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<p>University of Pittsburgh doesn’t. Good endowment, generous with academic merit scholarships. </p>
<p>Schools where you are above the 75th Percentile are less likely to emphasize ECs. </p>
<p>Consider Beloit and Lawrence which are LACs that meet full need. </p>
<p>Also, schools with an admit rate of 20-25% or higher are really worth applying to for a student such as yourself. These schools really do emphasize academics first and if you’ve got the goods, you have a reasonable chance. Women’s colleges are especially attractive because they have a much higher admit rate given the quality. I’m thinking places like Mt. Holyoke, Bryn Mawr, or even Wellesley. </p>
<p>You are letting the rules of thumb on the admissions process about ECs make you feel inferior, but really, if you have the academic chops and choose a school where you are valued for that, you will have a good outcome. </p>
<p>Do things that you want to do, and don’t worry about the quality of your ECs. </p>
<p>I know plenty of kids that just do what they want and do fine in competitive college admissions, within reason. </p>
<p>Finally, consider applying ED to your favorite school. If you get admitted, you don’t have to withdraw the other applications until the school gives you an aid package that you can afford. While some colleges discourage this many schools encourage it. You should talk to the admissions department of your favorite school. </p>
<p>ED has a much higher admit rate at most schools.</p>
<p>Reed is a great school that is definitely a match school for a student like yourself. I think you should call the admissions office and inquire about ED and financial aid. It will definitely show interest either way.</p>