So I know I’m doing this a bit late, seeing as college apps are due in a month or so. I’m a gap year student from California. I was intending to just apply to the UCs, but then I saw a post at the top of the UC thread about how a lot of California students are applying to other schools and now I’m concerned that I should be doing that too.
I’m still going to be applying to the UCs, but if anyone has any suggestions of other schools I should consider applying to, I’d love to hear them! I’m not afraid of going out of state, I just thought in state tuition would be cheaper. I was also thinking about applying to schools out of the US for a while, but I know nothing the school system in other places.
Here’s some information about me:
My family is pretty well off, so I won’t be eligible for need based financial aid. My parents are willing to contribute about 30-45K to my college education.
I’d like to major in math, and either become an elementary school teacher or go to law school. I was considering applying to some of the Cal State schools because they have teacher education programs, but I don’t want to limit myself if I end up deciding not to become a teacher after all.
I like big cities, big schools, and lots of different things to do (clubs/activities type things, I’m not really a party person). I wouldn’t turn down a school just cause it’s not in a big city though.
I have straight As/Bs (more As than Bs, but not a straight A student). My SAT score is 2370 (with 800 and 770 on Math 2 and Bio M subject tests respectively). I’ve taken a bunch of AP tests, with mostly 4s and a few 5s.
If you read all that, thank you so much I’d love any advice you could give.
You have lots of options in the 30-45K range, and your profile will net you great merit at many places.
To beat the UC’s price, you’ll have to justify with quality of the undergraduate eperience, learning facilities, “fit”.
Apply to UAlabama Honors, you’re automatically admitted to the Honors College and get a full tuition scholarship. You can then apply for more selective programs within honors if you wish.
You could apply for Math at Cal Poly SLO.
Why not try for Harvey Mudd and Northwestern, both very good for math. NYU Courant Institute for Math, Macalester, (really cool neighborhood in the Twin Cities), Reed (in Portland OR), Emory (check out deadline for Emory Scholars), Vanderbilt, Northeastern (they love high stats and you’d likely get significant merit at Northeastern).
U Washington, if you wish to have a change in scenery, along with its honors college.
St Olaf, very good for math, not a party school - in a college town south of Minneapolis St Paul. Merit also depends on interest.
Bowdoin, 35 mn to Portland ME - no sure if they have merit though.
@MYOS1634 Thank you so much! I’m definitely putting UAlabama and Cal Poly on my list. NYU sounds like it has a WONDERFUL math program, but it is expensive. I may just try anyways to see how much merit I get.
I don’t really like the idea of going to a small, liberal arts college (probably should have mentioned that), so a lot of the schools you mentioned like Harvey Mudd and Macalester are out. I’ve added Northeastern to my list as well.
@intparent Thanks I actually grew up in the Midwest, and I figured I was stuck in California (not that it’s bad here) because of the horrible cost of OOS tuition. It’s nice to know that I have options. I’m adding University of Minnesota to to my list.
NYU doesn’t give much aid in general. I would pick someplace else… you might find some SUNY schools in your range. Someone else could speak to which ones are best in your proposed major, I can’t.
Adding votes for Minnesota and Washington. Both have had very strong math departments for many years.
Washington also has an outstanding College of Education with top ranked secondary teacher education and elementary teacher education programs. Washington would likely give you a merit scholarship (up to $8,500 per year).
It certainly is a big school in a big city with lots of different things to do, especially if you are not a party person. If you apply, you should also consider the Honors Program, as MYOS1634 mentioned.
Try using the CC college search tool or the College Board’s search tool. It helped me out a lot when I was looking for schools to apply to (but don’t totally rely on it too much)
I’m not usually a NYU supporter but go ahead and leave it on your list. They will sometimes offer very good aid to a student they really want. That might be you. If you don’t get it, then you can just drop them for you other alternatives. Some other options might be Texas A&M or UT where, if you get a scholarship of a certain level, you get in-state tuition.
Are you a NMSF?
If so you would receive a 1/2 tuition National Merit scholarship at USC- IF accepted AND if you decide to go there…
You should apply to USC- BEFORE Dec 1- in order to be in the running for other scholarships.
@citymama9 Thanks! Montreal sounds super cool and the tuition is affordable. I’ve added it to my list.
@RIPUnclePhil Thank you! I just spent an hour or so looking through both. Definitely a great resource I wish there was a way to better see what the schools are like academically/socially though.
@“Erin’s Dad” I’m concerned about applying to places in Texas because I don’t want to be in a super conservative environment. Do you know if the culture is different around big colleges like Texas A&M and UT?
@menloparkmom I’m not sure. I think I paid my dues most semesters, but I also only spent three years in high school. Do you know how I could find out?
^ That changes the complexion significantly. That means you are looking for full tuition (room and board will run 10–15K/year). The UCs will cost a lot more than that for a well off family. You need to verify that number is for all four years with your parents. At that rate you’ll be starting at a CCC.
TAMU will be conservative, UT no (it’s in Austin).
To summarize, you’re a CA resident with a 2370 SAT whose parents make too much for need based aid but who will contribute ~$7,500-12,500/year to your education.
You need to look for schools that offer tuition scholarships for your stats. There’s a thread at the top of the financial aid forum that lists schools with guaranteed merit. Start there.
@“Erin’s Dad” Thank you. I’ve talked to my parents and mentioned what you said to them. They said they might be willing to contribute more if necessary. I’m the oldest child, so we’re kinda new to the whole college thing.
I’ve also looked into math major requirements at the UCs and I’m almost positive that if I work hard I’ll be able to finish in three years (which should lower the costs). I have a lot of AP/City College credits and I finished high school in three years as well. Not sure about other schools, but I intend to try if possible.
@austinmshauri I couldn’t find the thread you mentioned. It sounds great - do you mind sharing a link?
UC’s cost about 32k a year, 16k if you commute.
I thought your parents could afford 35k a year since it’s the cost of UC 's. If they can afford about 11-12k a year you have to get into whatever UC is nearby, and commute.
Otherwise, you need full tuition scholarships. Those are hard to get, and likely only available till December 1st.
We were also instate full fee at the UC’s. Depending on which school you attend (re: local housing costs), it will run your parents about $32K per year.
Figure out your budget. You should go on the financial aid link on this site and look for merit schools.
Just to clarify: Many/most scholarships require you to have application in by December 1 so hurry and check dates, make an appointment with your guidance counselor so they can get all of the materials out and start doing any applications you need. It sounds like UCs are not affordable to you unless you commute. If that is the case, best to find some options you CAN afford asap and start those applications.
I’d love any advice you could give.