3.25 GPA is unweighted with a rising to 4.0 trend from a tough school and at colleges that look at applications more carefully. I agree that the schools are more matches than safeties, but still also consider them worth a deep look considering the OP’s desires. I sure wouldn’t be surprised to see acceptance letters.
Absolutely worth exploring, and showing interest etc. Since original question was asking for suggestions about safeties, I just didn’t want the OP to be left with the impression Dickinson, F&M etc. would be safeties.
I second the suggestion of Ursinus, Muhlenburg, F & M
I second Wheaton and how about Skidmore? How about Ohio Schools Kenyon and Oberlin?
Although not a safety, Holy Cross seems like a perfect fit.
Went to Clark University website and checked out section C7 of CDS 2017-2018. Standardized test scores are “considered,” but GPA is “very important” with only 13% of the class at or below 3.24 GPA (section C11). You should not consider Clark a “safety.”
Not all universities make it easy to find this data, but is can be helpful. You might check out this data on each university’s respective websites. You have a good list of candidates. Check out the above suggestions. As you will be on the university’s website, you should be able to check out majors and student activity in your areas of interest.
A rising GPA can make a big difference on acceptance and you should shoot for it. Do not count on the improving GPA when gauging a safety as the improvement will make them more of a match which is still a “maybe.”
@retiredfarmer poster said she was from a private high school and took rigorous college prep curriculum. I feel colleges are ok with a lower GPA out of that type of program and just my opinion but I would consider Clark a safety school for poster.
In order of more safety to more low-match:
Hampshire
Bennington
Wheaton (MA)
Ithaca
Sarah Lawrence
Skidmore
Dickinson
Gettysburg
Franklin & Marshall
@xhaavic The 2017 common data set for Skidmore College shows a 24% acceptance rate. I wouldn’t count it as a safety, and to be a low match OP would likely need to show some demonstrated interest. Anything below 25% (arguable 30%) IMO means you can’t call a college a safety.
I haven’t seen Hobart & William Smith lsited ehre yet, but someone told me it’s a college to keep an eye on – good LAC, happy students.
Agree; I’d put it more in the low match zone. It’s a great school! In fact safety/match or whatever, I think it could make a great option for OP.
St. Michael’s College Vermont - a little on the small side (1800), but compensates by being in a college town (UVM and Champlain are close by).
Agree with@SuzyQ7 in that Holy Cross checks all the boxes for you - would be a match if your rigor is strong
Ithaca, Syracuse, Quinnipiac, Marist, Muhlenberg
How about St. Joseph’s in Philly, or Christopher Newport? Siena was also recommended to me on CC as a true saftey (my DS has a 3.7/29 ACT), no app fee and no essay.
Oberlin and Kenyon are not safety schools for the OP’s daughter.
And Oberlin and Kenyon are not in the Northeast or Mid-atlantic regions.
Apologies I just meant to suggest Oberlin and Kenyon. Should have put I did not think they were safeties just that they were in the wheelhouse of what she might like.