<p>Hello, everyone! First, I would like to say that I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this topic. I don't want to break any rules or mores here, so hopefully this question isn't a hindrance. I would be ever grateful if one or any of you would suggest possible colleges based on my criteria. I ran through the system on the main CC site, but I'd still like a more personal process. </p>
<pre><code> I'm a 16 year-old student in Macon, Georgia. The school I attend (and the entire school system in general) is impoverished and flawed. We produce few graduates and traditionally have poor scores on standardized tests. I figured that would have some significance, but I'm hoping it doesn't weigh against me. I am enrolled in the highest level classes available to me in my school district, which are IB (International Baccalaureate) classes. My current GPA is 3.5 and my class rank is 37th out of 208. I realize these aren't the most impressive scores, but I feel that my class (Class of 2014) is competitive and has some of the brightest students in the school.
As far as grades go, I am most adept in communicative arts and social studies. Historically, science and math have always been my weakest subjects. My lowest grade in my first two years of high-school was a 75 in Physics in my sophomore year. This is the only C that I've ever received in my academic career. I've always felt unmotivated by maths and sciences and have rarely grasped them thoroughly. The only science class that I can say I've truly enjoyed is my current AP Psychology course, which I currently take as an elective. I am most interested in human behavior. Philosophy and Psychology are both fields that interest me deeply, though I acknowledge that a career in philosophy will be far from lucrative (not that that is in any way my only concern; I realize the need for money in modern society, but value knowledge and wisdom more highly).
I've yet to take the SAT, though I estimate I'll be taking it for the first time within the coming months. I feel assured that I will, at the least, be able to make something along the lines of a 1800 or 1900 at least, though this is entirely speculation (forgive me if this is overly presumptuous or pretentious. I very likely could be overestimating my abilities, haha).
As far as location goes, I cannot deny my desire to leave my roots. I have not had a difficult life, but it has been bland and dreary. The somewhat historic downtown area here has the majority of Macon's charm. Outside of it, grey most befits the style of everything in Macon and pervades through and into most who live here. It is a struggling place with a burdensome crime rate. Somewhere fresh and isolated would be welcome. For that reason, I have considered Vermont. I originally was drawn to the University of Vermont, however a thread I read here suggested that it was simply an average school, nothing special in most respects. The location seemed ideal, however I would like to go to a school respected in at least some way.
I am naturally introverted and most often pensive. I don't enjoy social activities like parties and am most interested in maintaining a close group of friends. I would prefer to avoid schools with a reputation for being a 'party school.' One of the most important things about a college for me would be to attend somewhere with a diverse student body of varying views and beliefs, however open-minded and forward-thinking. I don't want anyone to mistake me for wanting a lighthearted atmosphere. I want to go to a school where I can assure myself I will receive a great education while maintaining a welcome atmosphere.
I don't expect most people to wade through my verbose ramblings, however all help and/or suggestions is appreciated. If I'm missing any crucial information, please let me know and I'll update my post.
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Maybe look and see if any colleges will do tuition equivalency - I think some in Alabama and South Carolina do. I know those aren’t far away, but they aren’t in GA! </p>