<p>I ordered Don Asher's Cool Colleges book from Amazon a few weeks ago, and fell in love with Deep Springs. I also thought the profile on the Merchant Marine Academy was interesting where kids spend their summers on sea. So, I'll be applying to go to school on a ranch and on the ocean this fall. Do any other out-of-the-box programs come to mind that are life-changing? Do you guys have any suggestions for back-up schools, because I understand admissions to both schools are extremely competitive. So far I have Swarthmore because I like the intellectual atmosphere, University of Chicago, because I like the Great Books program, and RPI, because I received a medal for math and science achievement for $15,000 per year. My parents want me to apply to all of the Ivys, and MIT as well, so that makes a total of 14 schools. Thanks for any help. If you need information about my academics/activities, let me know.</p>
<p>If you like the Great Books program, consider Shimer College (which was affiliated with the University of Chicago from 1896 to 1958 and is currently located on the IIT campus) or St. John’s College, both of which practice it to a much greater extent than the University of Chicago.</p>
<p>Are there other schools without a Great Books program that have an intellectual curriculum?</p>
<p>You may also want to check out Reed. About Deep Springs - it is more competitive than Harvard at this point. My S applied there but didn’t make it to the 2nd stage (he is now a Uchicago where many Deep Springers transfer). My sense is that it is not the Deep Springs of 40 years ago when a high school friend of mine attended. The students now seem to be as obsessed with GPA, SAT, APs as qualifiers as any other top school. If you are drawn to it as a way of life for 2 years, then apply.</p>
<p>Deep Springs has been more competitive than Harvard for many years. I think Harvard and Chicago are 1-2 on the list of places where Deep Springers have gone over the past decade to finish their BAs.</p>
<p>drdom: I’m not so sure if SAT is stressed so much as you think. The essays are the most important part of the application. But I’m definitely interested in the lifestyle, so I will apply.
JHS: I think I will apply to Harvard and Chicago if Deep Springs like it to finish their BAs…</p>
<p>@run4 - Yes they do seem to take “unconventional” students who may not have the best stats, that’s true. However, many applicants have very high stats with more than 5 AP courses so invariably these stats become part (I think too large a part) of the evaluation process. It is essentially run by the students themselves. The students change every 2 years so there is less “institutional memory” so it can be both good and bad.</p>
<p>drdom: i have taken more than 5 AP courses, so I have the academic credentials. i hope i can make it to the interview and get along well with the guys running it</p>
<p>I second Reed. If you like the Core at UChicago and the “intellectual atmosphere” of Swarthmore, Reed should definitely be high up on your list.</p>
<p>dunbar: thanks!</p>
<p>What about applying to one of the military academies?</p>