Need some ideas for matches

<p>OK, I have reaches and safeties, but I'd like to add one or two more matches to the mix (my list has transformed since my last chances thread). I think, based on what i've read on collegeboard.com, that UNC (I'm instate) and NYU CAS would be matches. Also, would I be correct in saying that Notre Dame, Emory, and Vanderbilt would be more reachy than matchy with these stats?</p>

<p>Basic Stats:
SAT I: 1400/1600 2010/2400
(740 M/660 CR/610 W)
Might take the SAT once more and planning to take the ACT in September, got 32's on both the practice tests I've taken (the one from the website and the first one from McGraw Hill), but those don't really count.
SAT II: 800 Math Level II, 790 US History</p>

<p>Class Rank: 11/273
GPA: 3.76 uw, 4.65 w
Taken the hardest courseload available to me. All Honors/AP classes when available. (Took AP Calculus BC, AP Physics B, AP English, and AP US History this year, planning to take AP Stats, AP Bio, AP English, AP Music Theory, and AP Psychology next year).</p>

<p>ECs and other stuff:
Marching Band- 4 years, section leader
Symphonic Band- 4 years, 1st chair
Winston-Salem Youth Symphony
All-County, All-District, and All-State band type stuff
Volunteer at Hospital- 400 hours or so
Attempted/Attempting to start debate club at my school
Musical Theater
Other Stuff:
National Merit Commended (likely I think; I got a letter saying that I was eligible for NMSC type stuff, and sent my name to two colleges)
AP Scholar with Honor</p>

<p>Oh, and I've held a steady part time job since the summer after my sophomore year.</p>

<p>How about Wake Forest? You could get in there, I'm sure. </p>

<p>Or, if you want another northern school, try Boston College. It has a similar feel to Notre Dame, but somewhat less strict. BC would probably be a high match.</p>

<p>Wake Forest is waaaayyyy too close (although I am quite the demon deacon fan haha). I live in Winston-Salem and Wake Forest is a nice jogging distance from my house. Knowing my parents, they'd show up at my dorm about once every two hours to make sure I'm ok.</p>

<p>But thanks for the suggestions, I'll look into boston college.</p>

<p>If I were you I would ED UNC, call myself lucky for getting to go to such a great school in state, and call it a day.</p>

<p>Are you looking for a university setting rather than a small college? What are you thinking you want to study? Do you want a school with a big-time athletics program? I'm from Clemmons (went to Hanes) so I'll check back here in a little bit. There are many match schools with your profile, it comes down to the other stuff.</p>

<p>I'm really game for anything, either LAC's or a University....preferably up north in an urban or suburban area. I'm looking for any school that has strong a strong premed program (haha I know that must narrow it down a lot!) By the way, I went to Hanes too!</p>

<p>If you want premed and are considering LACs, I would suggest you take a look at Davidson College. Yeah, yeah, it's an hour away and Davidson is no metropolis, but it's a fantastic school and (I believe) a match given your strong (their #1 factor is intense HS class schedule) academic profile and impressive ECs. As importantly, I think, Davidson has gone loan-free and the costs to and from campus would not be significant. Davidson's premed program is very strong.</p>

<p>Then again, DC isn't in an urban or suburban area in the North so I'll continue. I agree with World Changer that BC might be of interest and I agree that it would be a high match. Tufts, though I know less about the school than others, seems to be a match with your profile. Northwestern would probably be a reach but I think it's worth considering as well. George Washington would be a high match but I have no idea about their science programs. I'll be at a Journal training session this afternoon but when I get back, I'll try to research a bit for you.</p>

<p>I seem to be on the same page as you, ninja, I was just looking at Davidson lol.</p>

<p>I personally think UNC is one of the best social/ academic experiences in the country. You'll have tons of bright, intelligent, fun loving kids in a beautiful place. You'll always go to the city for internships, study abroad, and after work so if you take advantage of opportunities there is a high likelihood you will live in a city anyway. Urban schools tend to be much less community oriented and often students are not that happy. Given your stats I think it will be difficult to get into a much better school than UNC. NYU might be "better" in terms of opportunities, but I've never met so many unhappy students in my life. I personally know 4 kids who were allured there by the city and they all transferred when they realized NYC is a great place to be in your twenties but not that great for college. Also, NYU gives almost no support to its students in terms of resources.</p>

<p>I would think GW would be more of a safety for someone with his numbers.</p>

<p>Are there really that many unhappy students in New York?!</p>

<p>You go to a bar and ask what people think of NYU and I've gotten far more "its okay" or "I don't really like it" than positive responses. NYU being fun is a myth in my opinion. What you get is a dark city (buildings too tall) with no community, very little in terms of resources, a large very segmented student body, few student owned spaces (no house parties), little "random" fun (no throwing the football or relaxing on the green), etc.</p>

<p>On the other hand I have found certain types love it. Ethnic groups tend to form strong communities and the art/theater/film scene is fantastic and close.</p>