Recommendations--Need to find more match schools!

Hi!
I’ve posted before about adding to my list, but some of my info and preferences have changed. Also, I want to apply to a large number of schools in general, because, although I’ve got decent test scores and EC’s, my academic record is slightly weak and I’d rather cast a wide net. Looking for match schools. Kind of feeling lost.

Stats:

  • 33 ACT (36 36 English and Reading, 29 29 Math and Science.)
  • Taking SAT IIs in October.
  • Will graduate with 11 APs. (Heavy focus on humanities; I haven’t taken, like, AP Calc/AP Physics/Chem etc. I take standard math/science classes). AP Scholar with Distinction.
  • ECs: Won national awards for writing, published in small literary journal, edit a midsize online magazine, paid contributor/staff writer at LA-based teen-centered entertainment/lifestyle website. Editor-in-chief high school news magazine, volunteer teaching children with disabilities to ride horses (therapeutic riding), volunteer at Children’s Museum.
  • THE BAD STUFF: GPA. Weighted, 4.34, but UW, 3.49. I had a legitimate reason for a drop because I took a month off sophomore year for medical reasons, but I got a D in chem (retook it). But, my weighted (we don’t do UW gpa’s for every year, just an UW cumulative) GPAs every year were: 4.2 freshman, 3.6 sophomore–but 5.17 junior, so I clearly bounced back.
  • Financial stuff: Very fortunate to be able to pay full price. High income bracket
  • Additional info: Female, Asian. Two older sisters, Cornell grads. From Mid-Atlantic.

What I’m looking for:

  • Want to major in English or journalism, probably English. I’ve looked at most of the ‘good’ j-schools.
  • Not looking for strong creative writing program; I just want to study English language/lit in general.
  • Many people have suggested LACs like Kenyon, Macalester, and Skidmore but I’m not really into them, so I guess I’m looking for university recommendations or larger LACs. I’m looking for larger schools, like 4-5,000 and up (but NOT above like 15,000). Diversity is also important to me.
  • Atmosphere: I’m not super big into sports and don’t want life to revolve around the football team or Greek life–BUT, I do still want some semblance of school spirit (which is why I didn’t love the LACs.) Basically, there’s athletics and maybe people are really into one sport and will go all out for it (like BU with hockey) but the overall campus vibe is not extreme sports-heavy. Also not into religiousness (didn’t love Fordham), but I also don’t think I would TOTALLY mind bc I could learn a lot.

I guess I just need help finding places that are true to the holistic process so my strengths can outweigh the weakness of my GPA. Currently, I’ve considered Ithaca, Emerson, GW, BU, and Syracuse for journalism, and Pitt, Denison, Bucknell for English. I LOVE Barnard and Emory (enough to ED!!!) but I AM a realistic person and realize that those are very much out of my reach. (Which is why I’m not EDing to Cornell, despite my parents’ wishes.)

Thanks for the help!

Congratulations on your hard work and success! You sound like a terrific English/writing student.

You have some great schools on your list. How about Tulane? Great school, right size, and you seem to favor an urban environment. Maybe College of Charleston too, for all the same reasons. I’d think Rhodes College in Memphis would be a great choice, but an LAC. Take a quick peek though, very beautiful school, and academically a great fit, I think.

Good luck!

College of William & Mary. Elon University.

Interesting. I was actually thinking that Emory would be great for you even before I read the end of your post. What about University of Richmond?