Anthropology/Archaeology and/or Environmental Studies schools

College Search & Lists
1

I have super varied interests, hence the spread from anthropology to environmental studies. So far on my list is Oberlin, Rice, UMich Ann Arbor, Swarthmore, and GWU. Since these are all heavy reaches for me due to GPA where else would be good places to look that have strong anthropology and/or environmental studies. (colleges that also have a semi-strong speech and debate program would be a huge plus)

I’ll be straight up here. I have a horrible GPA. I know it’s an issue. I’m not kidding myself, I know it will heavily hurt my chances to get into a ‘good’ college.

First-Gen Hispanic male from Nevada. Low/low middle class.

ACT: 33/36 (Science, 36; Reading 36; English, 32; Math, 29; Writing, 33) I’ve only taken the ACT once so I think I will take it again to improve my english and math scores.

SAT: 2100/2400 (CR, 680; Math, 680; Writing, 740) I’ve never tried the new SAT, but plan on taking one just to see how it goes.

PSAT: 1410/1520, in the running for National Merit Semifinalist in my state (Nevada)

AP: 5’s on Human Geography (self studied), US History, Environmental Science, English Lang.
4’s on Seminar and World History.
Taking US Government, English Lit, Research, Stats, and self studying for Comparative Government my senior year.

GPA: 2.952/4 UW, 3.752/5 W
Rank: 207/696

2

What are your instate options?

3

Beloit is strong in anthro. Humboldt State is strong in environmental studies.

Your test scores show you are obviously bright but your GPA is going to be a hurdle for the schools you’ve listed. Remember, you can always kick butt once you get to college then apply for a transfer.

4

Instate options are UNLV and UNR. Nevada has very few options. UNLV has a strongish graduate Archaeology program but a dismal undergrad one. UNR is ok with the environmental sciences stuff. I’m from Las Vegas so UNLV is a tad too close to home.

5

UNR would be your best option. In state tuition and you wouldn’t be too close to home. UNLV is a pretty fun school to go to so maybe you won’t worry too much about being too close to home.

6

I definitely see what you’re saying…but I still think it’s too close. UNR would be the only instate option I’d consider. Luckily I visited and stayed in the dorms for American Legion Nevada Boys State and really enjoyed it!

7

Nevada has the worst public universities in the US. So apply to UNR for a safety but look elsewhere.
Unfortunately, your GPA is basically a non starter at the schools you listed above.
I second Beloit and Humboldt, perhaps SUNY esf.
Because you’re lower income, your #1 criterion is going to be costs.
How much can your parents afford?
Run the NPC (net price calculator) on everything college.
Aren’t NMF’s supposed to have a 3.0? If you pull that off or qualify for your state, a university with excellent NMF packages such as Oklahoma university or UAlabama are good bets for you.

8

I know for a fact I likely won’t get NMF, but NMSF is still based on the test score alone with no other criteria. So I could still get semifinalist.

9

Don’t waste your money OP. Go to a Nevada school and use that money for a decent home or apartment.

10

I would live on campus and put that money towards graduate school, but I see what you mean. Might I add that you’re sounding scarily like my parents haha.

11

I tend to get that a lot these days lol

12

Hi there,
This thread reminds me a lot of one I came across a couple of years ago, involving a smart kid, URM, with a low gpa. He was a California resident, so had more options in-state than you, but was also applying for engineering, which is a harder major for admissions. While most people thought he didn’t have much chance, some of the responses were more encouraging. He ended up with a full ride to SDSU. Check it out:
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/1561722-urm-2-5-gpa-2100-sat-and-were-going-for-it.html
Best of luck!

TF

13

Illiyam : Nevada schools are terrible and not that cheap… And OP is not wealthy, he won’t be saving money and thus won’t have the equivalent of an condo in savings ready to be used.
Op: run the NPC on ALL the schools mentioned. Your best bet, academically and financially speaking, is likely Beloit.

11: I remember that thread. I was among the supportive ones. :)

However, there was a real reason for that kid’s low grades. Is there one for you?

14

Look into WUE schools where you might qualify for 1.5 x in-state tuition.

http://wue.wiche.edu/search_results.jsp?searchType=all

NAU has pretty strong offerings in anthro/archeo/Native American studies. So does University of New Mexico, where, if you can get your GPA up to a 3.0, you would qualify for the Amigo scholarship (full tuition for 4 years).

There is a National Merit scholarship which covers room, board and tuition, but it doesn’t say if it’s just for finalists. You’d have to put in a call.

https://scholarship.unm.edu/scholarships/non-resident.html

15

@MYOS1634 he’s free to use his money as he sees fit even though he’s practically burning it for little to no reason.

16

^Please check the CDS numbers, you’ll see why UNR /unlv are not a good deal (check % Need met, % students with need met)

17

If UN schools are so bad then OP, go to any private school that offers decent financial aid. OOS public schools that end up cheaper than UN schools will probably be much worse academically. Just do whatever is cheap OP. You going for a bachelors degree. You’ll thank me in 4 years.

18

OP, if you are in NV you are probably eligible for WUE tuition at many universities in surrounding states, including Humboldt State (and some other Cal State universities), Northern Arizona and University of New Mexico. They may not be cheaper than UNR and UNLV strictly speaking but they may still be relatively affordable for your family.

Your school must be difficult, as 207 out of 696 means you’re still in the top third of the class.

19

My school is a magnet school, so some of the kids are heavily accelerated and the rest aren’t. Creates a little odd situation with the rankings. I’ll definitely look into those WUE schools.

20

Sewanee is strong in environmental sciences. Your test scores and URM status may compensate for your GPA in admissions. Also, while they are not “meets full need” they come very close.