I’m a high school senior and all my admission decisions are out.
Im between two schools, a LAC and a research uni. .
I like the LAC a lot more than the research uni simply because of the community and smaller class sizes
The only “problem” is that the LAC has a bit of a lower SAT/ACT range. The research uni has a range from 30-33 and the LAC has a range from 28-31. It’s not that I dislike the research uni, the community is just a bit less appealing.
it’s probably not that important but as someone that got a 28 on their ACT I feel kind of guilty about choosing a school that was less of a reach for me. Does that make sense?
Idk I just wanted hear about others also choosing schools with lower test score and how it worked out for them.
Seriously?? If you are choosing between Case and Smith, the subtle difference in stats means NOTHING. You will get a fabulous education at Smith. Its a great school. Enjoy!
Agree with @jym626, and name recognition will work in your favor most likely. But even if you were dealing with a school that was not as well known, pick the one that you think fits you best. No one looks at average scores later, and you will meet a lot of high achievers at the lower range school. Not to mention that the difference in the average score for those schools would be relatively insignificant when you realize it still puts the students in the top percentiles.
Agreed! You are lucky to have great choices, and if $ is not an issue, go with your gut, which sounds like Smith. I personally love LACS and went to one, so am a bit biased. If you love Smith, go to Smith.
Most people do better in an environment where they feel comfortable. If for you that is a LAC then go to Smith and don’t look back. My D is at a (different) LAC and absolutely loves it, is getting a fabulous education, has been involved in research with professors, found it easy to become active on campus etc.
I was unsure about choosing Smith before because my guidance counselor is adamant that I should choose a school with higher stats and my parents don’t really know how to advise me on the matter since I’m the first to go to college in my family (they just told me to trust my guidance counselor)
In the case of Smith v CW the difference in stats seems to be negligible which add to the argument to go to the school that will provide the best fit/best environment for you. From what I see the average ACT at case is 29-33 and for Smith it is 28-32. That really is splitting hairs.
LOL, the difference between Smith and CWRU can probably be attributed to all the would-be engineers with great math scores at CWRU vs all the liberal arts “dudes” at Smith, some of whom may not have taken number theory for fun as a high school junior
Both great schools, stat difference is meaningless.
lol…I’ve never been called a “dude,” and I doubt @jym626 has either. The kids can call each other whatever they want, but they should not be calling the adults on this forum, “dude”.
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it's probably not that important but as someone that got a 28 on their ACT I feel kind of guilty about choosing a school that was less of a reach for me. Does that make sense?
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should not be a concern. Going to a reach school should not always be a goal. It can mean ending up with a lower GPA.
momonalaptop-
You are likely right about one possible explanation for the very subtle ACT score range differences, but don’t forget- Smith has engineering too (yes the programs are not equivocal , but , just sayin’)
@jym626 – True about STEM at Smith, but I’d be willing to bet there are more non-STEM folks there than at CWRU Which does have good solid liberal arts depts, but I kinda suspect the students who pick CWRU specifically for a non-STEM major could attend the same party with a few chairs left over. It’d be an interesting party with good conversation, but still.
