<p>Thanks Faline, I know, I probably can do better on my ACT's, so I probably will take them again in Sept. Unfortunately, as for the visits, I simply cannot afford them right now, but may go to DC before winter break if I can get the money. As for interviewing, I'm planning on setting up an interview at every school I'm applying if they can do it locally, which most seem to be able to. I will look further into some of the small LAC's you mentioned and see what I think of them. I would appreciate a tight community, but at the same time, I need to have that city feeling, but I'm sure I'll figure it all out soon, thanks for the advice!</p>
<p>~Ben</p>
<p>The reason I am "fussing" at you for not prepping for your SAT and ACT exams seriously is because you have a higher critical reading and higher SAT essay score than most kids who sweat it out and practice before sitting down to take the exams! So you have raw talent, but selective schools award money to kids who also show attention to detail. Your ACT is already good, but one gets the feeling that you could be a real ACT stand-out re test scores if you understood that those scores mean more choices and better scholarships. Scholarships and need based financial aide are great, but first you gotta get admitted, and some of the schools with the best financial aide have tons of attractive students to choose from. Your senior year will be tough judging by your courseload, so make sure to get really serious about test preparation in class no matter how distracted you get with college applications..first semester grades are going to be big when selection begins and they also influence what your GC and references will say about you...so don't lose focus.
I understand that it is hard to get to visit colleges. We didn't own a car until we were 23 and my spouse went all the way with financial aide and second hand books and part time jobs. Greyhound buses are super annoying and long ways to go, but they do run everywhere.<br>
Another word to the wise, some alum interview networks are awkward or not efficient, so make a polite and early request for an interview. Waiting sometimes means interviews in late winter which can be too late. Also, if you are super clear about your first choice, and don't want to play the lottery on seeing who gives you the best package, do early decision. College is a very level playground. Once you get there it is a merit system that you can succeed in without a lot of family income, and talent is rewarded, so just find your match and enjoy your future new home for four years.</p>
<p>Thanks a lot man, I appreciate all the support. Now, I have a small question, should I apply to Northeastern along with BC, since niether are binding, would it increase my chances of merit/need aid and better housing?</p>
<p>I am not informed enough about the Boston college scene to comment...hopefully someone else from up there will respond. But some of the LACs we have mentioned are much stronger foundations than Northeastern academically which can mean better graduate school options, so don't just select your college based on the wish for city life. Sounds like you really prefer that area, and if so you will succeed if you work hard regardless. But it is easier to slack off in a huge school with less access to teachers. Maine is not Boston, but many kids at Colby and Bowdoin are urban kids for instance so don't discount LACs yet.</p>
<p>I know, I actually meant to say "should I apply to Northeastern for EA like I am for BC, even though I'll probably get in, will applying EA there over RD increase my chances at need/merit aid, and housing?</p>
<p>Arizonamom,</p>
<p>Just a note, Holy Cross is located in Worcester, third largest city in MA. It also is a college town, WPI, Assumption College, Clark University, Worcester State, Becker College, with Providence and Boston less than forty minutes away. There is tons to do, restaurants, shopping, concerts, libraries, sporting events, and a quick trip to many other NE cities. Your friend's D probably did not spend too much time there, and possibly did not ask a lot of questions. Have spent a lot of time in NE and would not call Holy Cross a remote location. BTW, it has a beautiful campus and excellent public transportation.</p>
<p>So, I've gotten it down...this is my final list I think.</p>
<p>Brandeis (RD) - Reach
BC (EA) - Slight Reach
BU (RD) - Match
GWU (ED) - Match
American (RD) - Slight Safety
Northeastern (RD) - Slight Safety
U of Richmond (RD) - Match/Slight Reach
Catholic U. of America (RD) - Safety</p>
<p>Caligrl,
Didn't mean to offend anyone, I lived in Boston for 29 years but haven't recently been to Worcester.It was not a place most folks tended to visit in my day. My friends D hated Worcester . She wanted to transfer from Holy Cross badly becaue of this but her mom wanted her to stick it out. That is only 1 person's experience so I am certainly no expert.</p>
<p>Also, in addition to comments on my new list, do you think it would benefit me at all to apply EA to Northeastern as well as BC, would it increase my chances of merit/need aid and better housing or anything?</p>
<p>BUMP, any opions on my list/Northeastern EA?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Bump....Any input?</p>
<p>Northeastern early action as opposed to Boston College? No way, I'd take BC, but I personally believe BC is a much better institution.</p>
<p>No, I meant for both, since niether is single choice.</p>
<p>I'd do both then...</p>
<p>Yeah, that's what I figured, think my list is alright?</p>
<p>One question, and I'm really not meaning to be rude: If you're unable to afford travelling to see schools, how will you be able to afford an ED package from GWU? My EFC is <$2k, and even I'm scrimping to make my visits. I know ED gives you a 60% shot there (as opposed to about 40%), but I have to wonder if you're going to get screwed on the financial front.</p>
<p>Your stats aren't good enough to make you really competitive for merit aid, and the average need-based gift aid at GWU is only $15,823, while tuition's around $50k. Have you spoken with the financial aid department there about whether or not ED is going to hurt you when it comes to financial aid? It tends to affect most people that way, and with your stats -- good but not mind-blowing -- I'd be concerned.</p>
<p>Yeah, I know, my EFC is like $1000 though, so I'm hoping I get a decent need-aid package, and if I can't afford it, you're not locked in, that's the only way to get out of ED, I appreciate the concern though, everyone always says it, heh.</p>
<p>I don't know that I'd be quite so trusting on financial aid. I mean, are you really willing to graduate with 100,000 dollars in loans? That is admittedly not very likely to happen, but some schools are more generous than others, and if you/your parents don't have much moeny already, it should be a concern. I guess I'm more conservative and afraid of debt than most people, but money was sure a big consideration when I was looking at colleges. Does GW guarantee to meet your financial need?</p>
<p>Well, that's the thing, if they CAN'T, then I can get out of the Early Decision contract.</p>
<p>Also, I've got another question. Do you think I should add another reach school? I feel as though BC, my only reach school is still only sort of a reach, and if I should, what reach school do you suggest in (or very close to) an Urban area on the East Coast preferably north of South Carolina and at least 2,500 undergrads, obviously with a solid Poli Sci program.</p>