With the application cycle here and getting into full swing, I wanted to seek advice on my college list. Currently it looks something like this:
Princeton (EA)
UNC Chapel Hill (EA)
Stanford
Duke
Harvey Mudd
WUSTL
UC Berkeley
Purdue
In terms of my credentials as an applicant, I have a 36 ACT, 1580 (new) SAT, 800s on my SAT 2s (Math 2 and Chemistry), and a 4.0 GPA. I have strong, although probably somewhat generic ECs, and intend to pursue a degree in Physics and/or Mathematics (I’m also highly interested in environmental sciences as well).
The questions I have are as follows:
- I am fully aware that my list is top heavy, but is it too top heavy? Do I need to drastically rethink my approach?
- Am I correct in thinking UNC is a safety or low match for me, or am I grossly underestimating just how competitive it is to apply as an OOS?
- Do you suggest I add another safety school? If so, what do you suggest? (I’m thinking I ought to but would greatly appreciate suggestions). The type of schools I like are medium to large, in more suburban areas near larger cities, have liberal arts feel, and are home to intellectually driven and unified student bodies.
Thanks in advance for any and all input!
Congratulations on your amazing test scores and GPA! UNC is almost always a reach when applying as an OOS student. It is not based on scores and GPA alone- you also need to present yourself as a fit for the school. I would add the U of Rochester to your list. Do you have any financial constraints?
I see these schools lining up like this for you:
Princeton, Stanford & Duke - Reach
WUSTL, Mudd - Low reach
Berkeley & UNC OOS - High match
Purdue OOS - Match/Low match
I think it’s a pretty decent list, but you might want to add another match or two, and at least one true safety.
Potential private U matches:
Emory (high match)
Boston College (high match/match)
U Rochester
Wake Forest
Lehigh
Tulane
Northeastern
Boston U
Brandeis
Miami U
GWU
Villanova
For potential safeties, typically high-stat kids are looking at their state flagship, or another in-state school, or a less-selective private with at least a 40% admission rate (and 50+% is safer…).
@twogirls finances will play a part in my decision, but I don’t have any major constraints and ultimately would rather have an opportunity to go somewhere and not be able to pay, than refrain from applying in fear of finances. Also, thank for your U of Rochester suggestion, I’ll definitely look into it!
I forgot about Emory- that is a good one. You may also want to add Vanderbilt. Although the school is obviously a reach, they care about test scores so I think you may possibly get in. Check out the net price calculators for a good sense of cost, and perhaps think about schools that would give you merit. You may also want to apply to the U of Pittsburgh- its honors college would meet your criteria (however it is in a city).
@twogirls what do you mean about Emory being a good one? Good as in good fit?
@prezbucky I’m a little tepid about taking on too many applications, but I think you’re right about adding a 1-2 more.
I meant that Emory is a very good school that meets your criteria. I am a bit confused by your comment about finances playing a part in your decision, yet you do not have any major constraints. You do not want to get accepted to a bunch of schools that you love but can’t afford. Not sure if you would be in that situation. Have you asked your parents what they could/are willing to pay? You have the potential to receive merit money from some excellent schools if you do not qualify for financial aid and can’t afford full pay (or close to full pay).
I would go through the list of suggestions and add two more schools, but I would first have an understanding of cost versus what your parents will pay.
You should apply to your state flagship as a safety.
The problem with applying to less selective schools with perfect scores is that you may be the victim of denial due to yield protection. Overall I would add more match/reach schools and consider applying to 15+ schools.
@twogirls I’m a bit uncomfortable discussing my financial situation online, but to clarify I meant it in the sense that I will be able to finance anything (barring absolutely brutal assessments of my demonstrated need, which according to NPCs shouldn’t happen), but the more money I receive, the better. The latter part of my comment was meant more in the sense that I wanted advice based less on finances, which I would rather sort out in private. It was a sloppily worded response on my part, apologies.
An important first step is to find out from your parents what they can/will spend and to go through the NPC’s with them. Right now it is unclear to me as to what they will pay, and if you will qualify for financial aid. Do you have siblings who will be in college? Once we have a better sense of finances it will be easier to craft a final list. There are many excellent schools that will give you merit money if you need to go that route. On the other hand, your parents may tell you that they have money put away and they fully expect to be full pay at $60,000+ a year. Do not put yourself in a position where you get academic acceptances and financial rejections. Doing the research now will prevent heartache several months down the road.
No offense taken. You have been provided with a nice selection of schools and I think adding another 2-3 would be a good idea. Do your research carefully- good luck!
@twogirls My parents and I have discussed and have aligned expectations of finances, but I appreciate your concern and advice. Ultimately, I don’t feel comfortable sharing anymore than that, so I think it’s best if we just leave it. Like you said, you’ve given some great advice from which I can work myself, so thank you very much.
That is not a problem and I am happy to hear that you have discussed this with your parents. Good luck to you and congratulations on your accomplishments!
If cost isn’t a concern, you can judge schools based on other fit variables, namely: academics, social vibe, and environment.
Academics: Class sizes, majors/programs available, academic calendar, ease of entry into and exit out of majors, etc.
Environment: Location, weather, type of setting (rural/urban/suburban), campus logistics, etc.
Social vibe: Activism, Greek life, clubs, sports scene, party scene, the availability of things to do, etc.