<p>I want to go to a LAC with a good science program, I am thinking of majoring in environmental science/biology. I am in top 10% and have a 4.0 GPA, and involved in activities and sports. Right now my SAT's are not so good, (1720) and I will be retaking them. Right now they are what is making me nervous about applying to some of the schools I want to go to.
Some schools I am thinking of are:
Colby College
St. Mary's College of Maryland
St. Michael's College
Colorado College
Whitman College</p>
<p>Also, I am from the east coast (Maine), so CC and Whitman would be very far away. I like the idea of going far away, but it still is a little nerve-racking. Has anyone had similar experiences, were you ok with going very far from home?</p>
<p>You do have to get your SATs up for some of the schools. You might also check whether you are better at the ACT than the SAT. Are you a senior or junior, and how many advanced or AP courses have you taken, if any. Note Maine is rich in schools with environmental science programs: Colby, Bates, Bowdoin, College of the Atlantic, Unity College, and I think some of the University of Maine campuses. Given the limited info in your message Colby, Bates, and Bowdoin are high to extreme reaches. A school that matches your stats is SUNY-ESF in Syracuse. It shouldn't be too expensive, but it is not an LAC. Similarly Rensselear Polytech. Mt. Holyoke would be a high match low reach. Susquehanna and St. Lawrence might be good schools for you. Similarly Allegheny, and Gettysburg.</p>
<p>How well someone handles going to a distant school varies greatly with the individual. FWIW I love Colorado Springs where Colorado College is located at. That area of the country is gorgeous (but brown compared to the green of the east coast) with lots of outdoors activities.</p>
<p>nmparents, you asked about AP courses. I took AP European History last year and this year I am taking Ap Biology and Ap Calculus. I have also been in accelerated math and science classes each year. (I am a senior this year) I also plan to take the ACT and see if I do better on that test. </p>
<p>I also have another question for anyone, do you think St. Michael's is an ok school to go to for science? I have heard it is not strong in the sciences...</p>
<p>St. Michael's is not as well known as several other catholic schools in the region, although its web page suggests it is getting more notice recently. If you are interested in Catholic schools I would definitely check out Holy Cross and Boston College though both are currently reaches for you. Also Clark University. Worcester reminds me of Waterville and Lewiston.</p>
<p>In checking further St. Michael's is near Burlington which I love. If you are considering St. Michael's because of Burlington, also consider UVM. Its a State U, not an LAC, but it does have a very good Environmental Sciences program, and should be cheaper than an LAC, although it is expensive for a State U.</p>
<p>Holy Cross is SAT optional now so I would recommend not submitting them. Being in the top 10% with a 4.0 you should get in. Holy Cross' academic rating per the Princeton Review is 98, one of the highest in the country.</p>
<p>Also - Colorado State University. They even bill themselves on their tv commercials (I hope everybody else realizes how tacky that is) as the "green university". I know that their biology, particularly microbiology is decent.</p>