<p>aqua, You will get dozens of good suggestions, but before you can make a list of colleges you must make sure you can afford them. Private colleges vary in cost, but not considerably.</p>
<p>The FIRST thing you need to do is ask your parents to collaborate on determining your estimated financial contribution. Even though your parents are divorced, both their incomes will be considered. They should use an on-line calculator to get an idea of how much NEED based aid you might be eligible for. </p>
<p>“Average” usually means you get some degree of need based aid. With A’s and B’s, I wouldn’t expect a lot of merit aid, unless there’s something lurking in your profile. </p>
<p>For example, coming from South Texas will be a plus in many parts of the country. You didn’t mention your ethnic background. If you are not White, you may benefit from diversity quotas. Don’t underestimate how important this is.</p>
<p>Focus on those extracurriculars now. Pick a couple of interests and enlarge on them. You don’t need a long list, just a good list, that you are sincerely interested in and devote energy to. Small colleges look at the whole person and they want students who will contribute to the campus community.</p>
<p>One more suggestion: Skidmore.</p>
<p>And don’t forget to research Questbridge.</p>