<p>Mr. Tubbz.</p>
<p>Being admired by Alice Walker trumps a poster named HSisOverrrated, although of course each is entitled to an opinion. </p>
<p>I hope you can open your Mom’s eyes to the advantage of attending a well-endowed Liberal Arts College where kids from minority backgrounds find a humane and caring environment, then go on to graduate schools at bigger universities.</p>
<p>If that sounds like something worth exploring, get your computer mouse ready to explore: Oberlin College (suburb of Cleveland), Amherst College (Western Massachusetts), Wesleyan (in Connecticut), Brandeis University (outside of Boston) which is a small university like Brown with an LAC (Liberal Arts College) feeling to it. I chose those places to mention because they recruit students from minority backgrounds and have high percentages on campus of URM’s: AfricanAmerican, AsianAmerican, and foreign students such as from India.</p>
<p>You might also look at some universities in larger cities, such as Emory in Atlanta, University of Pittsburgh or Duquesne U (also in Pittsburgh).</p>
<p>Mom’s saying “Harvard or bust” but like everyone on these forums I’ll give you the same advice: make a list of safety, match and reach schools. Nobody’s guaranteed anywhere. Mom’s proud of you, but you are right to be more realistic than to think only Ivy League is good enough for you. For Ivy League, you might enjoy Cornell which I believe has a larger percentage of applicants admitted than, say, Harvard or Yale. Then go ahead and apply to Harvard or Yale, just realizing that most with perfect statistics also don’t get in; it’s just that famous. Still, apply.</p>
<p>Look up some old threads here on LAC vs University. I know the universities have high prestige, but some students find their journey begins better at a small LAC. Something to think about. </p>
<p>If Mom would pay an advisor, why not try that? If, however, you want to piece it together yourself, I’d suggest starting by reading (with Mom at your side) a website by CC wonder-poster “Carolyn” called: AdmisssionsAdvice.com</p>
<p>A good starting point is her linked article, “Creating a LIst from the Bottom-Up” (my wording is a bit off, but look for “Bottom-up”)</p>
<p>If Mom hasn’t yet seen it, look up the USNewsandWorldReports ranking of colleges. There are LOTS of great schools on these long lists of universities and LAC’s…not just a handful! Time to create your list of safety, match and reach schools realizing there is a great school for everyone, including you. </p>
<p>Best wishes.</p>