Suggestions Wanted

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I’ve been reading through this section of the site and found myself wondering what other schools are out there for me. I’m very single minded and have set my sites on only two schools, Fairleigh Dickinson (a guaranteed lock) and Columbia (apparently it’s a reach! who would think!), and I’m just curious as to what else is out there. I’ve also requested info from Drew, NYU, Kean, and Montclair State. </p>

<p>HS- here’s the biggie; I was homeschooled and have a GED.</p>

<p>GED scores-
Writing- 790
Social Studies- 800
Science- 780
Reading- 790
Math- 760</p>

<p>CC- as of right now, I’m at my local county college. My GPA is 3.9.</p>

<p>Classes (I’m looking to transfer almost all of the credits from my CC and don’t anticipate anything lower than a B in any class)-</p>

<p>Semester 1-
English Comp I- A
Figure Drawing- A
History of Design- A
Principles of Sociology- A
Cultural Anthropology- B</p>

<p>Summer-
English Comp II- A
Art History- A
Biology of Environmental Concerns- A</p>

<p>Semester 2 (this fall)-
General Psychology
Honors World Lit: Beginning to 1650
Introduction to Journalism
Contemporary Social Issues
Lifetime Wellness (PE req)
Latin American History</p>

<p>Semester 3-
Honors World Lit- 1650- Present
Honors Ancient Philosophy
Elementary Italian
Honors Modern Social Thought
Honors Math for the Liberal Arts
Chemistry of World Concerns
Introduction to Marketing</p>

<p>Extra Curricular Activities/ Honors-
Contributor to and member of the editing staff of the newspaper
International Students Association
Student Activities Programming Board
Published in the lit mag (fiction and photography)
Phi Theta Kappa and Ambassadors Club invitations for the upcoming semester
Dean’s List </p>

<p>Other-
I’m considered a “nontraditional” student at most schools, as I am 22 and took time off before starting college.
After homeschooling, spent a couple of years touring Europe.
Fluent in French and Polish.
Occasionally volunteer for The Seeing Eye.
Would mentioning that I spent the winter hand raising three orphaned kittens get me in good anywhere? (kidding… maybe)
Two professors (one a Columbia PhD, the other a Harvard PhD) have promised glowing recommendations for me.
I’ve yet to take the SATs, because my transfer advisor keeps telling me I don’t need them, but everything I’ve read here indicates that I do. I only anticipate minor problems with the math; my writing and language skills are top notch. </p>

<p>I’m looking at schools on the east coast and, as I’ve said, have pretty much decided on FDU, but I’m wondering what else is out there. I’m interested in majoring in Communications and Marketing, with a minor in either Sociology or Psychology. I also have a love of Art History, hence the interest in Columbia. Size of the school doesn’t really matter. Thanks!</p>

2

<p>Syracuse University Newhouse School. SU has new building for College of Business.</p>

3

<p>You have an excellent GPA and scores. Add more reaches... you're underestimating yourself!</p>

4

<p>I agree with koala. You seem to have an excellent shot at any school out there, because you are not the run-of-the-mill applicant.</p>

5

<p>Thanks for the responses and suggestions! </p>

<p>I’ve begun researching some of the colleges that appeal to me and have come up with a list. </p>

<p>Safeties
Fairleigh Dickinson (lock)
College of St. Elizabeth (purely a last choice safety)</p>

<p>Match or Slight Reach
Emerson
Kean
Bard College
Fordham
Rutgers (Douglass College— pretty sure it, too, is a lock—3rd generation legacy, in-state)
Sarah Lawrence
Amherst
Villanova
Drew (maybe, I visited there once for an open house and did not like it, but I’m willing to give it another visit since it’s a good school that’s all of fifteen minutes from home)
Montclair State </p>

<p>Reach
Columbia- (School of General Studies)
Barnard
University of Virginia
NYU
Syracuse
University if North Carolina- Chapel Hill</p>

<p>Any opinions on the accuracy of the list?</p>

6

<p>Assuming GED scores will correlate with SAT scores---</p>

<p>Reach: Amherst, Columbia, Barnard </p>

<p>Reachy Match: UVa, UNC (only because you are out of state.)</p>

<p>Matches: Syracuse, NYU, Sarah Lawrence, Bard</p>

<p>Everything else is a safety. (Choose 2-3 to really focus on, visit, and show real enthusiasm for, so "Tufts Syndrome" doesn't hit.)</p>

<p>BTW: Bard has EA so if you get in to Bard EA and love it, you can skip your other safeties.</p>

7

<p>Because of your age and experience, I would think you'd prefer a university setting more than an LAC. With that in mind, you might look at some public state universities in your area to your list such as PSU, Delaware and UConn. Of the large private schools you're considering, think Syracuse, Fordham, Villanova and NYU would be where you'd be most comfortable. I mention all of these options because as a freshman you'll be surrounded by a lot of teenagers and I think you've progressed since then. But for artsy-craftsy, mature students, I have to agree with SBmom about Bard being a strong option for you. As for attending FDU, you can do better, IMHO.</p>

8

<p>Thanks again for responding!</p>

<p>SBMom, what exactly is “Tufts Syndrome,” or do I not want to know?</p>

<p>Collegeparent, my hope is that I’ll be admitted as a junior or at the least a second semester sophomore. I’ll have an AA degree from my county college by the time I’d matriculate at whatever 4-year school I decide on. </p>

<p>Also, thanks for suggesting Penn State. I’ve been reading up on them and they seem like a good match for me. </p>

<p>I have to ask, why exactly is FDU looked down upon so? I know that their SAT scores aren’t exactly up to Princeton levels, but, having met many professors in my visits, their teaching staff is quite impressive (to me, that’s all that really matters). Is there something about this school that I don’t know?</p>

9

<p>Tufts syndrome is where a school rejects you because they think you're using them as your back-up if you don't get into better schools</p>

10

<p>One thing you should do is really read the financial aid policies at each school you are considering as I do not beleive that NYU offers financial aid for transfer students. If you have the $45,000 then it's no problem however if you need aid, look into the school's policies.</p>

<p>Also keep in mind even though you are 22 you are still considered a dependent in the eyes of the college especially concerning financial aid, so they will request financial info from and base your FA on the income and the assets of you and your parents. So you also need to talk with them to find out what kind of support if any are they giving you in the process.The my parents are refusing to pay will leave you between a rock and a hard place</p>