Strong LACs/Small Universities in California

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I have a friend who is trying to finalize her college list and having a pretty difficult time of it. She has really amazing grades, I think something like a 4.3w and 3.9uw and great ECs, but struggles mightily with tests. She has passed a few APs with 3s, but has an SAT around 1600 and an ACT of 23. She's interest in Area Studies majors, either Women's or Asian.</p>

<p>She has to stay in California, for private but understandable reasons but wants to leave San Diego. In asking her about what she likes and dislikes about our high school, she said "the focus of how much they're into college and grades vs. being a well-rounded person." So she is seeking what I would define as a liberal arts education, but in the state of California. However, at the same time, she said that she feels 2,000 is a tad small, but better than the size of the larger UCs, which is going to probably apply to anyway.</p>

<p>But I can tell that isn't really what she wants, so I have attempted coming up with schools to propose to her. However, looking forward to leaving California as soon as possible, I haven't research in-state schools too much. The best I have come up with is Occidental and the Claremont schools, but even within the Claremont schools I'm not sure which is the best fit. What other LACs or small universities in California would you all recommend for this set of requirements (note that financial aid is also an issue).</p>

2

<p>Of the Claremont schools, Pitzer is test-optional I think? Scripps would be a reach with her test scores, but maybe doable if the high school is reputable (no grade inflation).</p>

<p>I was going to say look at test-optional schools, but I don't think there are very many in California. Perhaps Mills?</p>

3

<p>The school is ranked 6th by Newsweek and 10th by USNWR, so it is a pretty strong school. The test-optional thing is what I thought too, but I don't know many in California.</p>

4

<p>Which school is ranked 10th by USNWR?</p>

<p>In general, with such a huge discrepancy between grades and test scores, she may have to look outside CA. What about border states--Oregon, Washington?</p>

5

<p>My, and her, high school on their high school rankings.</p>

<p>As hard as I try, out of state really isn't an option for family reasons.</p>

6

<p>Ah, that makes sense--I thought you were referring to a college. Hmm. If the HS is competitive, as it seems, you MIGHT have some luck getting the GC to reiterate the accomplishment of a high GPA. I don't know how much colleges can afford to overlook the test scores, simply because of USNWR and SAT medians, but it's worth a try.</p>

<p>Pitzer looks promising:

[quote]
Pitzer will exempt students graduating in the top 10% of their class, or those who have an unweighted cumulative grade-point average of 3.50 or higher in academic subjects (i.e., courses in the humanities, mathematics, sciences and social sciences) from having to submit any standardized tests (i.e., ACT or SAT).

[/quote]
</p>

<p>And if she somehow doesn't meet those requirements, she can also submit two graded exams:

[quote]
Two exams: one recent junior or senior year graded, analytical writing sample from a humanities or social science course, AND one mathematics examination, preferably a final or end-of-semester exam in the most advanced mathematics course possible (at least at the algebra II level). The samples must include the teacher’s comments, grades, and the assignment.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Also, some CA test-optional schools to look into, cross-referenced with College Board:</p>

<p>CSU Bakersfield
CSU Chico
CSU Dominguez Hills
CSU Fresno
CSU Fullerton
CSU East Bay
CSU Long Beach
CSU Los Angeles
CSU Northridge
CSU Sacramento
CSU San Bernardino
CSU San Marcos
CSU Stanislaus
Humboldt State University (CSU)
La Sierra University (religious affiliation)
Pacific Union College (religious affiliation)
Pitzer College<a href="see%20above">/b</a>
San Francisco State University (CSU)
San Jose State University (CSU)
Sonoma State University (CSU)
Vanguard University of Southern California (religious affiliation)
**CSU Monterey Bay</p>

<p>Source: Optional</a> List | FairTest</p>

<p>I've bolded those that I've heard about on CC. Looks like the CSUs may be her best option, since many of them are almost LAC-size. I don't know which are more reputable, though. But if the EC side holds up, she should have a good shot at Pitzer. Add some CSUs and UCs--that's probably the best she can do if she has to stay in California.</p>

7

<p>Off the top of my head, Univ. of the Redlands, Whittier College, LMU, Mills College, Univ. of the Pacific, and St. Mary's (Moraga) might all be worth looking into. I think USF could be a very good option, as well, and I'd add USD to the list if she were willing to stay in the area. Her GPA should keep her well in the running at most/all of these.</p>

<p>Among Claremont schools, I second Pitzer. If everything but her test scores is truly strong, and perhaps if the test issue is mentioned in the GC rec or something like that, I wouldn't completely discount Scripps, either. Impossible to really judge without a little more context (great schools take poor test-takers every year...it's not something we can predict here, and maybe she'd even have a decent shot at more competitive schools than we're listing).</p>

<p>CSU Sonoma is known for having a LAC-like feel, and it's a great financial option.</p>

<p>Are all three of her SAT subscores >500? </p>

<p>Best of luck to your friend, and to you during your own process, as well :)</p>