<p>First, I’m assuming you’re in high school - are you a junior or senior? What exactly are you looking for in a college in terms of atmosphere, personality, class size, diversity, etc.? Many people take those things for granted when applying for schools, and then find themselves unhappy when they are actually in the school. I think you should considered re-taking your SATs (get into the 2000s at least), take the ACTs and take two to three subject tests (I believe Cornell and Columbia <em>require</em> at least two subject tests). </p>
<p>If money is a key factor, you should looking into schools that label themselves as “need-blind” and “need-aware” - these are universities and colleges that do not take into account your financial status as a reason to judge your application; most, if not all financial issues will be taken care of by the school (no loans) if there is help needed. Here is a list of them:
[Need-blind</a> admission - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia](<a href=“http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Need-blind_admission]Need-blind”>Need-blind admission - Wikipedia)</p>
<p>If a school isn’t need-blind or aware, they could still give decent financial aid, but that depends on the university. </p>
<p>MIT should be at the top of your list if you want to get into a school with a top computer science program. They are need-blind as well I believe. Cornell and Columbia are need-blind as well. However, you have to remember that many of these schools have FIERCE competition, so you really have to up-the-ante to better your chances to be considered. </p>
<p>Drexel is a nice school for science (it’s <em>still</em> considered an engineering school, but they’re trying to shake that rep), but horrible if you don’t want $20 -$30k in loans PER YEAR. NYU, in general, is on the list horrible financial aid packet-dishers. You should really reconsider putting a burden up to $50k of loans on your head - I’m scared by that amount just typing it.</p>
<p>I think you should split your college applications into 4 groups, to prevent disorganization and breaks from reality:</p>
<p>1 “Dream” school - Most desired school out of all, usually have the hardest admissions
2 (or 1) “Reach” schools - Competitive admissions, but typically not to dream school level
3 ( or 2) “Target” schools - Schools matching current stat range, admit 40 - 60% of applicants
2 (or 1) “Safety” schools - Fair to say there would be little trouble getting into
1 “if all else fails” plan - Fallout plan in the <em>very</em> very unlikely chance no school admits you</p>
<p>Having too many “dream” schools indicates you may be taking an opportunist, unrealistic, and unfocused idea of college admissions. Too many safety schools indicate lack of confidence in one’s academic abilities. Too many target schools could mean that you may not be taking enough of a risk; that you’re complacent. Where do you many of these schools fall for you?</p>