<p>My friend's son is a junior and just scored 36 on the ACT. I told her not to waste her money on the SAT, but he should take a few SAT II tests.</p>
<p>He has taken a rigorous curriculum and has great ECs. He plays trombone, and has been drum major for the band. He is currently in a well-known drum and bugle corps in northern California. His GPA is 3.7 (A-).</p>
<p>Right now his goal is law school. He is strong in math, science and computers, and at first was looking at MIT, but now he's decided he wants to "argue and get paid for it," as his mom says.</p>
<p>Requirements: northeast or east, strong Jewish presence, great merit aid. They will not qualify for financial aid. I suggested Brandeis, BU, George Washington, and Drew (super safety). Out of the area, Case Western has EA, and he might get money from the University of Miami. Both parents grew up in south Florida.</p>
<p>If he's in California, and doing well in school, and finances are an issue and law school is a possibility, I'd suggest he should go to one of the UC schools, save his money, and go east for law school.</p>
<p>Emory might be a good match for him--very strong debate program there might be a good EC for him in college. Also Vanderbilt--he might like the jock-type atmosphere of the school, maybe he could continue his band activities. Vanderbilt is actively recruiting Jewish students--he could get significant merit money there.</p>
<p>In addition to the others, Lafayette, Lehigh, Dickinson, Gettysburg, Hamilton, Colgate, Tufts, American, and, maybe (because he wouldn't be doing sciences) JHU might all fit the bill.</p>
<p>Urban/rural? Big/small? Study abroad? Politics?</p>
<p>Emory, WUSTL and Tulane are 3 schools that SOuthern Jewish families traditionally sent their kids to. All three have have large, long established Jewish presences. Agree with Boysx3 that Emory would be the best fit, and that Vanderbilt is trying to broaden their appeal, as well as recruit students in areas that the school is weak. For example, they gave significant merit money to a boy in D's class, who on paper would be a typical Vandy applicant - Southern, white male, but he is a math whiz, and I think that is what they went after.</p>
<p>Congrats a 36 ACT is quite an accomplishment!</p>
<p>If he is in the top 10% of his class or unranked, he will get lots of $ from UMiami. It fits all his other criteria and is really worth a look. My S is a biochem major, but his favorite place to study on campus is the law library.</p>
<p>I second Washington U in St. Louis for a bright, well-rounded kid. It's fairly laidback and has a strong Jewish presence. They also love high scorers on standardized tests.</p>
<p>BTW, a 36 on the ACT is quite rare, more elusive than a 1600 SAT. If he were my child, I'd have him call a few admission heads directly and ask about merit aid.</p>
<p>Third to WUSTL. They have a beautiful law school which is open to curious undergrads. They have great merit scholarships. </p>
<p>A significant portion of their alumni gifts come from wealthy, prominent and grateful Jewish families. The university is located in a leafy suburb with a large percentage of Jewish families, including orthodox Jewish families. The hospital associated with their famous med school is called 'Barnes Jewish'.</p>
<p>I've known Jewish students who have transferred there from less welcoming campuses.</p>
<p>It is laid back--but the sky is the limit for intellectual and/or research opportunities.</p>