Dr.G

University of Arkansas ---
University of southern California --- Xsmog Xtransportation
University of Denver --- Xlike high school
Florida International University ---
Florida state University --- Xtransportation
University of south Florida ---
Georgia Institute of Technology --- +veg!friendlycity
Drake University --- Xdiversity
Iowa state University ---
DePaul University --- +veg!friendlycity
Loyola University (Chicago) --- +veg!friendlycity
University of Kansas --- Xdiversity
University of Minnesota: Twin Cities --- +veg!friendly
Canisius College ---
Case Western Reserve University ---
Ohio state University, Columbus ---
University of Cincinnatti ---
Portland state University --- +topveg!friendlycity!
Duquesne University ---
Temple University --- +veg!friendlycity
University of Pennsylvania ---
Old Dominion University --- +vegfriendlycity +PETAHQ
University of Washington --- +veg!friendlycity
University of South Carolina -----
San Diego State University ------
University of San Diego -----
American University --- +veg!friendlycity +TOPveg!friendlyuniversity


There are already some pluses and minuses for a few of them.
I'm looking for a school in a medium-large city with outdoorsy options available as well.
I also want a really good study abroad program as I will be learning French, Spanish, Arabic/Hindi, and Chinese.
Also, I'd like a 'closed campus'- one that is in the city but still kind of closed off from it. Thanks so much for any help you can provide!

(btw these and the schools I've already eliminated are the only ones that meet my specifications please do not reccommend any other schools unless they carry all of my languages and international studies and are in a city or provide insanely good internships)

hmom5

Can you afford the actual colleges? Most do not meet need on this list.

collegebound41

how bout you cut back on all the state schools, seeing as they wont give you aid like hmom said.

Dr.G

I'll definitely take that under consideration, but the fact is that anywhere I go is going to be expensive, and the private schools I'm looking into have even higher price tags than the out-of-state costs.

Can anyone remark on anything else about any of the schools? The study abroad program? Surrounding city? Other students? Come on, take pity on a poor high school student!

silverturtle

"but the fact is that anywhere I go is going to be expensive"

Extent is still relavent.

AspiringInSalem

Have you looked at Reed in Portland? They offer international studies, French, Spanish and Chinese. No Arabic or Hindi, but an exchange opportunity in Morocco, as well as a slew of other foreign exchange options. The campus is beautiful, with acres of natural areas, all within the city limits. It's academically rigorous, with a great reputation. Hiking, skiing, whitewater rafting, mountain and regular biking are all within a one hour drive. It's not the right place for everybody, but you sound like a possible match.

hmom5

Every good list is made with cost a key factor. Private colleges can cost much less than OOS publics for those who qualify for need base aid. Merit aid is out there for those who don't.

Don't be like the many who apply and don't figure out until April that they can't afford many of their schools.

ilovebagels

the only school that's in a city but "closed off" is Columbia

Dr.G

ilovebagels: Well I've visited two colleges that are perfect examples of the type of setting I like- American and Temple. Located in a city, yet their own little piece of... education? you get it.

And to everyone who seems to want to rip me a new one about cost: my family is rather well off and my parents told me that I shouldn't count price in as a factor. We'll have no problem getting loans (my parents credit score is rock-solid) and we aren't poor by any means. Does anyone happen to know anything about these schools?

mom2collegekids

Are you saying that your parents KNOW that the total cost of attendace these days at privates can easily run about $55K+ per year. Seriously, do they KNOW that...many parents only consider tuition, without realizing that room, board, books, transportation, etc can easily add another $20k per year.

If your parents are truly aware (because you've discussed the $55K+ per year possibility), then...

What are your stats?

What is your major likely to be?

Do you want a "spirited school" (one that is kind of rah rah about sports and stuff)?


BTW...your title makes us wonder....if you can afford to go ANYWHERE, why are you saying that you have little money for applications...that doesn't JIVE. Either your parents can afford school and apps, or they can't. I think you need to have a talk with parents WITH DETAILS.

mom2collegekids

Ok...I see that you have some Catholic Universities on your list.
How about Fordham...the Rose campus is rather closed.

Dr.G

mom2collegekids:
stats: 3.3 unweighted
great extracurriculars, positions of leadership, good volunteer hours, hard and unique class load

major: international studies/relations (that's how I narrowed down the schools)

And yes, my parents are very aware because they each payed for half of their own tuition.

And as for the title.. my parents are making me pay for the applications as a way to ensure I spend time narrowing down the schools =P

And school spirit would be cool, but not a must. It'd be great to be in a place with physical things to do: ie. surfing, mountain climbing, snow boarding, hiking

mom2collegekids

>>>> And yes, my parents are very aware because they each payed for half of their own tuition. <<<<

Unless your parents just got out of college last year, then they still might not have ANY idea how expensive college costs have gotten in the last 15+ years....because the costs have greatly outpaced inflation!! Just because they paid for half of their own tuition (a few decades ago), doesn't mean that they know the prices today of in-state, out-of state, or private college total costs. When your parents went to college, paying "half of their costs" probably meant paying about $4,000 at most.

My next door neighbor just about fell over when I told him that my son's dorm (not including food) costs $7k per year, and my nephew's dorm costs $8400 per year. My neighbor kept saying..."but, when I went to college, dorms only cost about 1200 per year." My neighbor has a daughter who is a senior in HS, and now he's having to "rethink" everything since he had NO IDEA how much more expensive college is now (compared to when he and his wife went to college.)

So, seriously, ask your parents this...

Mom and dad, are you aware that private colleges cost about $55,000 a year to attend? Are you aware that the costs go up every year, so if I go to a private college, it will likely cost about $235,000 for four years?

If you ask your parents the above questions, and they say "yes, we know that we'll have to pay about $235,000.00"...then I'll shut up...LOL I just want you to "make sure" that you're all on the same page!!!


and...btw...some colleges will not charge an application fee if you apply online...so check that out.

R124687

Gosh, y'all... OP is just looking for help between colleges. I'm sure she knows how to look up costs online.

Dr. G: I can't help you because I don't know what schools would be best suited. But I can say...I wonder if you're able to go to any of the NACAC "college fairs" in your area? And/or...do you live in a bigger city or near one, where sometimes colleges come and give presentations at this time of year? I just attended one last week that 5 colleges put on together. It was MUCH more informative than I thought it was going to be (we actually dreaded going but felt we HAD to)...and my D ended up with another college to apply to (yes, I know, that's NOT the direction you want to go...but it might work the other way too...help you ELIMINATE). Good luck.

Dr.G

mom2collegekids: thanks for the tip about online apps, but I'm pretty sure that you can't send in paper apps anymore, so...
And I meant that they are aware that you don't only pay the tuition (as in, what colleges put in the financial section). They are fully aware.

R12243324: hahaha well I live in NJ not near any cities =[. But we have college visits in our school, and when I go, I just end up wanting to go to that certain college even more than before!