So What Places Should I be Looking At?

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I'm an American citizen living in Pakistan and will be needing tons of financial aid. My stats are pretty bad compared to most of CC. I wanted to know what should be I keep as my reaches, matches and safeties with the following (lack of) stats:</p>

<p>O Level Grades (Equivalent to 9th and 10th in the US):</p>

<p>Math A 98
English Lang A 91
Islamiat A 95
Economics A 95
Accounting A 95
Commerce A 93
Urdu B 88
Pakistan Studies D 67 (This is gonna eff me)</p>

<p>A Level Subjects (Junior and Senior year):</p>

<p>Economics
Accounting
Math
Further Math</p>

<p>I have all 4 A's in my first year of A Levels.</p>

<p>SAT:</p>

<p>Superscored: 2050</p>

<p>CR: 640
Math: 730
Writing: 680 (Essay 10)</p>

<p>Highest single sitting score is 2010 with 640 CR 690 M and 680 W.</p>

<p>SAT IIs:</p>

<p>Will be taking them in December in Math Level II and Physics. Can't really say right now about how much I will get but I'll probably score highly in Math II and moderately in Physics. BTW I didn't have Physics neither at A Level nor O and am self-studying for it. Will that look good?</p>

<p>ECs: Extremely weak. A couple of internships/community service, tutoring kids and won an Essay Competition. Mostly that kind of crap.</p>

<p>Recommendations: I'm sure I can get good to great recommendations from my counselor and Economics teacher.</p>

<p>Essays: Here's where I think I can make up for a lot of my weaknesses since I am definitely determined to ace these.</p>

<p>I'm an American citizen living in Pakistan and will be needing tons of financial aid.</p>

<p>Some disturbances during school life (which I don't know whether I should mention or not):</p>

<p>In my final year of O Levels all of my family had to go to the US since some issues needed to be resolved between my parents. (Dad lived in the US, the rest of us in Pakistan). They ended up getting separated and we moved to California planning to stay there for good. I went to school over there for a few months and also worked but we weren't able to settle over there because of financial problems and we went back to Pakistan. Having about 4 months left to prepare for my O Level final exams, the school didn't accept me back saying I had missed too much so I ended up self studying and got the result previously mentioned.</p>

<p>I'm currently looking at the following:</p>

<p>Cornell
Vanderbilt
Vassar
U of Rochester
Lafayette</p>

<p>I know, some of them are very high reaches for me, but what's wrong with trying?</p>

<p>So what do you guys think? Which colleges should I be looking at as my reaches, matches and safeties? Oh and please suggest schools which have preferably above 2500 students.</p>

<p>Fields I'm interested in/Possible Majors: Mathematics, Economics, Math-Eco dual, Philosophy.</p>

2

<p>You do not state clearly what you want in a college. It’s hard to tell from your list. Vassar, in particular, sticks out as quite different from the others.</p>

<p>Cornell, Vanderbilt, and Vassar would be long shots. Your CR score is a little low. Your courses should show more rigor than what appears on your list. Ideally they should include Calculus, 4 years of a foreign language, 3 years of lab science (bio, chem, physics), and at least a handful of AP/IB courses. Very selective schools want to see that you’ve taken the most challenging program offered and are among the top 10% or so of students at your school. </p>

<p>You need to be careful about crafting essays around personal problems. You can weave these into your story as an indication of challenges overcome. But realize, probably half the families in America are more or less dysfunctional. Adcoms may take these problems into account, but the top schools will be more interested in kids who thrived despite obstacles, not in excuses. </p>

<p>Your grades are good, your SATs are respectable. Your ECs don’t sound “extremely weak”. They’re not exceptional but I think part of the problem here is that you need to develop some confidence and display more enthusiasm. As an American living in Pakistan you may have some interesting perspectives on current events.</p>

<p>I suggest you drop Vassar and maybe Cornell. Look through the US News rankings and other resources (such as the “Colleges That Change Lives” site). Try to find a couple of colleges similar in features and selectivity to Lafayette or Rochester. Focus on the #25-75 schools in the USNews ranking. These are good schools (that’s 25-75 out of over 3000 institutions), not as selective as Cornell or Vassar but, if carefully chosen, might even fit you better.</p>

<p>Don’t forget to include at least one school that is a true admissions and financial safety.
And good luck.</p>

3

<p>Rhodes is one of the Colleges that Change Lives, and if you visit Vanderbilt, it would be relatively easy to shoot down I-40 to Memphis and visit Rhodes. Your stats are more or less a match.</p>

4

<p>tk21769: Thanks, that was helpful. I seriously regret taking up the subjects I took at my O Levels. I was really misguided then and didn’t really know. And naturally if I didn’t take up any sciences at Ordinary Level, it would be impossible to study them at A Level, so I took up the most challenging subs which were an option for me (Further Math). And I’m also self-studying for the Physics SAT II which can hopefully semi-makeup for my lack of sciences.</p>

<p>I don’t think I’ll craft an essay around family problems since those are way too common and like you said before, it would seem like excuse making. I’m thinking of writing one about how I feel I haven’t been able to realize my true potential because of some misguided decisions and how I want to do what I’m fully capable of at college. I’m very enthusiastic about going to college so I think a good essay would come naturally.</p>

<p>Well, what do I want in a school? Hmmm. Well nothing too specific. Just a good college with good academics and open-minded and intelligent people. I’d prefer its social scene consists of more than just fraternities and sororities. Also it shouldn’t be too preppy. Basically a welcoming place where I can feel at home and both learn enjoyably and have fun at the same time too. Also desirable but not necessary it would be nice if it’s within driving range of NY and Toronto.</p>

5

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<p>That sounds like a good start. You have some gaps in your preparation due to your O-level choices; now you’ve become more ambitious. I don’t know enough about the system in Pakistan to be helpful but in the USA we like the idea of second chances and fresh starts. Success may involve beginning at a less competitive school, then transferring.</p>

6

<p>What do you mean by “less competitive”? Are you talking about the schools in the 25-75 rankings? I’m definitely up for them as long as I can get good FA. And yeah, I definitely want a fresh start regarding sciences and I’m also finding doing Physics very enjoyable.</p>

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<p>From this statement, I’m guessing that you’re from a low income family. Is that right?</p>

<p>If that is true, and your family has no EFC, then your only choice is to look at schools that can meet full need with little or no loans.</p>

<p>There’s no point in applying to schools that will have a big gap with need. BTW…how will you be paying for your transportation to and from home for summers and breaks?</p>

<p>100% MEET NEED SCHOOLS (But many include student loans in their packages)</p>

<p>Amherst (MA)
Antioch (OH)
Barnard (NY)
Bates (ME)
Beloit (WI)
Bowdoin (ME)
Brown (RI)
Bucknell ¶
California Institute of Technology (CA)
Campbell University (NC)
Carleton (MN)
Chapman (CA)
Claremont McKenna (CA)
Clarke College (IA)
Colby (ME)
Colgate (NY)
College of the Holy Cross MA)
Columbia (NY)
Connecticut College
Cornell
Dartmouth
Davidson (NC)
Duke
Emory
Franklin and Marshall ¶
Georgetown University (DC)
Gettysburg ¶
Grinnell (IA)
Hamilton (NY)
Harvard
Harvey Mudd (CA)
Haverford ¶
Lafayette ¶
Lake Forest College (IL)
Lawrence University (WI)
Macalester (MN)
MIT
Middlebury (VT)
Mount Holyoke (MA)
Northwestern (IL)
Oberlin (OH)
Occidental (CA)
Pomona (CA)
Princeton
Rice
Salem College (NC)
Scripps (CA)
Smith College (MA)
Southern Arkansas University
Stanford
St. Olaf College (MN)
Swarthmore
Talladega College (AL)
Thomas Aquinas College (CA)
Trinity College (CT)
Tufts University
University of Chicago
University of Pennslyvania
University of Richmond
University of Virginia
Vassar
Wabash College (IN
Washington University in St. Louis
Wellesley College
Wesleay University
Williams Colelge
Yale University</p>

<p>Here’s some info about no-loans schools, but most are schools that accept super-stats kids.</p>

<p>The problem with having “good stats,” but not super stats, while also needing a lot of FA is that the schools that are very generous (without loans) are the top schools.</p>

8

<p>Thanks, but I already knew of that list. And yes, you’re right about us needing 100% of full need met but I’m up for loans if there isn’t any other option left.</p>

<p>I just wanted to know about colleges I should be applying to with those kind of stats.</p>

9

<p>Well, i would not apply to Antioch, as it has closed.</p>

10

<p>I would also not limit applying to schools committed to meeting 100% of need for everyone. Schools like Rhodes that don’t make that commitment do nonetheless meet 100% (or more) of need for some students, though the average over all students is about 85-90%.</p>

11

<p>I agree with that. Some of the less competitive schools which I’m looking at don’t meet 100% but 85-90% on average which I think isn’t bad at all.</p>

<p>I wish someone would directly suggest names of schools.</p>

12

<p>Reaches
UPenn - 2115
Tufts - 2110
Columbia - 2100
Vassar - 2075
Wesleyan - 2070
Johns Hopkins - 2065</p>

<p>Target/Matches
Barnard - 2055
Reed College - 2055
USC - 2050
Carnegie Mellon - 2050
Vanderbilt - 2040</p>

<p>Safeties
Emory - 2010
Notre Dame - 1990
Boston College - 1990
University of Rochester - 1965
Case Western - 1965
NYU - 1960
Boston University - 1915</p>

<p>I got this off another thread: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-act-tests-test-preparation/310352-list-average-sat-scores-50-colleges-universities.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-act-tests-test-preparation/310352-list-average-sat-scores-50-colleges-universities.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>If you want more colleges/universities, here’s a site that matches schools w/ SAT scores: [2050</a> SAT Score](<a href=“http://www.satscores.us/sat_scores_by_score.asp?score=2050]2050”>http://www.satscores.us/sat_scores_by_score.asp?score=2050)</p>

<p>No one can really suggest what schools because they aren’t you… all colleges/universities are unique and it is your job to research ones that sound interesting to you.</p>

13

<p>^Those numbers appear to be dated. For example, at Columbia the 25th percentile SAT score for admitted students last year was 2110; the 75th percentile was 2300. The average was thus probably about 2200.</p>

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<p>I’m not sure how much in loans you’re talking about…but, a student can’t borrow much, and if your parents are very low income, they can’t borrow much. BTW…if you borrow only $15k per year, you’ll owe $60k and your monthly payments will be $690k per month for 10 LONG years.</p>

<p>How much were you considering borrowing each year?</p>

<p>I think you need to consider applying to schools that will give you enough merit that your “unmet” costs will get covered by federal money. (At least as a financial safety!!! :slight_smile: )</p>

<p>For instance…with your stats…M+CR SAT 1370…If you were an engineering major, The University of Alabama would give you free non-resident tuition PLUS $2500 a year. The rest of your costs (housing, etc) could be covered by fed grants and some loans (if necessary). But, you must apply by Dec 1 to the college and scholarships.</p>

<p>I’ve only pasted the relevant scholarship info below… <a href=“http://coeweb.eng.ua.edu/future_students/scholarship.htm[/url]”>http://coeweb.eng.ua.edu/future_students/scholarship.htm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>The University of Alabama - College of Engineering <a href=“http://coeweb.eng.ua.edu/[/url]”>http://coeweb.eng.ua.edu/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Scholarships 2010-2011</p>

<p>The following scholarships are in addition to the University-level scholarships offered. </p>

<p>Dept of Engineering - Out-of-State:</p>

<p>Students who have a 30-31 ACT or 1330-1390 SAT (math and verbal scores only) and at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA ** will receive a tuition supplement to bring their University-level scholarship offer up to the value of tuition. In addition, they will receive $2,500 per year for four years. **</p>

<p>Students must maintain enrollment in a College of Engineering degree program to receive any College of Engineering scholarship. </p>

<p>University of Alabama
Scholarships 2010-2011 </p>

<p>Out-of-State Scholarship Offers</p>

<p>Students who have a 30-31 ACT or 1330-1390 SAT (critical reading and mathematics scores only) and at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA will receive two-thirds the cost of tuition for four years. </p>

<p>Students who have a 32-36 ACT or 1400-1600 SAT (critical reading and mathematics scores only) and at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA will receive out-of-state tuition for four years.</p>

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<p>Wanted to add to above, but ran out of time </p>

<p>For instance…with your stats…M+CR SAT 1370…If you were an engineering major, ** The University of Alabama would give you FREE non-resident tuition PLUS $2500 a year. The rest of your costs (housing, etc) could be covered by fed grants and some loans (if necessary). **</p>

<p>But, you must apply by ** Dec 1 ** to the college and scholarships.</p>

<p>The application process for both admission and for scholarships is fast and easy. No essays. </p>

<p>Alabama has recently complete Phase II of its mega Engineering and Science complex. Aerial view (scroll down for pics…the pentagon shaped building is phase I, the buildings below and left of the pentagon are Phase II <a href=“http://web.as.ua.edu/home/news/2009/mailnews/october/webmail.php[/url]”>http://web.as.ua.edu/home/news/2009/mailnews/october/webmail.php&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>The complex just received a national award <a href=“http://uanews.ua.edu/2009/06/design-for-ua-science-and-engineering-complex-takes-national-award/[/url]”>http://uanews.ua.edu/2009/06/design-for-ua-science-and-engineering-complex-takes-national-award/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>For some pics of Phase I (called Shelby Hall) <a href=“http://www.bama.ua.edu/~chem/facilities/buildings/shelbytour/tour.html[/url]”>http://www.bama.ua.edu/~chem/facilities/buildings/shelbytour/tour.html&lt;/a&gt;
Click on the small 6 pics to get more pics. :)</p>

<p>Phase III began this month.</p>

<p>Will you be using a waiver for your apps?</p>

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<p>BTW…Notre Dame and Boston College aren’t safeties for ANYONE. Even a Kennedy was wait-listed at BC. </p>

<p>And, ND has become super selective. Emory isn’t a safety either.</p>

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<p>mom2collegekids: I appreciate you posting all that but I don’t plan on being an engineering major. And yes, I will be using fee waivers on my apps but I’m not exactly sure about how to do so that at this point.</p>

<p>sweetdreamzzz: I don’t think that list is very accurate. Notre Dame and Emory are “safeties” for a student like me? I don’t think so.</p>

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<p>^^^^</p>

<p>Some schools have you do the “paper apps” and send waivers with that. Some have you do the online app and send the waiver separately (however, you can only do that if there’s some way to override the request for payment while applying online).</p>

<p>I just learned this for another student who is applying with waivers. :)</p>

<p>Notre Dame, BC, and Emory aren’t safeties for ANYONE. Well, maybe if you’re a URM with perfect stats and ECs, then ND could be your safety since they might need more diversity.</p>

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<p>Hmmm, well I’ll have to figure that out.</p>

<p>Anyway, here’s a first draft of what colleges I’m looking at and which ones I think are my safeties, reaches and matches. What do you guys think?</p>

<p>Reaches/Dreams:</p>

<ol>
<li>Cornell University</li>
<li>University of Pennsylvania</li>
<li>University of Chicago</li>
<li>Vanderbilt University</li>
<li>Vassar College</li>
</ol>

<p>Matches:</p>

<ol>
<li>University of Rochester</li>
<li>Lafayette College</li>
<li>University of Virginia</li>
</ol>

<p>Safeties:</p>

<ol>
<li>Boston University</li>
<li>Purdue University</li>
<li>Syracuse University</li>
</ol>

<p>Any suggestions about what to add to or drop out of the list are definitely appreciated.</p>

20

<p>Bump 10char</p>