<p>Like a lot of people on here, I'm applying to a lot of reach schools and a few safeties, but I'd like some people's opinions on match schools I could apply to. I know it's late in the game, but I'm increasingly worried that I'll wind up going to a super-safety school I'll hate. Please help!</p>
<p>Gender: F
Location: MD
College Class Year: 2012
High School: Public
High School Type: sends some grads to top schools</p>
<p>Academics:</p>
<p>GPA - Unweighted: 3.82
GPA - Weighted: 4.43
Class Rank: top 10%
Class Size: 500
9 AP's by graduation, 2 5's in World History and Language</p>
<p>Scores:</p>
<p>SAT I Math: 710
SAT I Critical Reading: 800
SAT I Writing: 800
(haven't gotten scores back for SAT II's, thinking I did well in Lit, and hopefully World. Will probably have to take another one in January)</p>
<p>Extracurriculars:</p>
<p>Leadership positions: Editor-in-Chief of newspaper
Piano in jazz ensemble for two years
Leadership positions in Math Honors Society and several other clubs
Volunteer/Service Work: Teach karate to kids in subsidized housing every Saturday
Youth Group
Committee chairperson to help organize march in DC
Honors and Awards: Humanities Award
Social Studies Award
AP Scholar
National Merit Scholar commended
Maryland Distinguished Scholar Honorable Mention
College Summer programs: Junior Statesmen of America Summer School at Princeton</p>
<p>Desired College Characteristics:</p>
<p>Location type:
Size: Small (Under 2,500), Medium Small (2,500 - 5,000)</p>
<p>Ah, okay, more information. Sorry, I’m pretty new to this site.</p>
<p>I think I could be happy in really any location; rural and urban both have their charms, although I’d prefer not to have to drive. Think I’d prefer the East coast, but don’t take that at a huge restriction. As for character, I’m not big on sports or party schools – it’s mainly academics I’m looking at, though I’d like a creative atmosphere that is serious but not too uptight, if you know what I mean.</p>
<p>In terms of reach schools I’m applying to Columbia, Brown, and Princeton (I know it’s a long shot, but I’d just like to know I’ve done it). For LAC’s, I’m applying to Wesleyan, Oberlin, and Haverford. Was considering Barnard or Reed, but was slightly put off each for various reasons I won’t go into – may still apply though. Also, William and Mary, University of Maryland, and Tufts. The problem is I’m not sure I’ll get into anything but Maryland. </p>
<p>Thanks again, let me know if you need any more information. :)</p>
<p>But to answer your question, you might consider adding Vassar or Macalester or Kenyon (I know Mac and Kenyon aren’t East Coast, but based on your other schools and interests I’m guessing they might be a personality fit and satsify what you want in the last couple of schools you want to add). Thats said, I love seeing Haverford and Wesleyan on your list. Great, great schools and based on the information above, I thnk they seem like genuine “fits” for you, your interests, and what you’re looking for in a school. BTW, if you haven’t already seen them, check out these fantastic videos about Haverford: [Haverford</a> College Office of Admission: Admission Videos](<a href=“http://www.haverford.edu/admission/videos/]Haverford”>http://www.haverford.edu/admission/videos/) </p>
<p>Whoops! Yes, that is what I meant. Is there a way I can edit my opening post?</p>
<p>I’d looked at Vassar and very nearly turned in a transcript for Macalaster, but based on what you’ve said I’ll give them both another go. Kenyon I didn’t even know about, but reading about it right now it looks brilliant. I’m glad you approve of Wesleyan and Haverford, it’s nice to have someone confirm my choices (my parents aren’t being very helpful about this). I’ll definitely check out that Haverford video. Thanks a lot!</p>
<p>One thing though, do you think I have a good chance into getting into the colleges I’ve chosen (apart from the Ivies obviously)? I think my GPA and SAT’s are decent, but my extracurriculars aren’t outstanding, which makes me worried I’m out of my depth here (oh, in terms of extracurriculars, I forgot to mention I’m a 2nd degree blackbelt in Tae Kwon Do, in which I also teach and compete, as well as being part of the school’s Demonstration Team. It’s one of my major activities, so I’m not sure how I left it out).</p>
<p>Take a look at the Patriot League schools (Colgate, Lafayette, Bucknell, Lehigh, Holy Cross, et al). Your stats match up well with those schools. [The</a> Patriot League - Official Athletic Site](<a href=“http://patriotleague.cstv.com/]The”>http://patriotleague.cstv.com/)</p>
<p>I think you’ll definitely be a credible candidate for all of the schools on your list. You have some great extra-curriculars. IMHO, it’s not about the number of activities you have, but how do you pull them together and tell a story about you and want you bring to the campus. You should definitely interview (an alumni interview in your area is fine) with the LAC.</p>
<p>I definitely think highly of Bowdoin, Reed, and Barnard. Of the group, Bowdoin would be my choice for what it is worth. Admission to Bowdoin would be closer to Haverford and Wesleyan, and Ivys; whereas Reed and Barnard would be closer to Oberlin, Macalester, Kenyon. I only say this so you think about balance in your total list. (I think all are great schools.)</p>
<p>Thanks very much for all the very sound advice from everyone. I will definitely consider everything that’s been said here.</p>
<p>To pointoforder: I’m glad to see Haverford is particularly good in journalism. My parents wanted me to go into a slightly more specialized program, but I agree that a liberal arts program is probably better for a journalist than a more vocational one.
I know interviews are considered very important for some schools; do you think it will affect me greatly if I don’t get one, as I think my late decisions may prohibit me from doing so?
Also, thanks for the vote of confidence because that definitely helps me feel better about applying to some of these super-selective places.
I did look at Grinnell; afraid my mom isn’t in favor. No idea why not, I think she thinks it’s “below” me, or that it’s in the middle of nowhere. I’ll look again.</p>
<p>To kaleigh3: I did look at Washington and Lee, I liked it from what I saw but was worried about the Conservative/Southern atmosphere I’m not really used to. Of course I’ll look again.</p>
<p>I think interviews help, but for most schools they are not required. At many places you can probably still set up alumni interviews in your area. The interview deadline is sometimes later than the actual application deadline. So, contact those schools you are applying to to see if you can set one up.</p>
