<p>Sewanee is absolutely perfect for you in every way. Not hippie, very outdoorsy (woodsy), not granola, your stats get you in, you’re set! It has its own forum here called “The University of the South”. Seriously consider it!!</p>
<p>I don’t think that Bowdoin/Bates/Colby are too much of a stretch. If you never apply you never know.</p>
<p>According to the 2008/9 Common Data Set, Bowdoin considers class rank to be “very important,” and 82% of ranked Bowdoin enrollees were in the top 10% of their class, while 98% were in the top 25%.</p>
<p>Since the OP is not in the top 25% of his class, does not have a very rigorous courseload, and apparently does not have any kind of a hook, Bowdoin is pretty much out of the question.</p>
<p>Colby’s CDS for 2007/8 reveals that class rank is only “important.” Sixty percent of those reporting rank were nevertheless in the top 10% of their high school class and 90% were in the top 25%.</p>
<p>I’ll leave the OP to look up the data for Bates if he wishes, but I think the picture is clear.</p>
<p>FWIW, S1 had very similar stats, course work, and approx.ranking (though his school did not rank), nothing outstanding, no hooks, but a solid student. I thought Bowdoin out of the question, too, but he insisted on applying ED. He’s now a junior, working hard, and loving his experience. One never knows, and while I agree with Consolation that by looking at each schools CDS one should get a good idea of the statistical range of accepted students I’m glad he/we did not know about CC at the time otherwise, as he has stated, he would have been too intimidated to apply. Who knows what the schools are looking for each year as they compile their freshman classes. Good luck with your search. Remain realistic, keep asking questions and gathering information, visit as many schools as possible, and make your own decision. Oh yes, and pay attention to financial restraints…just my 2 cents.</p>
<p>^ thanks you guys, you both made very good points and if I am looking for another reach, bowdoin will definitely be on my radar</p>
<p>morandi, the difference between your son and onthefly is that, as you make clear, your son’s HS did not rank. His does, unfortunately.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, I certainly agree that if he is very interested in Bowdoin he should apply. The only way to be absolutely certain that you will not get into a school is to not apply. 
Colby would be a bit more realistic for you, though.</p>
<p>BTW, you might want to check out Colgate and Hamilton, also. (I can’t remember if anyone else mentioned them.)</p>
<p>I cannot help you re quality of geology departments or places out of the Northeast, but you would be a very competitive candidate at places such as Ithaca; Hobart; and Alfred in NY (beautiful mountains and rivers nearby);
Bucknell, Juniata; Lafayette and Lehigh in PA (Pocono Mountains; Delaware Water Gap); U of Vermont; and Washington College (Chesepeake Bay).</p>
<p>These are good to excellent schools, too</p>
<p>^Everyone has been so helpful and now I have tons of colleges to consider that I never would have thought about so thanks!</p>