<p>I am a female hoping to attend:
- a small (<5,000 students) co-ed liberal arts school, preferably with strong science departments as well
- preferably on the West Coast, although I am open to New England
- small teacher/student ratio
- decent research opportunities
- reputable name (I am planning on attending graduate school (either med or law)). </p>
<p>Most likely, I will be ineligible for pure financial aid, so I must therefore get the best MERIT-BASED scholarship/grant package as possible. </p>
<p>Potential Major: English with Biology minor
Career Goal: Still undecided -- considering either prelaw (environmental or disability law) or premedicine (potentially pediatric surgery)</p>
<p>GPA: 4.83 weighted (3.98 unweighted -- all A's and A+'s with exception of a B in AP Physics B)
Class Rank: 8 / 521</p>
<p>SAT: 2330 (800 Critical Reading, 800 Writing, 730 Math)
ACT: 33 (36 English, 30 Math, 34 Reading, 32 Science)</p>
<p>SAT II's:
- Literature - 740 (retaking in October - projected score 780)
- Math Level Two - (taking in October -- projected score 700)
- World History - 690
- US History - 710</p>
<p>EC's & Awards:
-Participated in a science-related work-study program at a local museum for three years
-Have had a part-time job in addition to school for the past four years (originally at a museum, now at a dental office - work upwards of 25 hours per week)
-Was one of 40 students selected nationally to attend the 2005 national science fair (Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge) for original research and received an award/scholarship for scientific accuracy and originality
-Hold a provisional patent for original research
-Relatively active in the community -- have 200+ community service hours
-Participate within church/religious groups
-Member of various clubs at school
-Published in local newspaper and have received a number of regional awards for writing
-Lifetime National Honor Society Member (4 years)
-Lifetime California Scholarship Federation Member (4 years)
-National Merit Commended Student
-AP Scholar with Distinction</p>
<p>AP Scores:
- World History - 5
- English Language/Comp - 5
- US History - 4
- Microeconomics - 4
- Macroeconomics - 4
- Physics B - 3
- Spanish Language - 3 (IB Spanish SL score of 5)
- English Literature (in progress)
- Statistics (in progress)
- Environmental Science (in progress)</p>
<p>Dual enrollment (both AP and college credit through city college; considered one of top 10 community colleges in the state of CA)
- Microeconomics
- Macroeconomics
- Biology
- Ecology (in progress)
- Psychology (in progress)
- Statistics (in progress)
- Political Science/Government
- Work Education (counts for college credit)</p>
<p>I would love to go to a school similar to Pomona College, Amherst College, Williams, etc.; however, I know that for the most part, they do not offer any merit-based scholarships. (Essentially, I'm hoping for a university that offers the individuality of a small school combined with the resources of a larger research institution).</p>
<p>Based upon this information, what schools should I be considering (tier, suggestions, etc.) in order to maximize potential merit aid while still aiming for a prime educational experience?</p>
<p>I really have no idea as to where I am applying or even where I have a good chance at getting accepted (and unfortunately, my guidance counselor is of little help). Thank you so, so much for the help -- it really does mean a lot!</p>
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