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Finalizing List
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Replies to: Finalizing List
According to the "need blind" Wiki page I linked above, URochester is need-blind and full-need.
However, according to its US News entry it meets 95% of demonstrated need on average, and meets the full need in < 90% of cases (https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/university-of-rochester-2894/paying). URochester does not seem to publish a Common Data Set, so we can't use that to verify what's what. So again ... run their NPC.
I want to say yes, but read the fine print.
As far as I know, all EA (other than SCEA) applications are non-restrictive w.r.t. other applications.
Of course, if UChicago accepts you in that ED round, you'll be expected to withdraw all other applications (unless you truly can't afford to accept their offer).
https://blog.****/ea-vs-ed-vs-rea/
Biggest question - do you all recommend I apply to more lower admit higher aid schools like Kenyon or Grinnell instead of Rhodes, Wooster, and St. Olaf, which seem to be the schools with issues on my list, or look elsewhere? Most of the schools I am seeing suggested are reachier schools. URochester looks like a good option, I will try to run an NPC now. Looking into Dickinson as well.
Also, do I have a decent chance at getting into at least one of my reaches? I know I should not count on it but...
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Ran a rough NPC, don't have the info in front of me but I used old NPCs, and Rochester is too much (22,000) Kenyon is a lot as well (just under 10,000).
All of these will meet need for you (they use preferential packaging) but do they define need in a way that's affordable for your parents?
Only apply to affordable colleges. That'll cut a bunch. Have 2 safeties and 3-5 matches. After that, apply to as many reaches as you wish and can afford.
Do you qualify for application fee waivers on commonapp?
If I were you, I'd want at least one offer, as early in the process as possible, from a "full need" (or automatic merit) college with an affordable net price estimate. UChicago is too selective to count on for that.
In your original post, I count 4 match schools (Wooster, Rhodes, St. Olaf, Miami OH).
Suggestion: Drop at least 1 these and substitute a "full need" school(s) that shows a lower net price estimate. Preferably, it'd be a school with an EA option or quick RD turn-around (if you can find one you like).
IMO 6-8 applications should be enough to carry you through the early round. Such as:
UChicago ED
2 other reaches such as Williams/Bowdoin/Davidson/Haverford (RD) or Georgetown/Boston College (EA)
2 "full need" target/match schools such as Brandeis (EA) + Grinnell/Kenyon (RD)
1 or 2 lower target/match schools with decent n-b/merit aid prospects (Wooster/Rhodes/StO/MiamiO)
1 true admission & financial safety
Then reassess, if necessary, after those early round result(s).
Just in case things aren't going well, you could add 1 or more schools with late RD deadlines, if you think you'd prefer them to your safety.
@Chembiodad Thats good to hear, XC may help on admission then, I'll get their coaches contact info.
@MYOS1634 St. Olaf says about $8,000 which is a little much but okay. Wooster has a really rough calculator that says 12,000. Unfortunately I do not get fee waivers but I should have the money to apply to enough colleges.
@tk21769 Dickinson is looking okay and they have an EA option. At $8,000 its a little much but the best I've seen for a match school. Wooster and Miami have EA so I might as well apply to them too. If UChicago doesn't work out I also have some schools with EDII.
Right now I'm thinking UChicago ED, Williams, Bowdoin, Davidson, Haverford, Colby, Wooster EA, St. Olaf, Dickinson EA, Miami EA, UofL
I'm loading up on reach schools because I love them and they have the best FA. I also have time for essays as I'm starting early. My matches are iffy on being able to afford them but I may get lucky and may be surprised as well. Worst case scenario I get paid lots of money to go to U of L.
I think your list's good.
Now's time to contact the coaches as they may be able to help with an 'early read'.
If you start reaching out asap (fill out recruiting questionnaires and email coaches) and they think there's a fit most conference will give you a pre-read quickly, although the NESCAC coaches can't start pre-reads until July - regardless you should know where you stand will all by end of August.
You'll know fairly quickly whether the coach will support you in ED, and if more than one school/team is of interest you can go ED1 and if you get deferred you can go RD to others and still get some coaches support - it's not a binary process.
I ended up getting into the WOW program at Williams, applying ED, and I will be attending in the fall (Super Excited!!). I am paying about $9,000 a year which is doable with outside scholarships for my family.
I ended up not contacting coaches as I have been injured and will most likely be running on my own during college.