<p>So I had previously only considered top, very competitive schools, but I'm starting to question if that's what I want to try for, I am getting to the point where I am way too stressed out, and if I end up at a top school, the work there isn't going to be a walk in the park, so the next 4 years after high school, I would prefer (maybe) if they were a little more laid back.</p>
<p>I was wondering if anyone could give me some schools that are less competitive than HYPMS etc, but would probably give a lot of academic freedom to a top student. Maybe great finaid (need is high, and I'd probably qualify for merit aid too). Maybe like, undergrad research opportunities or opportunities to take grad level classes? </p>
<p>Eastern half of the country please, not more South than say TN....</p>
<p>Good at sciences (Physics, chemistry, astronomy/astrophysics maybe) and math.</p>
<p>I mean, I have above average stats (not CC above average b/c that doesn't exist lol, but for the rest of the country, think top 98-99%) but I don't really know if I want to spend the next 5 years (1 hs, 4college) working super hard just for the school, I don't mind working hard, but less pressure would be fantastic.</p>
<p>What type of school are you looking at? Large/small? University or smaller liberal arts? We need to know a bit more about you before we can give suggestions.</p>
<p>^I second bruno14’s questions. We need a better idea of what you’re looking for in a school before we can give you any-helpful-suggestions!</p>
<p>What we know you are searching for thus far:
A school that is generous with fin. aid
No further south than Tennessee
Opportunities for undergrad research
Particularly strong in the sciences</p>
<p>You seem to be most interested in attending a research university…lol</p>
<p>It is a misnomer to assume that if you are interested in research in the sciences that you ought to go to a research university. Given the high level of future PhDs coming from the LACs, I think it’s pretty safe to say that you can have an excellent research experience there, with a lot more mentoring from faculty, and no competition with grad students. Fewer areas of research to choose from, I’d agree, and but no less rewarding for a future scientist, who can go to ‘research university’ for grad school.</p>
<p>OP, take a look at Grinnell-a midwestern LAC in a small college town that has outstanding sciences, state-of-the-art facilities, a huge endowment that they use to support exceptionally small class sizes, student research, and many other activities, no distribution requirements, generous merit aid - and they have their own observatory. The culture is intellectual, quirky, unpretentious, understated and, although Grinnellians have a reputation for a strong work ethic, they are also laid back and fun.</p>
<p>I would prefer to go to a smaller rather than larger school, I don’t really care if its LAC or research university. And the things I initially listed are not requirements or anything, just things that would be nice to have I guess.</p>