<p>Hi NorthCoastDad - Gotta love it. Only on CC would a 3.597 be a "low" GPA. Your S is a strong candidate clearly. I hope you will hear from NorthStarMom and some others with direct experience re AfrAm "chances", as obviously that URM status will enhance his chances, but I don't personally know how much. I would comment that, without that hook, I'm not sure how much in the way of safety is on his list (UCinn? other?). Despite the strength of your S' credentials, we all need some absolute "sure bets" on our list (read andi's cautionary tale in an old thread).</p>
<p>Additional schools: Lehigh in Pa., Tulane in La, Santa Clara in Ca. are three possibles which, will quite selective, are not as much of a "lottery chance" as some of the schools on your S' list.</p>
<p>In terms of helping narrow, I believe the narrowing should be on criteria of the atmosphere/type of campus/type of location your S would like best. Several that I see on the list are in large cities - is that one of his preferences, or is it happenstance? Many are quite large schools - does he have a preference for large vs. small? Some are "big sports" schools - how does that rank on his preference? Etc.</p>
<p>That is how I would go about narrowing. Then I would evaluate (based on his stats and input from others here who know how much ++ his URM status will add) to make sure there are enough "50/50" and "sure bet" schools along with the "reach/lottery" schools.</p>
<p>Finally, how will financial issues play into his decision, if at all? Will he qualify for need-based aid? If so, have you looked at which of those schools meet 100% of need (I know some do, but am not familiar with all). Will he be looking for merit aid - if so, that will require looking at more schools with good merit aid profiles.</p>