<p>When I look at the stats for very selective schools like Chicago, Swarthmore and Haverford, I assume that kids on the 25th percentile of SAT had something else going for them that most students with that score don't have. That is, a kid whose 1330/1600 SAT is completely representative of the rest of his application is unlikely to be admitted to Chicago; the 1330 Chicago admit had some other stellar accomplishment.</p>
<p>But maybe I'm wrong. What do you all think?</p>
<p>I also think that most kids described as "quirky" would be unhappy at a school dominated by the Greek scene. So I'd advise the OP's son to look at schools with no or minimal frats.</p>
<p>I agree that a student who is unconvential in an obvious way probably would not enjoy a fraternity/soroity dominated campus culture because that suggests conformity and, therefore, conservatism. As an aside, this is why many view Dartmouth College as conservative--the dominance of the campus fraternity/ drinking culture.
Also in response to post #21: I do & I don't agree with your assumption about the 25th percentile SAT score of matriculated students representing students with substantial hooks because it is too difficult to define what constitutes a "hook". At most schools, applying EA or ED is a hook. At some schools being either liberal or conservative may be a hook. An outstanding essay, a great piece of creative artwork, acting awards, debate skills, athletic ability, development potential, legacy/donor status, geographical needs, URM status, etc. can all be hooks. (If CC started a "What constitutes a hook" thread, I suspect that the results would be surprising to most readers.) And hooks can change yearly at any particular school. Remember that the 25th percentile SAT score is for matriculated students, and many more were accepted that could move this number up or down.</p>
<p>Let me phrase it another way, which you might agree with more: At very selective schools such as Haverford and Chicago, the large majority of applicants with scores at the 25th percentile will be rejected. That certainly doesn't mean not to apply with those stats: some students are accepted. But it does mean the school is a considerable reach.</p>
<p>Thanks for all of the replies. I was having a moment of panic over the matches (safety we actually have covered) because son's reaches are really, really reaches (Middlebury, Swarthmore, Brown). Thus there is a very good chance that his choice will come down to the safety and one or more of the matches. </p>
<p>Finding a match is complicated by the fact that son wants to continue his study of Chinese in college. (He is hoping that white kid from the fairly rural deep south who has already taken Chinese for college credit is some kind of a hook at his reach schools.) So Hendrix, which would probably be a better social match, is out, as is Centre. I will look into some of the non-southern suggestions to see if we can add a few more match schools to his list. He actually would prefer to stay in the south (ideal geography would be a five-hour drive from home--far enough away that he is really going away to school but close enough that he could come back and visit on breaks (he will miss the daily walk with the dogs terribly)). He is willing to go farther for the top of his list schools but so far his thinking has been that if it turns out that he is not admitted to one of the top of his list schools he will at least be closer to home. </p>
<p>(As for stats, whoever guessed 32 ACT wins the prize.)</p>
<p>Enjoy the journey, savor the time and the search. It is all part of getting ready for the next chapter in life, letting go for us and launching for them. attach to your match schools...is my best advice. my first son was waitlisted at his "crush" college, and found an open door somewhere else. He truly would have been happy at his matches...so even after winter break..visit your matches and give them respect and some of the affection they deserve....so that anything that happens in April feels like a great option.</p>
<p>I would not consider birmingham southern for a second, and I went there. But you might try Hendrix. I have heard it is excellent academically, and there are no sororities or fraternities on campus. It is hard to believe but no matter your race, background, or income level, it is the greek system that serves as a huge divider at many LACs and bham southern is no exception. Being a member of a certain frat determines who you hang out with, people's perception of you, etc. If he is quirky, steer him towards schools without a greek system. He will be much happier after he graduates and he will want to promote the school.</p>