Hi, everyone! I’m a rising senior who’s stressed about the college application process. After a lot of thought, I think I’ve identified the factors I’m looking for in a college; however, most schools I’ve seen with this profile (at least on college search services) also have ultra-competitive admissions. I could be a competitive applicant at many of these schools, but I don’t exactly know where to cast my net!
I’m currently considering majoring in Environmental Engineering (which is sometimes lumped in with Civil Engineering).
I live in Texas, but I’m not opposed to an OOS college. (The only issue is that I don’t know how I’ll deal with harsher winters.)
I really want to go somewhere LGBT-friendly!
I’d prefer a student body of less than 25,000 students, but if all other criteria fit, size is probably the most negotiable of the factors.
Doesn’t have to be in a city, but I’d prefer to be close to one.
I’d like for my college to have some name-brand recognition.
I have several family members who are willing to contribute to cover the cost, so my parents don’t want me to consider sticker prices when deciding.
My stats:
SAT: 1520 (1560 Superscore)
ACT: Haven’t received score report yet.
4.0 UW GPA; the only “regular” classes I take are electives in the fine arts
7 AP/college classes taken so far: Human Geo (5), World History (5), US History (Dual-enrollment, A), Calculus AB, Chemistry, English Language, Spanish Language
The rest of my classes have been PreAP/Honors
Extra-curriculars: Heavy involvement in theatre and orchestra; NHS; SNHS (Historian); D&D club (GM); rec soccer
If you need more info, feel free to ask! I’d love to hear recommendations regarding colleges I should consider applying to.
What is the assured amount that they will contribute? If less than about $70,000 per year, you need to talk to them about it and run net price calculators on college web sites.
@ucbalumnus Transcripts for the end of the year haven’t come out yet, but at the end of the first semester, I was 7/580.
I don’t think there’s an “assured amount” or anything, so I am still interested in schools that offer merit scholarships! I just don’t want that to be my primary criterion while I’m still figuring out where to apply, much less where to attend.
Get a better idea of the amount of money available so that you not find out in April of 12th grade that all of your admission offers are too expensive.
For almost all students, affordability is the #1 criterion in college choice.
State University of New York - ESF (Environmental Science and Forestry). On of the best in the country, period. Small school (3,000 or so) affiliated with Syracuse University (big Private school) with adjoining campuses, and you can join clubs and is student activities at Syracuse. Out of state tuition and room and board is around 34K
Allegheny College, PA. Small liberal arts college with one of the best (usually in top 5) undergraduate departments in Environmental Science in the country. They offer generous merit aid.
Apply to UT Austin. I know it is big but having this admission will be a great stress reliever. The school is affordable and has a national reputation. Go visit.
Consider and Run the Net Price Calculators for reach schools like Rice (go visit). You can apply to top schools but run the NPCs. Family members might be shocked that schools cost more than $70,000 per year, so you need to understand how much your family will be required to pay.