Hi,
Obviously I’ve found a great selection of schools for Russian and International Relations, but unfortunately, it’s been more difficult to find safety schools.
WGPA is 3.9, UW is 3.6, 1450 SAT.
My only requirements are that it is urban or near a city, has a Chinese and Russian program, and has good IR.
I’m middle-class but am looking for safeties, especially for better financial aid prospects.
Thank you for any help you can offer.
I don’t know if I would go as far as safety, but Macalester could be a good alternative to Tufts, Georgetown, or U. of C.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inside_the_Ivory_Tower
The least selective schools that show up on that page include American University and the University of Denver. Due to high costs, probably neither one is a true admission and financial safety, but they might be worth a look. Both are in fairly attractive locations if you like cities.
If you’re in-state for one of the listed public universities, consider those too (although some are too selective to call safeties.) I wouldn’t consider Macalester a safety.
Dickinson in Carlisle PA – not a safety, more of a match. Offers both Chinese and Russian, strong international focus and programs, and about 40 minutes from Harrisburg, the state capital. Carlisle is a town, not a bustling urban center, but the post-colonial buildings in the downtown area are reminiscent of Philadelphia (at least for me).
Definitely look into Denver if you haven’t. My D had a slightly better SAT and somewhat better GPA (3.9UW) and used it essentially as a safety. She was offered the maximum merit aid of about $25,000, which takes their cost down to about $37,000, and was offered enough additional need-based aid to make Denver at least close to some other schools that meet full need.
With your stats, you are extremely likely to get in, and could very possibly get merit aid of at least $15,000 or even the higher levels. Their Net Price Calculator should give you an idea on both merit and need-based.
Shameless promo for my school: William & Maryyyyy
I took a peek at one of your other threads and saw that you said W&M is rural, but it’s actually quite suburban!! It feels much closer to CNU and GMU than, say, VT or Radford or JMU. The alumni network is also very good, from what I hear.
W&M also has a SUPER good IR program and a ton of excellent study abroad programs - financial aid is provided and ~50% of W&M students study abroad at some point during undergrad. I don’t know much about their Chinese/Russian studies programs, but they exist as both majors and minors!
And, finally, given your stats, W&M is probably a low match/high safety, and their financial aid is very good for in-state students (in mine and many of my friends’ experience), so as a middle class student, your package from W&M will probably be better than packages you get from private schools and OOS state schools.
Can’t really speak for other schools, but let me know if you have any questions about W&M!! #GoTribe