<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>