<p>So, I took everyone's advice (thank you), talked some things over with my parents and did some long, hard thinking about the subject. Now, I've revised my application list. I've decided that as much as I think I am in love with Chicago and would attend if accepted (fat chance), I would not be happy there. Although I have lived in Russia, most of my life has been spent in CA and am without a doubt a warm climate kinda person. I get shivery when the temp drops below 50. I can't even imagine how I would fare in Chicago's below 0 weather (what really made me change my mind about Chicago was my dentists story about -100 degrees on one day.. he went to medical school there). Anyway.. I guess you could say I've "come to my senses" a bit more. My parents really don't want me applying out of state, but have agreed to allow me anyway and see what happens. Here's what i have so far:</p>
<p>Reed College
Santa Clara University
Pitzer
UC Berkeley
UC Davis
UC Irvine
UC Santa Cruz
UC Riverside
UC Santa Barbara
Sonoma State University
University of San Francisco
San Fran State
(i might apply to to Chicago, but not EA. This woudl allow me time to retake the SAT and raise my scores) </p>
<p>I'm allowing myself to apply to AT MOST 15 colleges. That might seem like a lot to most people but I can handle it, don't worry about that. So, I have to fill the 3 empty slots....</p>
<p>I was wondering if some of you guys could comment on Willamette, Lewis & Clark College, and University of Puget Sound, In terms of job success after graduation, success at graduate schools/professional schools, etc., and admissions to grad/pro schools. And if you don't mind, could you do the same for any of the other schools on my list you know of? Perhaps you know people who attended one of these universities, could you let me know how they're doing financially and career-wise? Thanks!</p>
<p>"(what really made me change my mind about Chicago was my dentists story about -100 degrees on one day.. he went to medical school there). "</p>
<p>Oh, good grief.</p>
<p>I wish I could comment better on your list, but my son preferred the midwest and east, and would not look at the south or west. What I do want to say is that you are going have to budget your time very carefully with so many applications. You're a bit of a longshot at Reed unless you pull up your math score - so you may well be looking at the evil wait lists. If this should happen, you have to keep your grades up because they may come into play at the end.</p>
<p>So best wishes, and please heed the advice you have gotten regarding likely admits. You sound like a great person - and we want to hear of you happilly choosing among your options in April!</p>
<p>Minus 100 degrees is a gross exaggeration. I survived 3 Chicago winters. The coldest night was only -26. With a brisk 30 mph wind, I don't think even the wind chill factor was less than about -80.</p>
<p>I have opposite concerns about weather. I'm avoiding anywhere that it doesn't snow a lot during the winter and isn't nice and cold during the fall :) I refuse to apply anywhere west or south!</p>
<p>masha, much better list. I still think you may not have enough safe matches. </p>
<p>Look at Chapman, Loyola Marymount, St Marys & U of Pacific too. These would seem to be better possibilities than Pitzer unless the SAT comes up.</p>
<p>and any comments on UPS, Lewis and Clark and Willamette? I'm a little iffy about Lewis and Clark... I'm sure its a wonderful school, but I've just heard so much about marijuana use beign VERY prevelent among its students.. that worries me.</p>
<p>Ohio Mom- she does not have that many apps since the majority of her list are all the same app you just check the box of the UC's you want to apply. You do pay I think $65 or 75 per campus so it is expensive. Also the 2 state schools might also be the same app and probably don't even require an essay.
Masha have you visited any of these schools?
Since you have catholic schools on your list look at Loyola Marymount and Univ of San Diego. Also possibly Seattle University.</p>
<p>If you're that worried about marijuana use at Lewis & Clark, you might want to take Weed...um...I mean Reed off of your list as well. Pitzer also has a similar reputation. Of course, in reality there are plenty of folks who don't indulge at all three schools, but all three do have that stereotype in many people's minds. :)</p>
<p>thanks for the clarification, mom60 - the list looked pretty daunting.</p>
<p>I am wondering if a midwestern school might not be more suitable from a social standpoint - Hanover in Indiana would be a likely match, Centre in Kentucky maybe - the weather is not as extreme. mom60's idea of looking at Catholic schools is a good one - a bit more conservative socially. And, really and truly, its ok if you are not RC.</p>