<p>I am an incoming senior and I have been choosing and starting my essay writing process for private schools through CommonApp. I was just looking schools and was worrying just a little about if it was too out of reach for me. I need to find a few more private schools that are academically decent and aren't too hard for me to get into.</p>
<p>I prefer to stay in California or just on the West coast in general.</p>
<p>I have a GPA of 3.3 and SAT score 1960. I am going to take SAT2 tests in a couple months.
AP environmental science test - 3 and I'm taking two AP classes senior year. Varsity girls basketball since sophomore year.</p>
<p>What are some private schools that are not too out of reach for me?
and what are my chances for:</p>
<p>Chapman, Loyola Marymount, Pepperdine, Pitzer, SCU, University of SD, U of Pacific?</p>
<p>also if anyone can add some decent public schools as well that would really help me.</p>
<p>I just don't want to try to bite off more than I can chew and senior year is nearing and I want to be ready and confident about my list of colleges.</p>
<p>Your GPA is on the lower end of average gpa’s currently but remember, there are always lower gpa’s to create an average. </p>
<p>With your GPA I would assume that Pepperdine, Pitzer, and University of the Pacific would be your best bets. But, you do have a great SAT, so that is a big plus. Roughly the average SAT for UCLA. Dont give up hope! Think about applying to a few more if you want!</p>
<p>I’m not familiar with most West Coast schools so I can’t chance you but I’m surprised you didn’t have any public schools listed as California has some of the best public universities in the country. UC Berkley and UCLA are very competitive schools though they may be a reach for you.</p>
<p>You might want to add Cal Lutheran. You would be comfortably matched there, along with Loyola, Pepperdine, and U of P (safety). </p>
<p>Have you absolutely ruled out the CSUs? Some like Channel Islands have a small school feel and great teaching. You have a comfortable chance at many of the CSUs and at UCs such as Santa Cruz, Riverside, and Merced. </p>
<p>What is your major? Your major would make a difference in what CSUs or UCs to aim for.</p>
<p>I definitely have some publics on my list but this thread was just more focused on the privates. Which publics would you say would fit for me? and which would be more of a reach? I don’t really want to go to Davis or UCLA because of some various reasons…</p>
<p>And I am applying to CSUs as well. Like San Diego State, San Jose State, SF state. What are some more of those I should take into consideration? </p>
<p>I plan to major in a health field. Not a doctor. But like an athletic trainer.</p>
<p>Both of these schools would be safeties for you, IMO, though CLU can be expensive (but they do offer lots of aid).</p>
<p>I don’t really know much about the more northern schools. I did just look at Pepperdine, and only 1 person graduated with a major in kinesiology/exercise science for the year reported. So if you really want that major, you should probably look at another school.</p>
<p>I think you have a good shot at all of the privates on your list with the exception of Pitzer. That plus your CSUs will give you a comfortable choice of admits, IMO.</p>
<p>Would Pitzer be too out of reach? What would be a good reach school for me that is not completely a waste of time in applying to because it is more than likely i will get rejected?</p>
<p>Pitzer does not rely on SATs but does look at GPA. They admit 14% of applicants, and the average admitted GPA is 3.86, per their website. Not sure about Chapman but they are less selective than Pitzer. </p>
<p>I second the suggestion of Lewis and Clark and Willamette.</p>
<p>One thing we haven’t discussed is the state of your finances. How much can your parents afford? Are you looking for need-based aid? Merit aid? This will hugely impact your list.</p>
<p>I have spoken only a couple times to my parents about our finances. They always tell me to “not worry about the money”, just “go to a school you want to go to and we’ll pay for it.” So I’m guessing money isnt a big issue in this process.</p>
<p>Just looked at stats for Chapman. Looks like it’s in the low “match” category. Your chances there are good.</p>
<p>Do you really need a reach? Many people fall in love with safeties (though you wouldn’t know it from this board). If you feel you need a reach, keep Pitzer on the list and write an awesome essay. They value diversity so if there’s some way you can add to the campus diversity, you have a good chance even though it’s a reach.</p>
<p>I think you have some good schools on the list that you would be happy with. Research them, read reviews, take virtual tours, and try to visit. You may wind up adding or subtracting a few but you really have a good list.</p>
<p>There are many good threads about letters. </p>
<p>The UCs and CSUs do not ask for letters of recommendation, though some of the programs within the schools might if there is a separate application.</p>
<p>Good luck to you! I think you’ll do just fine.</p>