<p>I know lots of people are "undecided"... but I really, really am. I'm interested in almost EVERYTHING. Math, science, social studies, social work, politics, journalism, lawn gnomes... you name it. I could go into any field! I just don't know where to apply!</p>
<p>I guess my first priority is being somewhere I can explore... the whole who-am-I? deal. For this reason I love the rational, take what you will, "tie it all together" approach of liberal arts colleges. But, at the same time, I need academics that are flexible enough to accommodate some really far-ranging interests without me paying six years of tuition. And I don't want to get stuck in a poor department because when I finally know what I want to do, I chose a school that's stronger in humanities over science or vice versa. Hmm.. a large university could give me the class choices and the research opportunities, but maybe not the discussions that I really love. Gah! I just want to learn how to think!</p>
<p>Second, I want to be in a really urban environment. I like having diverse cultures and areas and politics at my fingertips (and public transportation rocks my socks!). Study abroad is nice too.</p>
<p>Third... financial aid (merit?) will be really important. I'm in that yucky middle range where my chances for need-based money are a big fat zero, but I can't pay sticker price either.</p>
<p>Can anyone suggest some schools that fit me? I'm going out of my mind here. I feel like I'm getting punished for being a renaissance girl! Getting in isn't a problem... I've got the grades, scores, ECs etc. to hold my own in even the Ivy rat race... but I don't know if that's what I want, and I am soooooo lost.</p>
<p>NYU
Boston U
George Washington U
Columbia
U Penn
Georgetown
Emory
Tufts
Boston College
Swarthmore
Haverford
Carnegie Mellon
Washington U St Louis
U Chicago
UC Berkeley
Stanford
Macalester
Rice
U Michigan Ann Arbor (Detroit?)
UCLA
USC
Northwestern
Johns Hopkins
Goucher</p>
<p>You sound like a classic LAC prospect, but selective urban LACs that give merit aid are uncommon. What about an honors college at your state's flagship university?</p>
<p>Otherwise, broaden your search to LACs that give merit aid but may not be in an urban area. There is usually a thread on one of these boards that covers merit aid options.</p>
<p>I'd echo the advice to look at a LAC. Have you and your parents filled out one of the online financial aid estimators to see what the numbers actually are rather than guessing you won't get aid?</p>
<p>Only the University of Chicago would truly appreciate your enthusiasm for lawn gnomes. And you'd be close to the plains of the great Midwest, the pulsating heart of lawn-gnome culture.</p>
<p>Seriously, I think their core curriculum would be right up your alley, and would help you decide what subjects you want to study in college, as opposed to the subjects you like but will not pursue. You would not be disappointed in the quality of U of C's education. Plus, it is most definitely urban, and does give merit awards.</p>
<p>yes, i have filled out several financial aid calculators. that's what told me i'm gettin' nothin'! thanks for all the great suggestions, folks. much appreciated.</p>
<p>I immediatley thought of two schools when reading this post: American and NYU. If you would prefer a small LAC then look at Eugene Lang and Macalester.</p>