks.</p>

2

<p>It's really hard without scores.</p>

3

<p>Ok lets say this, I will 100% get above an 1800 on the SAT and above a 28 on the ACT. I am cocky, but believe me I won't get below those scores.</p>

4

<p>Bump..........</p>

5

<p>It's gonna take more than an 1800 to get into Columbia or Cornell.</p>

6

<p>Hmm I don't think it's a good idea to attach your 20-page research paper to your application... most adcoms specify that they prefer no extra material.
Anyway it's good that you're starting early but it's difficult to evaluate your chances now. You're going to discover a lot more about yourself and hence about which colleges are suitable for you in the following year, so it should become clearer along the way. In the meanwhile, just browse the college websites, prospectuses, CC forums etc and make notes. =)</p>