<p>Hi everyone,</p>
<p>I'm a high school senior and, like all seniors, I am struggling to finalize my list of colleges to which I plan to apply. I was hoping I could get some opinions on the colleges I've chosen. I'm hoping to leave "stats" out of the equation and just look out the different kinds of schools there are. Also, I should mention I will be a mechanical engineering major. Thanks in advance!</p>
<p>Carnegie Mellon University
Iowa State University (or University of Iowa...not sure on this one yet!)
Milwaukee School of Engineering
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
California Institute of Technology
Kettering University
Case Western Reserve University
Marquette University
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Bradley University</p>
<p>Is this too many schools? Is it a good mix of schools? The only stat I will supply is that I have a 32 ACT score. But again, I'm just looking for advice on the list itself. If you were to remove one school, which one would it be? I was thinking possible CalTech, because it's generally known more as a theoretical school than an applied school (which I would need as a engineer), and also to reduce application fees. What do you guys think? Thanks so much!</p>
<p>You have 10 schools. While this is a lot, it is manageable. As long as you believe you can put together quality applications, essays and all, to every single one of these schools, then you shouldn’t be deterred from applying. </p>
<p>As for the universities themselves, I believe you have compiled a fairly balanced list. However, without knowing your interests, preferences, and yes, statistics, it’s hard to say how you would fit in. But if you believe you would be happy spending 4 years at any one of these schools, then you have no need to worry.</p>
<p>It appears to be a well-balanced list, but it’s risible to “leave stats out of the equation” when you’re thinking about CalTech and MIT. I’d say your ACT sounds low for them unless there is an obvious explanation (ie. English is not your native language, and your Math score is out-of-the-park).Otherwise, it looks pretty good to me. </p>
<p>@Esat936 I’m actually doing some more visits next week to Carnegie Mellon and CWRU, but based on my research it seems like I will enjoy it. While many schools on my list are free to apply to, I know that the costs to send test scores, submit some transcripts, etc. While the application fees themselves would be around $295 ($75 at MIT and CalTech, $70 at CMU, $40 at either ISU or U of Iowa, and $35 at Kettering; everything else is free), I don’t want the costs adding up too much. Thanks for the advice!</p>
<p>@woogzmama It’s actually my reading score that is the lowest. I have a 36 in math, 35 English, 33 Science, and 25 reading. The composite is 32.25, so I was very close to have a 33. But I will be retaking the ACT in September to hopefully get my reading in my 30’s and improve my superscore. And I figure, whatever happens, it can’t hurt to apply, right? The worst they can do is say no.</p>
<p>Any opinions on Iowa State vs. U of Iowa?</p>
<p>Your counselor may be able to send your sat scores with your transcript, so I would inquire if you’re looking to save money.</p>
<p>Unfortunately I know nothing about Iowa state or U Iowa.</p>
<p>@Esat936 Thanks for the suggestion! I hadn’t considered that. I will ask, because that would be very helpful. The test I mentioned above is the ACT state administration, so I’m almost certain the school at least has access to my scores. I took another national test before it, but I did better in all of my scores on the state test. Thanks again!</p>
<p>I think you ave a good list. I do have some advice about U of I vs I state. I lived in Iowa City (home of U Iowa) for several years. The downtown is beautiful and it’s a great safety school due to its predictable admissions. However, there is a lot of drinking and an amazing obsession with football. It was ranked by a few sources (Time and Playboy i believe) as the #1 party school in hte US. It’s a big school and not everyone there is like that, but be prepared. After football games the streets of downtown are completely packed with people painted black and gold with hawkeye apparel on (including gold and black overalls). U Iowa is not very diverse, but I think it’s better than Iowa State. Just a few things to keep in mind :)</p>