Safety school for physics (undergraduate)

College Search & Selection
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<p>If you become NMF, Northeastern may give you a full tuition scholarship. But beware, if you do not “show interest” you may be waitlisted. They are adept at identifying those using the school as a safety and tend to waitlist them.</p>

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<p>Lawrence University considers “level of applicant’s interest” in admissions, so it cannot be a safety. Essay, interview, and other more subjective aspects of the applicant are also considered or important.</p>

<p>[Lawrence</a> University Admissions Information - CollegeData College Profile](<a href=“http://www.collegedata.com/cs/data/college/college_pg02_tmpl.jhtml?schoolId=1763]Lawrence”>http://www.collegedata.com/cs/data/college/college_pg02_tmpl.jhtml?schoolId=1763)</p>

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<p>Look at Case Western Reserve University. They have a good physics program and are also very strong in the other sciences, math and engineering. It’s also a top 40 university (us news) but has a relatively high acceptance rate. With your stats you should be a shoe in and will likely get a significant scholarship (with no extra application). The key is to apply early to show interest, and I don’t think there’s an extra essay requirement (wasn’t last year). It’s also extremely nice to already be accepted to a good school before you even apply to more competitive ones.</p>

<p>I’m from Colorado as well and applied to CU too. While its also quite good I think Case has better value for money if you get a scholarship (and I’m confident you will). CU is also significantly increasing tuition rates over the next 2-3 year because of lack of state funding (about 10% per year). So be aware of that.</p>

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<p>“Reed if it appeals to you (visit to be sure) and you can afford it.”</p>

<p>With only 20% of admission criteria based on GPA + test scores + class rank, Reed is a safety for no one in any field.</p>

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<p>Case Western Reserve University cannot be a safety; “level of applicant’s interest” is listed as being important.</p>

<p>[Case</a> Western Reserve University Admissions Information - CollegeData College Profile](<a href=“http://www.collegedata.com/cs/data/college/college_pg02_tmpl.jhtml?schoolId=966]Case”>Case Western Reserve University Acceptance Rate | CollegeData)</p>

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<p>^ So be sure to demonstrate a high level of interest.</p>

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<p>According to our Naviance, with a moderate amount of data Case accepts all qualified students - eventually. </p>

<p>They also have Early Action so you will probably know in December. Look at the Case Early Action threads.</p>

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<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/national-merit-scholarships/649276-nmf-scholarships-updated-compilation.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/national-merit-scholarships/649276-nmf-scholarships-updated-compilation.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>USC (Southern Cal) has a 1/2 tuition NMF scholarship though you do have to compete to get it (not automatic for NMFs like it was in the past).</p>

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<p>Ucbalumnus, who says that he can’t demonstrate interest in Case even if it’s his first choice? That’s why I suggested applying early since its non-binding and goes a long way in demonstrating interest. </p>

<p>Dextrous, I did a little digging and found this post. It’s a little old, but still accurate. And if anything, physics at Case has improved since then. <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/case-western-reserve-university/158198-physics-case.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/case-western-reserve-university/158198-physics-case.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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<p>Does applying EA (as opposed to ED) really demonstrate interest, or does it signal that the student is looking for an early-admission safety (the usual advantage of applying EA or early rolling)? Also, when playing the “interest” game, the student has to guess how to demonstrate interest, since not all schools use the same criteria. Have a visit recorded (could be expensive)? Email the admissions office frequently with questions (could be seen as a pest)? Click on the admissions web site every day looking for a decision?</p>

<p>CWRU may be a desirable school for the OP, but should not be put in the safety category.</p>