Which colleges should I apply to? Which colleges would I have a chance of getting into?

College Search & Selection
1

Hi this is my first post on CC, so I’m not sure how responsive this community is, but I was hoping to receive some helpful suggestions, as I am in a state of uncertainty and confusion. :frowning:

I am a junior at a competitive, mostly asian high-school in the sgv. I was hoping to finalize my college list and finish my college essays before summer. I am planning to go into biochem, but I am still undecided for my career option.

STATS:
10th: unweighted gpa: 3.87, 11th unweighted gpa: 4.00
APs: Biology (5), Chem (na), English ( na)
SAT: 2300
subject: Bio (750), chem ( na )
12th workload: AP calc AB, AP Lit, AP compsci, AP Gov/team, Spanish 3, Track

ECs:
In School

-Speech and Debate

-Peer Tutoring

-Track and Field

-elite (only to our school) volunteer organization (secretary)
-constitution team

Out of School:

-Methodist Hospital volunteer (department Leader)
-global youth intercultural emagazine (Outreach director Managing Editor)
-UNESCO Grassroots commisoner/director

-Rose Parade 2016 student Ambassador

Volunteer hours >200
-President’s Volunteer service award

Work Experience:

-City of Hope, paid internship

In short, my college list is this so far:… I never really gave college much thought until now, I realized I only know 2 schools I am considering:
USC, UCSD

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

2

When thinking about what colleges to apply to, it’s helpful to have some idea of what you’re looking for. What part of the country do you want to go to school in? In a city, town, suburb or the middle of nowhere? What size school would you prefer? A university or a LAC? Do you want a particularly strong or particularly weak party, greek, or sports scene? Do you care whether you’re in a more liberal or conservative political climate? Obviously you don’t have to know the answers to all these questions, but you should know what at least some of your preferences are.

3

What is your financial situation? Are you in need of financial aid/merit scholarships?

What are the criteria you are using to choose schools? Apart from a strong dept in your major, are there any other considerations? Size, location, culture, weather, nearness to home, etc…

4

I am assuming you are in California? Are you/your parents considered in-state for tuition purposes?

If so… of course you should apply to many of the UCs: UCB, UCLA, UCSD, UCI, UCD, UCSB, UCSC

For large private schools in CA: Stanford, USC

For small colleges in CA: Pomona, Harvey Mudd, Occidental

If you want to stay in California, the above 12 schools will definitely provide you an outstanding education.

Of course, if you are open to leaving California, there are easily a thousand other great schools.

5

@lalalemma and @N’s Mom thanks for all the advice, I am looking for a school with a social life yet provides quality education, I am not picky about the location too much, but do you think USC would be a match or reach?

@harvardandberkeley thank you!! I actually would not mind going out of state, my family is not rich but it would be affordable
do you think its worth it to apply to the super selective schools if I know my chance is small, such as UChicago, Stanford, etc?

6

As a California resident who will most definitely get into at least one of the UCs, a good strategy would be to apply to about 6-8 of the UCs, and then at most 6 other highly competitive reach schools that are need-blind and are committed to meeting 100% of need.

With your stats, you need only to look at the top 30 or so in either national universities or liberal arts colleges… and pick 6.

7

@harvardandberkeley
thank you for your advice! I think that’s what I will do…

8

We need more about what you want on a personal level. Do you like cities? Or do you not want to be in an urban environment? Do you want a big school? Or do you like smaller classes w/ lots of discussion? What do you want to study? What vibe are looking for? Comfortable at a conservative school or a liberal school? These are all very important things to consider.

9

@Qwerty568
I am OK with cities and an urban environment but I would prefer being close to nature/moutains/oceans
I also prefer small classes!
I am looking into biochem or biological sciences
thank you for the help!!

10

Look into Lewis and Clark college in Portland OR. Close to nature and very active outdoors club. Small classes and you would be competitive for their full tuition scholarship. I know a bio major two years ago went directly into a PhD program from there (UCB if I recall correctly).

11

How about Colorado College, then? Very close to nature, relatively close to home, good in the sciences, small classes.

12

If you prefer smaller classes, the Claremont Colleges (Pomona, Pitzer, Claremont etc) should be on your list. Chapman University is also worth a look. And please…even though you are a high stats applicant, add a safety school.

13

For smaller classes, LACs will be best. You certainly won’t find them at UCs, except at UCSB’s CCS. But UCs can’t be beat for a combination of quality and cost, and some have sorta-honors programs to reduce class size in the beginning.
I agree the Claremonts, Chapman, LMU-LA, and Occidental should all be on your list.
I second Colorado College, Whitman, Willamette, Lewis&Clark.
Would you be willing to consider the East Coast (and cold weather)? If so, Case Western and URochester would be good picks. If the South is possible, Davidson, Emory’s Oxford, URichmond.