I think the best place for my youngest is a school with low student/teacher ratios, which would seem to be available only a small private college. A conservative atmosphere would be best, and they’d need to have good scholarships. Her scores will be excellent (we are hoping for National Merit Semi-Finalist), but her ranking will not be top 10% and we will not qualify for need-based aid. Any recommendations?
I’ve heard great things about St.Edwards in Austin and Trinity in San Antonio. I don’t think either of those specifically participate in NMF but I’ve read they give great merit aid. Have you looked into those?
Austin college and trinity university are both good options
Is she wanting a school in a urban environment or a more rural setting. What will be her intended major. Texas have several small liberal colleges and little more information would help narrow her options.
Austin College is small and has good scholarships but It wouldn’t be my top pick for a National Merit Scholar. Trinity is another one. SMU and Baylor are good mid size Texas schools, rather conservative with smaller classes and they give generous scholarships to Merit Scholars.
My vote for Trinity as well. Also look at Southwestern University in Georgetown ( near Austin)
@fredsfam, if you could give us more info on her stats, interests and preferences then we could better help you. I’m here in Texas and did quite a bit of research regarding getting merit for my D and some peers.
@fredsfam What about Rice? That’s conservative, and small, and low student teacher ratios. It probably doesn’t cost any more than the other private colleges in Texas and is more selective on student admissions.
Trinity University in San Antonio and Hendrix College (not in TX) but an easy drive from most parts of TX.
Try Southwestern? I know a young man who was NMF and got an excellent merit award there.
She’s looking at linguistics or actuarial science, but may have to back off of those at a smaller school.
Weighted GPA currently 3.7, her downfall. ACT 32, hasn’t taken SAT yet. Several APs, will have 4/5 on all those. 9 language credits by next year, Spanish and French. PSAT 216, will be commended but not NMSF.
Rice is very selective…and scholarships are not enough to go around because every applicant has perfect everything…
SMU offers good merit aid for high stats students like your D. The Honors Program at SMU has very small classes.
My D was offered large scholarships at both Trinity and Southwestern. 32 ACT, 2180 old ACT, 3.8UW/4.6WGPA.
Both are great schools. Trinity is larger. We were impressed with both when we visited.