<p>I've gotten tired of competing with other students for grades, but I'd still like to go to a smaller school. I love the idea of a small tight-knit academic community, but without the cutthroat competitiveness that seems to accompany it in a lot of places. </p>
<p>I'll just post a few stats to help you in your recommendations. </p>
<p>SAT: 800 CR, 680 M, 670 W (2150 total)
SAT II: 800 USH, 780 WorldH
GPA: around 3.9 unweighted, not sure what it is weighted
taken 8 AP tests and gotten 5's on each; will take 13 by end of HS career
EC's aren't anything spectacular; membership in a few school clubs and creator of philosophy club.</p>
<p>Right now I'm very interested in New College of Florida and NYU Gallatin. I've also looked into Soka University on the West Coast, which is vested in Buddhist philosophy, which I found very cool.
If you can shed any insight on these colleges, please do, and if you have any other recommendations to make, or even if you'd like to warn against non-traditional colleges in general, please feel free.</p>
<p>I'm looking to major in philosophy or english. And i'm not a hippy or anything; I just want to go somewhere where I can learn for the sake of learning for once, especially if I'm paying thousands to attend. </p>
<p><em>Money is somewhat of an issue also, so recommendations of cheaper schools or schools lenient with scholarships/grants would be very much appreciated</em></p>
<p>New College sounds perfect for you, especially if you are in-state. For another school similar to New College, but a little more traditional you could consider William and Mary. You might also look at St. John’s college for something different. I think Reed College in Oregon would be a good choice, but not sure how they do with financial aid.</p>
<p>Take a look at Grinnell in Iowa. Generous financial AND merit aid for someone with your stats. The adjectives most often associated with the school are: quirky, unpretentious, understated, hard-working. The academics are demanding - the work ethic is real - but the pressure is only whatever you place on yourself. No distribution requirements. Strong belief in self-governance by the students. </p>
<p>You might also want to explore Reed and Oberlin. And definitely St. Johns.</p>
<p>My daughter was burned out by the competition for grades and the “jumping through hoops” by the middle of senior year, so we went and visited Marlboro college in Southern Vermont. She loved it. Very individualized and challenging and small. They do have merit scholarships- looks like you would get $12k per year. The COA is lower than most NE LAC’s so that brings the price down, as well. Check it out.</p>
<p>Colorado College has a block plan where you only take one course at a time (ie 8 classes a yr, each lasts 3-4 weeks). Very hands on with lots of fieldtrips and onsite instruction outside the classroom.</p>