What kinds of schools are a match for me on the West Coast? (sophomore)

College Search & Selection
1

I attend the top ranked public high school in my state. I have a 3.9 unweighted gpa (have not taken weighted classes yet). My school is an IB school so I am in the MYP program and set to earn the IB diploma.

ECS:
Student Council - Class VP
JSA
MUN
Glee
Amnesty
Interact

Taking precalc, STEM chem, advanced vocal ensemble, and my classes are rigorous in general as per the pre-IB program.

(Hope to major in Poli Sci or something similar)

EXPLORE score: 25/25
PSAT: 194

If I continue my current trajectory, what kinds of schools can I get into?

Thanks!

(PS: Posting through my sister’s account, so previous posts she’s made don’t apply)

2

There are many schools you could get into! :slight_smile: To narrow it down for you, what do you prefer?

  • small or big school
  • career focus or liberal arts
  • in an urban, suburban, or rural location
  • what do you want the feel to be
  • what are you interested in studying?
3

And most importantly, have you talked to your parents about what they will contribute and information to use colleges’ net price calculators? State of residency is also relevant for public schools.

4

tenstudent:
I would prefer a big school in an urban location, or if not urban, in a place that doesn’t feel drab and empty.
I want to study Political Science or something similar. Possibly pre-law.

ucbalumnus: I live in Oregon and I most likely want to stay on the West Coast - Washington or California.

5

Because you live in Oregon you are eligible for the Western Undergraduate Exchange! If cost is an issue the exchange will allow you to attend many CA schools at 150% tuition cost. This applies mostly to public schools that are looking for more students so most UCs are not on the list, however many CSUs are.

This will also apply to many public Washington schools as well as schools in a total of 16 different states. The exchange may not have the most well known schools but it will give you many options if cost is an issue and you want to go out of state.

http://www.wiche.edu/wue

6

In Washington, check out the UW. They have one of the top law schools in the country and a solid undergrad program. In California, look at UCLA & UC-Berkeley. UW is definitely a match. The other two are more of a reach. :slight_smile: Best of luck!