<p>Being completely realistic, I have a good chance of getting rejected at all the "Little/Hidden Ivies" I'm applying to so I'm wondering where I might have a decent chance of admission (financial aid is important).
For some info:</p>
<p>I consider myself very liberal, quirky, awkward, and a bit artsy. I am applying to Vassar EDII if that helps. I like an open curriculum and diversity (socio-economic, racial/ethnic, intl) but it's not an absolute deal breaker. I would love for the food to be good but I'm willing to make an exception if I love other aspects about a college (ahem, Vassar). I think I might be a English and Psych double major. Other major/academic interest possibilities are probably Art History, Marketing, and Physics.</p>
<p>My stats: 1820 SAT I, Lower 600s for SAT IIs in Physics, Lit and Math I. 3.5 GPA. IB Diploma Candidate (I take the most rigorous schedule offered to me). I have about 1-2 leadership positions for ECs. Involved in a total of 4 Clubs. For Job exp: intern at a museum working on a research project and babysitting. </p>
<p>Any suggestions :) ?
[They would probably need to have deadlines after Jan 2]</p>
<p>When you say that “financial aid is important”, do you have a price limit that you are working with? And does running net price calculators at various schools give an estimate that brings your net price to what you and your family are able and willing to pay? Also, what is your state of residency?</p>
<p>English and psychology are common majors, but art history and physics are less common and may be more limited at many small schools. You may want to check course offerings and faculty rosters in all of these subjects to make sure that the school has the academics you want. Marketing is usually part of business, which is not all that common a major at the more selective LACs. Would a larger school be of interest to you?</p>
<p>School size doesn’t really matter that much to me even though I’m applying to mostly small liberal arts colleges. I live in NY and would probably like to stay on the East Coast (my furthest school is probably Agnes Scott in Georgia). And I meant that I prefer schools with favorable financial aid packages (i.e… 100% need met) or where I would be a good candidate for merit aid, if offered. I’m pretty sure my EFC will be incredibly low. Marketing is not requirement for my list since it generally apart of business.</p>
<p>Most of the meet-full-need schools will be highly selective private schools, while almost no public schools will do so for out-of-state students (Virginia and North Carolina are said to do so). For safeties, you may have to check whether some in-state public schools will meet full need for you. Run the net price calculator on each school’s web site to see its financial aid estimate.</p>
<p>My counselor advised me that Skidmore wouldn’t offer me any aid so I didn’t bother to apply. </p>
<p>And I’m sadly aware of that. My safety is CUNY which I am guaranteed to get into but I probably won’t get any aid but tuition is incredibly low ($5-6000). And I will check out that link but so far I’m not interested in the schools listed (I only looked at the first 2 pages though) for location reasons. Thank you though! There must be somewhere that will accept me!</p>
<p>Hampshire
Bennington
Sarah Lawrence
Eugene Lang
New College of Florida (basically a super-small, public version of these LACs with generous merit).</p>
<p>I don’t really know much about FA at these schools, they’re just the ones that jumped to mind but I think you’d get merit at Eugene Lang if they offer much, because you’re at the upper end of their range.</p>
<p>I’m applying to Hampshire :).
I was considering Sarah Lawrence and Eugene Lang but ultimately decided not to apply. SL and Bennington deadlines are too close and school is on winter break so my counselor wouldn’t be able to send off the required materials in time. I will look into New College of Florida though!</p>
<p>I don’t know when the deadlines are for these schools but also consider: Muhlenberg, Skidmore, Bard, and SUNY New Paltz (last option is good if price is impt.)</p>
<p>I will be applying to Muhlenberg depending on my Vassar admissions notification (Feb 1 I think!). Bard’s deadline is also too close. SUNY is rolling I think and I’ll think about New Paltz, some of my friend had already been accepted. Thank You!</p>
<p>East coast is much more competitive for the same quality of schools. Consider LACs in the midwest because there are more need-blind/full need schools where you are competitive. </p>
<p>Beloit College (takes 4-5 hours each way from NYC) - On the Wisconsin/Illinois line, you take a cheap 2.5 hr JetBlue flight to O’Hare in Chicago and take a 1.5 hr bus - not THAT far, really. This seems like a good bet. Jan 15 priority deadline, no real deadline but they fill up. </p>
<p>Grinnell College - Iowa, Jan 15 - A bit farther.
Knox College - Illinois - Feb 1
Lawrence University - Jan 15 - Appleton WI, 5 hours flight, but airport is in Appleton - change in Detroit or Chicago.
University of Richmond - Jan 15</p>
<p>SUNY is rolling, but they fill up. You need to “roll” now.</p>
<p>Honestly- Hampshire is not a good shot for FA unless you have top stats and even then I think they gap. It does not have the same size endowment as many other colleges. That said it is a quirky place- not right for everyone- but if you are motivated and independent you can do fine there.</p>
<p>NoeMee: Up to you, but small schools like Muhlenberg really want you show interest in the school with a visit the school and interview. If you want to be a competitive candidate there, I would start the process right after the break and not wait for the decision from Vassar. I would also apply to SUNY New Paltz now as rolling admission schools sometimes fill up to the point where they don’t have room for very qualified candidates who apply late in the process. Just my opinion.</p>
<p>If financial aid is important, you need to identify financially safe and academically safe options for yourself (such as something from the guaranteed merit list or a CUNY/SUNY or even the closest CC) or you had best spend some time roughing out a Gap Year plan in case you don’t get in anywhere that you can afford. It really is that simple.</p>
<p>I’m going to suggest Clark university in Worcester, Mass. It’s in the east, has good merit aid, and a quirky vibe that you might enjoy. They have all the majors that interest you, and LEEP is a very individualized approach to curriculum. Also a free fifth year master’s program. Deadline is January 15.</p>