I am a junior looking for colleges! I have a 3.5 UW GPA and about a 3.63 W (3.83 UC W GPA). My PSAT score was 144so it is on the higher end I guess, I might qualify for national merit (I am taking the SAT tomorrow and I am expecting something in that ballpark). My rank is 62/508. I have taken 6 AP classes so far (APES, AP english language, ap calculus ab, ap computer science, ap physics, and ap us history) and I will be taking 4 my senior year (ap calculus bc, ap chemistry, ap government, and ap english literature. I have good extracurriculars with decent leadership experience, good community service, and work experience. I am pretty sure I will be applying for a science major, neuroscience or biochemistry. My parents do not have any money restrictions, but they would prefer me to stay in state (CA) just for being close (personally, I want to go OOS, so suggestions for both are great!). I am looking for schools that have a good campus community, good outdoors, sports, and greek life. I am not picky on school size, but nothing lower than 2,000 or over 50,000 I guess. I am okay with rural and urban schools. Thank you!! I am just unsure because my stats are not stellar and I am pretty average as an applicant (white female)
PSAT was 1440** sorry typo!!
For in-state options: UCR/UCSC/UCI/UCD/UCSB. Cal poly SLO/SDSU/CSULB. Depending on where you live in California just going to a school North or South can be like being in another state. How much can your parents afford? Are you thinking East Coast?
@Gumbymom I live in socal, but I wouldn’t mind going north! My parents can afford about 50k/year so I think we are good on finances. I also have a job. I am thinking about the east coast! I like artsy schools with music and theater as well 
Your GPA isn’t lower end. Full pay and you will have a wide choice. While not publicized, except for need blind schools, the qualifications needed for full pay are not any thing like those needed if you are applying for aid.
-Boston University
-College of Wooster
-Drexel University
-Furman University
-Muhlenburg College
-Temple Unviersity
@lostaccount I see. Any schools you have in mind that would possibly be interested in someone like me? I’m looking for matches pretty much.
@newjerseygirl98 thanks! Would these be matches or safeties?
Vassar, though a possibility that seems to meet some of your criteria, might be an example of a significant reach. Connecticut College would be a match. Your 2000 student cutoff may be counter-productive, in that it is just above the enrollment of some schools that offer broad academic options.
Try using the supermatch function to the left – under find a college.
They’re probably high to mid matches.
I second CT College. What about Muhlenberg? SUNY New Paltz? Umass Amherst? UDel? UMW? CNU (w/ Presidential leadership?) UNC-Wilmington?College of Charleston? UScranton? Whitman as a reach?
Vassar and Scripps as reaches (although there’s no Greek life at either); University of Miami, Skidmore (no greek life), Tulane (you might get enough merit money to make it financially feasible), Case Western, University of Rochester and University of Wisconsin as match/low reach; and Miami U of Ohio and University of Pittsburgh (I’m sure they’ll give you merit money if your SAT winds up where you expect) as safer options.
I don’t understand how most of the NE and Midwest schools suggested in the above posts would be good fits for the OP, worth the long travel from SoCal (especially with parents preferring in state options), realistic based on stats, and worth the money. Rochester is the only one maybe. I suggest U of Puget Sound as a match with Greek life, campus and outdoors. If you can do without Greeks, then Gonzaga. Southwest in Texas might be one to look into.
@Oregon2016 I have heard of u of puget sound! What is its reputation with sciences, specifically chemistry and physics?
@MYOS1634 considering muhlenberg! Again, do they have a good reputation among sciences? I know they have a wonderful theater dept.
@midatlmom considering Tulane already! Are they likely to give merit money with my GPA? Because while my parents can pay, money is money and merit $$ will never hurt.
Yes, they’ve got a good reputation for science, and they can have an arsty atmosphere. Also, you may get merit money if your test scores are strong enough.
Miami-Ohio is one you may like.
@MYOS1634 currently on miami’s website and they have so many interesting majors!! Will definitely check it out!
In terms of Tulane, if your SAT is very high, my suspicion is that you would definitely get merit money.
With reference back to U Puget Sound in my earlier post- current students we know there are happy in general with the academics. Research your particular scientific field of interest to see if their offerings are what you want.
I highly recommend UNC Wilmington. Great reputation in the sciences, fantastic overall academics, beautiful weather, gorgeous people, delightfully laid-back and chill vibe. You’d bring geographical diversity as well, seeing you’re from California. Definitely check it out!!!