<p>Well, you're right in that JHU is not a match/safety for anyone—neither are Tufts and Georgetown. So it's good that you're asking about schools that still have strong programs in IR/IS that may be more of a sure thing for you. My money would be on Macalester College, GWU, and American, in that order (hardest to easiest). Unfortunately, I'm not into natural sciences, so have no idea how their bio programs would be. But knowing that you're interested in both bio and IR makes me think that Gtown, Tufts, and JHU are even more perfect for you than ever—I know that Gtown and Tufts both have global health concentrations within their IR programs, so that'd be ideal for you. And I know JHU has a great pre-med program, so I'm sure they have something comparable.</p>
<p>heerothewizard, You are crazy amazing! I wish I had had the drive to do as much as you did in high school! The problem is you almost did too much... There is no application that is going to let you list all of that. You seem to have three main interests: IR, music and science. I would say emphasize the one you are most passionate about and successful in. From your multiple follow-up questions, I would guess this would be IR, considering you're amazing at German, you definitely have lots of ECs, and you want to study abroad. I then, through your teacher recommendations (or perhaps a short answer essay), would throw in that you are also an accomplished musician (band director recommendation is a must) and seriously interested in the sciences (the supplemental rec from your boss at the museum/zoo).</p>
<p>As for additional schools to add to your list, look at Barnard. I know you want coed, but this women's college has cross-registration with Columbia, which has an excellent political science department. You also have access to Columbia's Graduate School of International Affairs. Also, Barnard has amazing advising and offers more interships than it has students. If you have an internship over the summer, you get free housing! As for double majoring, it's definitely possible. Barnard has one of the best science programs and there's a hospital a few blocks away if you were interested in pre-med. As for continuing your museum work, there are plenty of museums in the area that I'm sure it wouldn't be hard to find something similar and Barnard's Office of Career Development will totally help you out. A plus is that Barnard's Common App supplement is crazy extensive that it would be really easy to show off all the different sides of you.</p>
<p>Now that I've gushed about the amazing college I will be attending next year, I wish you the best of luck!</p>
<p>I'll check out Macalaster, GWU, and American, Lolabelle, thanks! :-)</p>
<p>bad1017: I'm glad you love Barnard so much - sounds like you're going to have a great 4 years. Thanks for the suggestion, but I think I'll have to skip out on Barnard - I'm not really a big city kind of girl. Thanks, though! I'll definitely keep your EC tips in mind and get those recs.</p>