As far as autoadmit Texas schools, there are indeed a good number of safeties on there but she’s really convinced herself she wants a small liberal arts school. That’s a good list, though, and who knows. We may end up using it.
I don’t think it’s disingenuous to fill out prospect forms at this stage. She can certainly be clear that she’s undecided about swimming in college. If coaches are interested in her, then it’s on them to sell her on the idea; they can educate her about the commitment level required, and how other athletes on the team balance the sport with academics and performing arts. The beauty of D3, as you know, is that you’re not locked in, and coaches know that. If she makes clear that academics and music are her top two priorities and sports are a distant third, and they still want to try to persuade her to join the team, why not let them try? She can always say “thanks anyway.”
And yes, St. Olaf’s ED acceptance rate is 80%, more than double the RD rate, so that’s a school where ED would make a big difference. If she’s considering it, their summer programs could be worth a look. She could even potentially do the Music Academy and a swim camp back-to-back.
https://wp.stolaf.edu/conferences/summer-programs-at-a-glance/music-camps-new/
https://wp.stolaf.edu/conferences/summer-programs-at-a-glance/swim-camps/
Lawrence has a summer band camp too, but I don’t see dates posted yet.
Perhaps Truman State, University of Minnesota Morris, and other COPLAC schools may be suitable? Midwestern State is in Texas.
Clark and Worcester Mass might be too big of change for someone from Texas/flights/weather and surrounding city.
But it is a very academically focused school, not a big party scene and definately not conservative.
And I think it would be a strong match with your daughters excellent profile.
Most SAT/ACT prep is very poor IMO. The best kind of prep is done far in advance to fill in knowledge gaps and get used to pacing. Some prep courses focus largely on strategy, I would suggest doing Khan Academy SAT prep and at least 4 practice tests on their system
I wouldn’t discard Tulane on stats if ED, very solid results for Tulane so far on this years 3.0-3.4 thread. However if it doesn’t have the music opportunities she’d like, I wouldn’t waste the ED card on it.
Puget Sound is likely a match, possibly even a safety with her EC’s and is well respected for sports and music program locally.
I might suggest looking at Ursinus.
She will have nice options even if the SAT stands. It may be low in CC but not at all in the real world and you are clearly putting together a very reasonable list.
For a kid with extensive music experience and interest in band but not necessarily wanting to major in music (ie., not conservatory), St Olaf would be the gold standard. Applying ED would mean very high odds of admissions, even though her SAT score is low for them so any increase (SAT or ACT) would help. (RD would make it a reach).
https://wp.stolaf.edu/stolaf-band/press-media/
Southwestern should not be a reach. In fact, she should get merit there. A friend just got in with $23 k per year - 4.0 weighted GPA but SAT in the 1100s. The same student got into DU with $17k. Southwestern is way more affordable with a lower COA to begin with. I understand money is not an issue, but no reason to leave it on the table.
I would not rule out Trinity. Check out all of the Colleges that Change Lives. She will have many great options. Good luck.
Being from Texas might help at St Olaf. How do the net price calculators look at all these schools?
How flexible is she with school size?
James Madison is SAT optional and the Marching Royal Dukes are pretty darn good if she has any interest in marching bands.
It feels a lot smaller than the 20,000 kids that go there.
A couple of others to consider are Muhlenberg and Ithaca College.