<p>Not to be glib or smug, but there are several huge directories available for you to research and since you are a junior you have all summer to do the research and even visit several schools, if not before. There are 2,000 colleges in the United States, most of whom accept “average students”. Though your definition of average is “above average” in reality, it only seems “average” on this board with the uber high stats being posted and bragged on. </p>
<p>However, UNC and William and Mary are very prestigious state schools and they only take the very best students…even in state and frankly your gpa is not high enough. State schools are being inundated with high caliber applications in the tens of thousands due to the economy and the ever increasing selectivity of private schools. Not to worry as there are hundreds or even a thousand schools out there who would love to have you and which might be a very good fit.</p>
<p>Start geographically. Make a list of 25-30 schools. Do the homework and then jump online and dig deeper into their programs and try to find out more about the campus culture. Narrow your list down to 15, then the final 10 to apply to. Then fire away. </p>
<p>Make sure you have a healthy mix of reach, match and safety schools and be prepared to embrace your safety school. Often safeties are the best place for you anyway and offer the most money. Dont apply to ANY school you can’t possibly see yourself attending and thriving, either at the top or the bottom of the list. Because being happy and thriving is much more important than where they are ranked on the USNWR.</p>