Currently, I’m trying to narrow down my list of colleges. I have an upward GPA trend from 4.2 to 4.7. I’ve taken 8 AP classes and have a 31 ACT (will retake). My teacher recs and extracurricular are great too. I’m looking for a school that has great alumni connection, social life, diversity (10% Asian would be nice), and a great CS department. So far I’ve found more reaches than I would’ve liked, not sure if I should just go “all in” and have few safeties. Also, I’ve decided to not to apply to any UC’s due to my family being able to afford private universities with financial aid (I’ve checked EFC). I might reconsider this decision and apply to some UC’s as a safety.
I’d appreciate any suggestions on other colleges to look into. Also if I should reconsider or remove any of these colleges on my list.
Brandeis University (match)
University of Richmond (match)
Emory University (reach)
Hamilton College (reach)
Lehigh University (reach)
Macalester College (match)
Northeastern University (match?)
Santa Clara University (match)
Tufts University (reach)
University of Michigan (reeeach)
University of Southern California (reeeach)
University of Virginia (match?)
Vassar College (reach)
Washington University in St. Louis (reeeeach)
Do you have good reasons in regards to location and fit for attending each of this colleges? The only factor these schools seem to have in common is prestige.
You say that, but I don’t think you’re fully considering things. There are excellent schools in the South. However, do you want to deal with hot, sticky whether, with a number of residents being very conservative and perhaps even racist? Michigan gets extremely cold in the winter. You may say you like snow, but you haven’t had to deal with it for months on end, where you have to bundle up before you set foot outside. Not trying to be rude, just things to consider. Your list is too large; remember you have to pay to send both your test scores and your application as well as writing all the supplements.
@RoundGenius I have considered the extreme measures, but I have come to the conclusion that struggling through these environments and adapting is what builds and strengthens you. Although Michigan gets extremely cold, it has been rated as one of the best college towns in U.S. I can’t seek perfection, but most of these colleges are great enough to outweigh the difficulties that some seasons may bring. I’d appreciate it if you could specify which of these colleges should be researched more in-depth for its climate or culture.
I’m thinking about removing Hamilton College due to it being such a small school with only 1800 undergrads. Although it is such a great academic school, I don’t feel that I would feel at ease with such few students. The LAC in my list such as Macalester and Vassar are also being reconsidered. It would be helpful if anyone could comment on LAC that have a small student body and if I would fit in as an Asian-American.
What about type of student body? Political climate? Work load? Grade deflation vs. grade inflation? How pretty the campus is and whether you like the campus? Good college towns?
@RoundGenius Basically, most of the LAC are filled with Caucasians and I was wondering how an Asian would be able to fit in. Is there a multicultural and diverse community? Or are most of the Asians just isolated and interact with themselves.
Eliminate based on % Asian, since that is important to you. For example Hamilton is only 8% Asian, Macalester is 7% so drop them.
I don’t understand, you are eliminating UC’s because they are too affordable? That doesn’t make much sense given that they will have the most Asian diversity, great CS programs and social life - everything you want.