Need to pare down PA college visits

College Search & Selection
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<p>Thanks everyone for all the good input. My son’s does not calculate a GPA and they send colleges some type of “school profile” explaining why they do not calculate one. I don’t know why they do this, but they do. Also, will not give out son’s class rank. His class only has 120 students, and I would say he is in the top 25%. Freshman year (at another school), he got all A’s and one B+, sophomore year all A’s and B’s and junior year, which he is in now, expected all A’s and B’s. He has taken both the SAT and ACT, although he is taking SAT for a second time this Saturday and, hopefully, will improve his Math score, which was at 600 last time. He has 720 on Critical Reading and I think a 9 on his Writing score. ACT score composite was 29. He gets good grades in Math, but, for some reason, seems to fall down in it on the standardized testing. </p>

<p>From what everyone has said, I think we will drop Bucknell. His college counsellor listed it as a “reach” school anyway. She listed F&M and Villanova as “possible” and Dickinson, Muhlenburg and Gettysburg as “likely.” The other schools, like Lafayette, Lehigh and Haverford were schools we added on just because we would be in the area. Haverford is coming off, as he will never get in there. He is very interested in pursuing political science and government. I thought Gettysburg might be a good choice because of all the history surrounding the town.</p>

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<p>I would agree to dropping Bucknell. I would also drop Gettysburg due to it’s large Greek life scene, Franklin and Marshall also has that strong Greek culture. Sadly, Haverford is not an option with his SAT math score unless he plays a sport. I would drop Lehigh as they also have a large Greek scene. Villanova and Ursinus might be good choices for a look. I also strongly urge Muhlenberg as they have a very strong Political Science department and also have a good reputation for getting their students into law and other professional programs. Best of luck!</p>

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<p>Thanks for that. Looks like we will not see much of Gettysburg anyway, as admissions told me it is the town’s 150th anniversary celebration and they are dropping info sessions beginning the week of June 24th until July 9th. So, they are only offering tours. I appreciate the advice about Muhlenberg; sounds like a good school for my son.</p>