<p>I would like suggestions on good school fits for DS:</p>
<p>Major: Computer science, with possibility of double majoring or minoring in music.</p>
<p>Fit factors: not a LAC, liberal, not heavy on social life (little or no Greek system), not preppy. He would probably be happiest where people get together in the dorm to play guitar or video games or where there's a great student center with movies, gym, etc., but not where he would have to go out for groups and activities.</p>
<p>Statistics: as of first try, 740 CR and 670 Math (taking again in September), good number of AP's, GPA was 3.8--probably higher at end of Junior year.</p>
<p>Activities: more individual than group activities--guitar lessons, guitar ensemble, honor societies/community service, forensics/public speaking, competitive academic team. No sports, no leadership.</p>
<p>Locations: we are East Coast but want to consider all geographical areas; he does not want an NYU-type open urban campus, but otherwise likes city and suburban equally well. Weather does not seem to be a factor.</p>
<p>So far, he has really loved Georgia Tech, Carnegie Mellon and James Madison. Any other suggestions? Any reasons why he might not like those schools after all? Thanks for your help.</p>
<p>Consider Northeastern. Great location, and students can choose to be in dorms with others of the same major. Good computer science program, too.</p>
<p>Well, he sounds like a shoo-in at U.Va., one of the top 25 universities in America, probably one of the ten most popular among students, and one that should cost you < $20K as a state resident, even if you didn't get a penny of aid. I can't imagine why he'd be looking at Georgia Tech, with its poor student ratings and no music whatsoever. He sounds overqualified for JMU, but that could translate into a big scholarship. The SATs and grades would open up a lot of possibilities, but they don't sound that much better than U.Va. to me.</p>
<p>GADad--can you guide me to where I might find more info on student ratings of Georgia Tech? What you mentioned does concern me. </p>
<p>I'm not sure he's the UVA type since he's looking for a non-Greek, non liberal arts, non preppy environment. Unfortunately, the UVA tour was very unwelcoming and really turned him off. Surely, UVA does not have to go out of its way to get applicants, and it shows. Yes, it would be a good choice academically and economically. Having gone there myself briefly and transferring out, I know that if it's not a fit, it doesn't matter how great the academics and the price are. </p>
<p>It's very difficult right now for the VA students to get into the top VA universities, so unfortunately, I cannot breathe easy and consider him a shoo-in for either UVA or James Madison. He is also looking at William and Mary, but I'm not sure that computer science is strong there.</p>
<p>It is an LAC, but look at Harvey Mudd. The total student enrollment of the consortium is about 6,000, and HM in particular is a science, math, and engineering oriented school. </p>
<p>Another to look at is Cal Poly - San Luis Obispo. Great computer school. There is a social aspect, sure, but there are plenty of low-key types who like to play video games too. </p>
<p>California is the place to be for computers. Or one of the places to be, at least.</p>
<p>JMU has the best music school in Virginia so that would be a nice fit. The College of Integrated Science and Technology would be a better choice than the other more highly ranked Virginia schools since he wants computer science. Outside Virginia, Carnegie Mellon would be a good choice.</p>
<p>As an alum of W&M, I would certainly recommend it also. I really didn't know about the reputation in computer science. Although not well known for music, I can't imagine the department is not good.</p>
<p>W&M grad and dad here. My wife graduated with a computer science degree from W&M (25 years ago when it was still officially a math degree). She stayed in it through her first two jobs, then moved into project management, now internet marketing. The degree certanly helped her, and is still an important part of her knowledge base. </p>
<p>I can't really attest to the CS program now -- my son is an English/Anthropology major. But W&M seems to meet many of the criteria you noted. JMU also sounds like a good fit. Is Virginia Tech too big? I don't know the music department opportunites, though. </p>
<p>As a resident of Virginia do investigate all of your really great in-state options. We are paying OOS tuition for my son and every semester I sigh when I look at the in-state rates. </p>
<p>Also, as a resident of Delaware, I can recommend the University of Delaware, if he is okay with the size (about 16,000), which, if he likes Georgia Tech, shouldn't be a problem. Good engineering/computer science and a good music department. He is a good candidate for the UD honors program. UD was too large and too close (we live 10 minutes from the campus) for my son and W&M was the best fit for him. My HS junior daughter also says UD is "too close" but I don't think the size would be a problem for her and it is strong in her tentative program areas, so I may yet be able to take advantage of in-state tuition. But, if not, oh well . . .</p>
<p>UDel - another good choice - for music too. My D almost applied there but just couldn't auditon at so many schools and UDel is more expensive OOS than many others. She loved the campus though and it is in a great location.</p>