With size, I’ll probably prefer a smaller school but I’m not completely sure about that, which is why I want to consider a few larger schools, and decide on size later on, hopefully after visiting a few small and large schools. Oxford is large, but is comprised of smaller colleges where you live, socialize, and where your tutors are, so I won’t really have to choose between the two. Durham does the same thing.
UW Madison is out.
I’m iffy on Binghamton. Extremely popular with kids at my school. Compared to my peers, my SAT score is not going to cut it. MY GPA is good, though. Based off that, I would say it’s a match. Likely or possible, I’m not sure. Not a safety, so I don’t think it’s worth adding to the list. Sounds silly, but it also looks kind of ugly.
Bryn Mawr was on the list, but was cut out after I read in multiple places that it was a VERY liberal school, to the point where conservative views are not really accepted, and can even be met with hostility. I want somewhere where controversial ideas and viewpoints can be comfortably shared and discussed, without it becoming hostile.
I’m worried about the finances at Sweet Briar, but like @happymomof1 said, the small size and large space are good for social distancing if the virus really lasts a long time. That’s all I know so far, and I have a virtual tour scheduled for next week, so I hope to learn more then. Was thinking of it as a safety. If anyone has any thoughts/info/predictions on the current/future financial situation there, please share.
On women’s colleges in general: My parents are not too fond of the idea, but they’re letting me make the decision. They think it’s not reflective of the real world, and are worried that I’ll come out of it unsocialized. I know and like the advantages of attending a women’s college, but my parents just don’t get how any of it is a good thing. But I also understand their concerns. For that reason, the women’s colleges will be narrowed down to probably a maximum of 2.
I did run a calculator suggested by my counselor (I don’t remember which one) and have a pretty clear idea of what the expected family contribution will be. Will run a few school specific calculators. At this point, the assumption is no matter where I go, we will end up paying full/near full tuition (based on the first calculation we did and my stats, and just to avoid unnecessary disappointment), so running the calculators will either confirm our assumption or be a pleasant surprise.
Don’t really like the look of the campus at Skidmore. It was on my list before. There might have been other reasons why it was cut, but after I cut a school, I’ll remember that I didn’t like it but won’t really remember the reasons why. Another reason was probably location. Same with Union. Rough estimate, but I would prefer not to be within 30-60 min of Albany, especially if it’s along the Hudson.
Will sort through potential safety schools.
Agnes Scott is not on Naviance. Anyone know why?
Signing off for the long weekend, and will be back with an updated list next week.