Looking for LACs in the norheast and midwest

john6391 · 06-28-2008, 03:10 PM

Here are my credentials:

GPA: 3.25 UW

ACT: 24 (taking again in sept. expecting 25 to 28, taking a prep course)

ECs:
Captain of Varsity Wrestling Team
JV Cross Country
Internship in Michigan House of Representatives
Internship with University of Michigan Dearborn Professor
100+ Volunteer Hours
Student Council

Awards:
Honor Roll
Leadership Award
Science Fair Honorable Mention
Varsity Wrestling Award
Varsity Letter Award
Honors Courses: 3

APs: 0

State of Residency: Michigan

Recommendations:
University of Michigan Dearborn Professor
A State Representative
1 Teacher (very good recommendation and I can get more)
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I am looking for the best LACs I can get into with my credentials in the northeast and midwest. I plan to go pre med with a major in microbiology or cellular biology. I realize my stats dont allow much in terms of financial aid (im not considered in need) but if you could give me some schools that had a lower cost or offered grants (not too crazy about loans) id appreciate it.

Thanks

ekmom · 06-29-2008, 08:43 PM

Look at Skidmore, Muhlenberg, Beloit, maybe Macalester as a reach. I think Skidmore may be good with grants vs. loans

Hindoo · 06-29-2008, 08:48 PM

College of Wooster, Earlham, Ohio Wesleyan, St. Olaf.

MNKeeper · 06-29-2008, 10:28 PM

For Minnesota.... Macalester or Carleton as reaches. St. Olaf as a match.

john6391 · 06-29-2008, 11:34 PM

wouldnt macalester be impossible, isnt it on par with cornell?

bclintonk · 06-30-2008, 02:46 PM

Macalester is definitely a reach with your stats, even if you hit your 28 target on retaking the ACT. Their 25th/7th median ACTs are in the 28-32 range.

Even St. Olaf may be a reach. I'd aim a notch or two lower: Kalamazoo, Beloit, Earlham, College of Wooster, Knox, Augustana, Cornell College (IA), Luther, Albion in the Midwest, and schools like Drew, Hobart and William Smith, Allegheny, Muhlenberg in the East. These may not be knock-your-socks-off brand names, but they're all good liberal arts colleges.

How's your wrestling? It might help in the admissions process if you can interest the varsity wrestling coach at one of these schools in you; it won't get you any money, but it might give you an inside track in your application.

Momof2sons · 06-30-2008, 02:50 PM

Northeast:
St Anselms-NH
St Michaels-VT
Stonehill-MA

john6391 · 06-30-2008, 03:00 PM

I am a fairly decent wrestler but I will unfortunately not be able to wrestle because the summer before I go to college I will have an operation that will prevent me from doing contact sports

MNKeeper · 06-30-2008, 04:37 PM

I agree that St. Olaf is a possible reach as well. I really should've said match/reach when I first posted. If you could get your ACT higher it would be helpful. Macalester coud be a possibility if you can get a better ACT score and if your rec's are really good. In any case, it doesn't hurt to try.

cmmimg · 07-01-2008, 01:21 PM

The problem with some of those Minnesota reaches that have been mentioned, Carleton, Macalester, St. Olaf (potentially a reach)...not only are they reaches, but they just don't meet your need of a good price/grants. I know these are touchy questions...but what are you talking about actually being able to afford--both from your parents and you? Are you sure you have no need? Your Expected Family Contribution is upward of $40,000??? Otherwise you'll be listed as having need on some of these schools--that's how expensive they are. Plus, most schools calculate in other expenses besides tuition, room and board, such as books and travel to figure what your total cost is. This is the amount they'll try to reach with EFC and loans/grants, etc. So you might be eligible.

Regardless, more info to really help is needed. Additionally, what makes you not want to take out loans? I understand the concern, but what is the priority level with this? Most things are tradeoffs...so what is most important? Also, what feel do you want the school to have? Urban/Rural? What about the student culture? Partying? Studying? Happy? Intellectual? Go-getters? Diversity? Religion? Politics? Figuring these things out...or at least talking more about your personality...your friends, etc....should help hone in on the right fit.

john6391 · 07-01-2008, 03:36 PM

my parents combined income is like 150,000 a year but there are three kids so I am not sure. my dad says we will not qualify so I really need more info on fin aid. I plan on going to med school and am prolly gonna need loans for that to so that is my concern there. Urban and rural doesnt matter to me both have their pros and cons. Studying and being around intellectuals is important but i wouldnt mind being able to go to a good party once in while. The rest doesnt matter. Also being happy is my biggest factor. I hope this answers some of your questions if not let me know.

katliamom · 07-01-2008, 03:49 PM

The schools in posts #2 and #4 would be BIG reaches for you... Check out the book "Colleges that Change Lives" by Lauren Pope. There, you will find a huge selection of lesser-known LACs where you would be considered a 'match.'

Hindoo · 07-01-2008, 09:20 PM

Excellent advice, katliamom. ... I believe all four of the schools I mentioned in post #3 are in the Lauren Pope book. I have a daughter at Wooster, and it really doesn't get any better than that!