Trying to find a few more places to apply

After some further inspection, I’m trying to find other places to apply to. I’ve more or less thrown out all but a couple schools from my list. I’ve used that super match thing a few times, but it’d be nice to get some human input too.

Here’s what I’m sitting at right now: Minnesota-Twin Cities, and a safeties in Nebraska-Lincoln and Montana. That might give you an idea of what type of school I want to apply to. I really only have that one match school in Minnesota.

Some basic qualities Im looking for (Ranked):

  1. Good enough where anything I choose will be strong programs. Looking at a non-engineering STEM field, but strong programs in Business or Law. (I’m still undecided). Hoping to Minor in History though.
  2. Non-male skewed gender ratio. (No more than 49% guys)
  3. FBS football (It’s a world of sports I’d prefer to be a part of. Much better than professionals)
  4. Not Rural (should be in a cool place, that’s fairly big.)
  5. Decent financial aid or merit-based scholarship that could make it affordable, or just simply affordable.
  6. Preferably in a more liberal political climate than North Dakota.

If you’re wondering about stats and ECs and stuff, here’s my chance me thread: http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1883101-what-are-my-chances-for-a-few-different-schools.html#latest

A quick update on that though, I’m retaking the ACT, and thinking I’ll get a higher score (been studying a lot.) And I MIGHT be voting as a delegate in the state caucus, depending on what the District Chair says when he calls me back. So some pretty cool opportunities and stuff happening this summer.

So, can I get a little advice on where I should start listening looking at to round out my list?

The most obvious quality in your preferred choices may be the lack of private alternatives. The nationally and internationally selected student bodies at a private college may foster the greater breadth of perspectives and relatively liberal atmosphere that you seem to be seeking in a campus culture.

For science, business, gender balance and a reasonable bet for admission and financial assistance (but a different level of football), consider the University of Rochester as one of many possible suggestions.

I may not say what you want to hear, but you really need look no further than Minnesota. It has all the basic qualities you mentioned.

Top 25 national public school, Top 70 including privates. Very good academics, good athletics, NCAA Division I - Big Ten Conference, definitely on the liberal side - as is the whole state of Minnesota. Minneapolis is a major city with plenty of things to do, but not overwhelmingly large. Good social life on and off campus. Pretty close to home, but not too close. ND residents qualify for low in-state tuition. My niece went there all four years, loved it, got an excellent job right after graduation.

You cannot study law as an undergraduate. you need a bachelor’s degree first.

@Defensor I hear what you’re saying. I love the place. I’m more than likely going to go there. But, due to the nature of admissions being a major crapshoot, I’d like to see what other schools are out there that would have what I’m looking for. Just scoping out what’s available.

How much will your parents pay each year?


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Decent financial aid or merit-based scholarship that could make it affordable, or just simply affordabl <<<<

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how can NebraskaLincoln or Montana be safeties if you don’t know if they’re affordable?

@TomSrOfBoston Yeah, I know. Maybe I said it weirdly. I’m just looking for a school that has that and is a good for preparing for law later on.

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As a result, my GPA is a low 3.56. My ACT score is a 30.
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Your GPA is going to hurt you for merit at a number of schools. Many expect at least a 3.75. There are some that will accept a 3.5, but not many of the better schools.

how much will your parents pay each year? That answer is going to determine where you should apply.