<p>Longtime lurker who's trying to avoid studying for her APUSH exam...=D</p>
<p>Given how many people are applying to college next year, most of the schools I'm looking at can only be considered reaches. I'm having trouble finding schools that I am both reasonably sure of getting into and would be happy to attend. I know that prestige isn't everything, and there are lots of schools out there that are not HYPSM. My guidance counselor isn't much help: when I ask her about which colleges to consider, she just refers me to college search engines and guideboooks. Most of the schools that I've heard of are the really good ones that can't be considered as anything but reaches. Anyways, here are my stats and the kind of school I'm looking for:
-typical overachieving/nerdy asian (3.95 GPA, 2340 SAT, ridiculous course load, instrument, academic teams, etc...)
-urban setting (I refuse to go to school in the middle of nowhere, but I might consider suburbs if the school is otherwise good)
-medium/large student body
-decent in social sciences (I'm interested in economics/international relations/business...haven't got it pinned down exactly, but that's the area where my interests lie)</p>
<p>Tentative list:
UPenn (considering ED'ing to Wharton/Huntsman)
Northwestern
Claremont McKenna
NYU
UMichigan
UCB
McGill
BU</p>
<p>And...if I'm feeling really crazy/ambitious...London School of Economics</p>
<p>My list is really short on marches and safeties, and I really don't know where else to look up colleges. Your input would be highly appreciated!</p>