Hello, I’m currently about to enter my senior year in high school, and I’m deciding on which colleges to apply to. The main college I’m applying to for early decision allows me to apply to them and three other colleges. I’m just stuck deciding which three other colleges. I’ve narrowed it down to four, and I was looking for some advice on which colleges would best fit me. I’m wanting to study history, and maybe take programs involving the study of religions or something to do with politics. I’m really interested in going to law school after undergrad, so I want a college that’s in the city by museums and offices, to increase my chances of having internships. The four colleges I’ve narrowed it down to are UCLA, USC, Berkeley, and The University of Chicago. Like I said, I can only choose three out of the four I mentioned, so feel free to leave advice, and your thoughts on which three I should go with! Thanks!
You need to apply to more match schools and at least one safety. Can you afford these schools? I assume you are a CA resident.
What are your stats?
“The main college I’m applying to for early decision allows me to apply to them and three other colleges.”
??? What college is this?
I’m a History and Political Science double major (pre-law) at USC, so I guess I’ll give my school a plug. In terms of just the History program, I think it’s pretty excellent. I’m lucky enough to attend on a merit scholarship, but this kinda gave me an aura of entitlement going in that had me pessimistic about the quality of education (at least compared to where I could have gone). However, I found immediately that the professors are all extremely bright, excited to teach you their subject, and are often willing to share their own research with you. Even after just completing my sophomore year, I’ve already worked with two professors on (paid) research projects.
It’s even easier on the political front–look up the Unruh Institute. Basically, it’s an office that helps you get a political internship–building a resume, drafting cover letters, and setting up interviews with places like the Mayor’s Office, Senators’ Offices, and various non-profits. It’s especially useful because they ensure your resume gets to the top of the pile–I personally will be working on Gavin Newsom for Governor in the fall.
On the law school front, just the fact that USC is a rich private school is extremely helpful. It has its own pre-law advising office (in addition to the major academic advisers), smaller classes that foster better student-faculty relationships, and non-competitive registration so you can take all the classes/professors you want. It also has a “3+3” program which allows you apply to the law school your junior year if you want, allowing you to skip the LSAT and graduate a year early.
And museums? Oh boy are their museums. In addition to all of the museums LA has to offer, I think there are a total of six museums right across the street from campus. This includes both the California Science Center and Natural History Museum (which is free to USC students), as well the upcoming billion-dollar ‘Star Wars’ Museum. In fact, I even took an elective class taught by the curator of the California Science Center on the intersection of philosophy and technology regarding space exploration. And the best part? Half the classes were in front of the literal Space Shuttle Endeavor–it’s a permanent exhibit! So yeah, I’m pretty proud of my school. Hope this was helpful!
Wow!! USC sounds amazing! Thank you so much for your help, it’s greatly appreciated!!
USC sounds amazing but I’m sure others could make a case for the others here. UCLA shares the same city as USC. There are great things about the other two listed. They are all great schools. The problem is that you should not be applying to only them and another school, or it is likely you will be denied from every college you apply to. What school is limiting your applications? I would not apply to that school ED if I were you.
How do any of those schools limit you to other applications?
An ED school can put restriction on other apps. Usually they don’t if the student has to apply early for scholarships, legacy priority, or other reason, but the ED application can have restrictions.
It is usually restrictive or single-choice EA schools that want their early applicants not to apply to (at least some) other colleges’ early admission programs. ED schools typically do not care, since applying ED comes with the commitment to attend if admitted.
So this school is unusual in wanting an ED applicant not to apply to more than three other schools. I would not suggest applying ED to this school if it really has this restriction and you are not satisfied with an application list that includes only three other schools.
“An ED school can put restriction on other apps. Usually they don’t if the student has to apply early for scholarships, legacy priority, or other reason, but the ED application can have restrictions.”
Right, this can also be true for REA/SCEA schools. But have you ever heard of a college/uni restricting an applicant from applying only to three other schools? That’s what I’m trying to understand. I think the OP is mistaken or misunderstands something.
What school is this? Or do you mean REA not ED?
You can apply to as many schools as you wish when you apply Ed… You just can’t take their offer if the ED school admits you AND is affordable.
First: you need two affordable safeties. What are those?