<p>Hi, I’m trying to decide which of these schools – they’re my top three choices at the moment – I’ll apply to early action. As you can perhaps guess, I haven’t figured out what size school I want to attend. I’m not into parties, and I guess I’d say I’m more of a reserved person, so I’m thinking the social scene at a smaller school might fit me better. I would greatly appreciate insight into the differences between universities (such as yale) and small LACs, and not just in terms of social life. I don’t know what I want to do major-wise, either, but I know I want to keep studying french. I would be in french 5 this year if it was offered at my school. I want to study abroad somewhere francophone at some point.</p>
<p>Also, I’m trying to find some good LACs to apply to that are less selective than Williams, in case I don’t get in there but decide I want to attend that kind of school.</p>
<p>Me:
GPA: 4.0 unweighted (my school doesn’t weight)
SAT: 2210 (first time taking it, didn’t study – I’m also wondering if I should take it again in october; I realize if I do this i won’t have the scores in time to apply early – another complication)
SAT IIs: Bio M 780, Lit 780, Math 2: 700
APs (last year): Bio: 5, Lang: 5, Calc AB: 4
Classes this year: AP Physics, AP Lit, AP Calc BC, AP Chemistry, american gov’t, and I’m tutoring for a period a day. (full schedule)
I’ve taken mostly honors and AP classes throughout high school.</p>
<p>I’m a three-year varsity soccer player and president of the Youth Action Committee – the youth arm of a local philanthropic organization.</p>
<p>So knowing all that, you could also chance me…if you want :)</p>
<p>First of all definitely re-take the score. Even if you apply before the score setting, you can always update the committee when you get your score. Of these Yale seems like a great fit, maybe the best of the group/ It seems like you might also like Rice, Bowdoin, and UChicago as realistic reach/high matches, Haverford as more of a match.</p>
<p>You should definitely look at Middlebury, similar to Williams in many ways, marginally less selective (though still very tough), and excellent languages. Others I’d look at would include Carleton, Haverford, Bowdoin, Kenyon, all of which are intellectual but fairly laid-back / down-to-earth socially, also feature a pretty similar-to-Williams vibe, with varying degrees of admissions competitiveness. Your stats would make you a very strong contender at any of those schools. Maybe Wash U. as well for kind of a middle ground between a big university and liberal arts college.</p>
<p>Tufts is known for its study abroad program. The students are also known for being a bit more on the nerdy side, which could mean they’re a bit more reserved.</p>
<p>Also, on a slightly unrelated note - I really really recommend studying abroad in French-speaking Switzerland. I studied abroad there for part of my junior year of HS and it was absolutely amazing. (:</p>
<p>I forgot to mention that I also got a 34 on the ACT, essay score of 10. My understanding is that this is perhaps marginally better than my SAT score – Slipper, I wonder if this changes your opinion that I should retake. I really don’t want to take those tests again unless it is likely to make a difference.</p>
<p>Yale has single choice early action which is non-binding but I don’t think Williams or Tufts does. And it seems like you’re not sure enough to apply to a binding program. Middlebury is a great idea. (Both Midd and Tufts have ED II if you don’t get in early action and feel like committing at that point). Maybe you would want to add Colby as a safer choice as well. If you like Williams and Middlebury you might want to consider Dartmouth for a slightly larger place also known for language study (with the potential asset of the D-plan which gives you 2 semesters off at some point.)</p>
<p>As others have pointed out, Yale is SCEA which means it’s non-binding. Williams and Tufts and ED, which means if you’re accepted you’re obligated to attend. In any case, make sure you visit before you apply ED, anywhere.</p>
<p>Also, your financial situation is the most important issue in deciding whether or not to apply to a binding early program. Make sure that you can live with whatever financial package that you receive. Under ED, it’s very difficult to compare and negotiate.</p>
<p>My son graduated from Williams. He liked Yale a lot, but decided to go with Williams ED which was ultimately a good decision for him as his experience there was overwhelmingly positive. He looked at Tufts, but for various reasons wasn’t interested.</p>
<p>Study abroad is fairly uncomplicated and commonly done at all selective colleges. For LACs, you’d have to check the breadth of the individual language programs. Williams has a solid French major, but I wouldn’t consider it a language study “destination”</p>
<p>If you like Williams, then some other less selective LACs to consider would be Middlebury, Bowdoin, Hamilton, Kenyon, Colby. Mt. Holyoke if you are female.</p>
<p>In my opinion, retaking the SATI isn’t essential. If you’re interested in playing soccer on a varsity level, contact the coaches now. Otherwise, I’d concentrate on your essays and other information for your application. LACs especially put a lot of focus on your personal profile and what you can contribute to the campus community.</p>
<p>Sandieu, you seem to be a very strong candidate. GOOD LUCK! Try all of these schools.
I would suggest you add Middlebury for the following reasons:
great academics, lots of work, but environment is friendly and open
most professors are truly accessible and ready to help
very strong programs in languages (one of the strongest in the country)
excellent study abroad programs, so I am sure you will get your chance to practice in native speaking environment
commons residential system allows you to form your small community within a college where eventually you will know everybody
no need to be a partier to have an interesting social life, there are many people like that
the campus is absolutely beautiful, very well run and things are organized and prepared for you just to study and enjoy your college years.
I am a second year student at Midd and have been choseing between Midd and Tufts year ago. I made my mind after campus visit, it was such a big difference in the athmosphere - definitely more friendly and open in Midd. So good luck to you!</p>