<p>Look into transferring into TCNJ as it may be closer to the atmosphere you want, for a similar cost as Rutgers, and is a safety. Apply soon and be done with it, so that you can focus on your actual big choices.
What grades are you getting in your classes so far? Keep the % in mind when calculating (ie., lab vs. midterm, etc). Since your college grades are a big unknown, I’ll assume you’re doing similarly well in college as in HS in terms of GPA, but actual grades would be helpful.
Transfers typically get lousy aid compared to freshmen, except at in-state public universities that use a similar formula.
Bard, Barnard, Bates = reaches (but possible) - very different vibes
Bucknell, Colgate, Dartmouth(big reach)= if you don’t want frat parties to be THE main thing to do, avoid these
Dickinson= good match
The New School= lousy financial aid
Fordham= academic match but very iffy for FA
Franklin and Marshall = academic match, not sure for FA
Hampshire = good odds
NYU= expect no financial aid, academic low reach if you don’t apply for aid and commute (but 45k!)
Skidmore, Smith, Tufts = reaches
If you want a more intellectual atmosphere, look into: Wooster, Clark, Vassar (reach), Sarah Lawrence (but lousy FA), Earlham, Geneseo, Bryn Mawr (reach).
Your 1st semester grades will be key so make sure to get the highest possible grades. Giving us an indication of how you’re doing right now would help us be more precise.</p>