<p>(Safeties) - DePaul University, Augustana College (IL)
(Matches) - Knox College, University of Illinois - Urbana, Boston University
(Reaches) - University of Chicago, Macalester College</p>
<p>3.44 GPA, Top 25%, 26+ ACT (I say "+" because I prepped all summer and took it today.. and if I don't get atleast a 27-28 then I'll be in deep, emotional shock), LOTS of extra-curriculars/leadership involvement (EIC of paper [entertainment editor jr year, reporter soph yr], Senior Class, lots of community service, had a job my soph year, Student Council, literary magazine, some more...). I've also had a very strong upward trend (3.95 GPA or something equally ridiculous junior year). Umm Quill and Scroll... maybe NHS (find out in mid-October). I have teachers who know me well writing my recommendations and I can also write a mean essay.Rawr.</p>
<p>Anyway- the $10 question- is it a balanced list? I know my changes are slim at my reaches... but isn't that the definition of a reach?</p>
<p>Great list! DePaul, Augustana and Knox are three great schools that don't get as much recognition here on CC as they deserve. I'd probably say BU is a "realistic reach" for you, not a match. As long as you know U of Chicago and Macalester are big reaches, no problem giving them a shot. Best of luck - you have a very nice list that should give you lots of options come spring.</p>
<p>I actually don't know too much about BU. I know that sounds terrible, as I've put it on my final list... but, see, the MAJOR factor in my college search has been to find schools with well-rounded geography majors (concentrations in economic, political, and urban geography). My counselor says this may give me a slight advantage because most geography departments are underrepresented. I don't know how much truth there is to it, but I won't lie - I'm hoping he's right, haha.</p>
<p>I ended up getting a 28 on the ACT. Which is refreshing after getting 26 on the last two tests. Woohoo! So, does it change my list any? I'm now in University of Chicago's "range" according to CB.com, but I know that 28 is the low low range. Does the 28 make Boston more of a match? I'm hoping the 28 changed something, heh.</p>
<p>Good stats. Check out Wooster and Ohio Wesleyan for matches. Your stats are right on the spot with the average of the first one and a little below the second one. For a reach, look also into Denison.</p>
<p>I'm starting to recognize the grouping of some of the colleges here. <em>grin</em> I love Loren Pope.</p>
<p>Anyway, I don't have the ACT available here, but I hear it's a hard thing to score on, so congrats on your 28. Hope you make the NHS and I think Boston's in limbo between match and reach.</p>