<p>To the OP, I actually do think you have some ECs. Independent language study IS an EC, and a pretty interesting one at that. Unfortunately, you will need to do more for a school like Middlebury. Middlebury receives many, many applications from highly qualified students each year, and one of the ways they weed people out is through EC involvement. One of the problems with not having a lot of ECs is that Middlebury doesn’t really know what you’re doing with your time, and if they don’t know, they assume it’s something “unproductive” like video games or TV. The suggestions offered above are really great ones, and with a little initiative on your part (and a supportive school staff behind you), I think they are doable. If you choose to not “jump through the hoops,” still apply to Midd, maybe write about that choice in your essay, but you should know that your application will probably be weaker for it. </p>
<p>A school like Rutgers, especially if you are in-state and have knock-out grades and SAT scores, will probably take you even with limited EC involvement. State schools, generally speaking, are more numbers oriented, a fact which could work in your favor. </p>
<p>For financial aid, run some NPCs and also figure out what your family will pay. If there is a discrepancy between these two, you will need to consider merit scholarships. If you are NMF, Alabama offers a fantastic scholarship, but if you just have high scores, you may still qualify for their full tuition scholarship. Here is a link to some competitive merit scholarships: <a href=“Competitive Full Tuition / Full Ride Scholarships - Financial Aid and Scholarships - College Confidential Forums”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/financial-aid-scholarships/1461983-competitive-full-tuition-full-ride-scholarships-p1.html</a> </p>