Safeties?

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I've posted here before, but seeing as the thread is dead, I figured I'd start a fresh one. I've assembled a list, but it's very reach/match heavy -- I don't think I have one true safety.</p>

<p>Yale
Brown
U Chicago
Amherst
Swarthmore
Grinnell
Carleton
Macalester
Smith
Tufts</p>

<p>I'm in-state for UNC-Chapel Hill and I've been told several times I could consider it a safety (also a financial safety), but I don't think I would enjoy the school as much as I could. It's too big, too Greek, etc; not my scene at all.</p>

<p>So, given my current list of schools and the (flexible) criteria below, where would you suggest as a safety? Feel free to suggest schools that I might have missed that may be reaches/matches as well.</p>

<p>I'm much more into the LACs that the large research universities and am looking for a personalized experience -- in other words, I want to be taught by professors, not TAs. I'm pretty flexible regarding location; I just don't want to go too far west or too deep into the south. I'm looking for a strong intellectual climate, but at the same time, I want a school where partying is available if I want it but not the center of the majority of the population's lives. I'm one of those people who will probably go to a party maybe once a week, if that. On that note, I want a small to nonexistent Greek scene.</p>

<p>My potential majors are Classics, Political Science, Anthropology, Archaeology, etc -- you get the idea. Politically, I'm moderate; however, I am not concerned with the political atmosphere of the school as far as being extremely liberal or conservative because I want a climate where my views will be challenged.</p>

<p>Don't worry about my stats and such; they leave me with a shot at wherever. Hopefully that didn't sound too arrogant, heh.</p>

<p>I WILL be needing FA. (<$35000 income)</p>

<p>Alright, I think I'm done rambling. Thanks.</p>

2

<p>You need to apply to UNC-Chapel Hill. Yes, I know you don’t like it–but another financial safety at that academic level will be difficult to find. You can consider Smith a low match/high safety, as long as you demonstrate interest; they’re traditionally generous to Pell-grant recipients (which I assume you will be one).</p>

<p>If you REALLY want an LAC, look at University of Minnesota-Morris, which offers a guaranteed full-tuition scholarship for National Merit Finalists, and you could cover the rest with reasonable loans/work. But the academics will be at least two tiers below UNC.</p>

<p>Any reason you’re not considering Oberlin? And for anthro you should definitely look at Beloit, which meets 99% of need and would be an academic safety for you (but I’m not sure if it’s need-blind).</p>

3

<p>Earlham, Kalamazoo, Denison and Cornell (Iowa) are all good and less selective than those listed.</p>

4

<p>Have you looked at St. John’s? It’s a different curriculum, but might be worth a look. Can’t speak for parties, but Annapolis has the Naval Academy, too, so there is probably something going on most of the time.</p>

5

<p>Keilexandra, I have to ask why you recommended UMM when you mentioned a LAC?</p>

6

<p>UMM is a public LAC of ~2000 students. I personally would not choose it over UNC, by a long shot, but the OP may feel differently.</p>

7

<p>Might look at Holy Cross(near Boston). Holy Cross has highly respected Classics department and strong alumni network.</p>