Chance/help modify a list for a biochem (premed) major from MA [3.94 GPA, 1570 SAT]

So to answer your last question first, I would first reflect on whether you have a clear favorite, so clear you are sure you would not reconsider, even if you got some great merit offers or such. If so, the next question would be whether that college actually had ED. If so, feel free to ED there. If not, to either of those questions, then I would not ED 1 anywhere.

Anyway, I would first note that at this point, all the major Boston colleges get so many applications it can be problematic treating them as Targets, including because it appears they might actually waitlist or even reject highly qualified applicants who they think are very unlikely to yield.

Second, even holding aside the Boston “Targets”, that is 12 Reaches by my count. I know if you are looking at both LACs and research universities, you might have a bit more than normal. But I would try to narrow down your private research universities to more like 3-5 (currently you have 9).

Third, you have LAC Reaches, but then no LAC Targets or Likely/Foundation LACs. And in fact you have no Likely/Foundation private research universities either. Just two public universities that seem rather unlike most of your other preferred colleges.

So I would suggest reconsidering that approach. There are so many great LACs and private research universities you could consider for those roles, some of which might well offer you merit. I know you said you didn’t need it, but it doesn’t hurt, particularly if med school is a serious possibility.

So if you would like suggestions along those lines, let us know.

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