Hi, I will be going into my senior year this upcoming school year. I plan on applying to more prestigious schools like Brown University, Tufts University, & even Northeastern University. BUT I think I should have one or two colleges that are my fall backs just in case I do not get into these colleges. I was wondering what colleges are really great, but not as hard as to get into in the New England area? Maybe like a 40% or higher acceptance rate? Preferably in Connecticut, Rhode Island, or Massachusetts. I would like these colleges to still have good academics and to have nice campuses too. Any suggestions??
Providence College
Clark
Bentley
Lots of kids from MA like Union (NY) Trinity is certainly less selective than the ones you mentioned. Bard (again NY) has a beautiful campus right on the Hudson. Different vibe than the other 2. All of these have excellent academics
For appealing options, look into Connecticut College, Wheaton and Trinity.
Though far from a fall-back, an application to Wesleyan should be considered as a complement to one at Brown.
@srr686 Holy Cross is in Massachusetts, has a 39% admit and is test optional.
What is your major? You might want to look at Salve Regina or Bryant.
Both Bentley and Bryant which are mentioned above are primarily business colleges so I’d skip those unless you plan to major in business. Skidmore (near Albany) is a LAC with a 36% acceptance rate and might be another good option. It is close to Union so you can make one trip to see both. Two excellent schools with Union being the more STEM/engineering oriented of the two (in our opinion at least). Bard and Clark are two LACs that are less urban but seem to fit in with the other schools you are considering. If a Catholic School is OK then Providence is a great idea and you want an urban school that is more of a safety and you would consider NYC, look at Fordham’s Lincoln Center campus (which has non-binding EA).
BU, Emerson, Lesley, Emmanuel, Suffolk, Salve Regina, Stonehill, Brandeis, Babson
UMass Amherst is a really nice public U worth a look. Amherst is a great college town and UMass is part of the 5 college consortium, with opportunities to take classes at Smith, Mt. Holyoke, Hampshire, and Amherst Colleges.
happy1, your info about Skidmore is a few years old. The acceptance rate is now 25%, and falling fast.
http://www.skidmore.edu/news/2017/0904-meet-2021.php
Regarding Clark, it’s right in the middle of Worchester MA. Not the largest metro area in the Country, but certainly still a decidedly urban campus. After having visiting both Clark and Bard, I’d say you’d be hard pressed to find two more different locations, and campus styles’.
In keeping with the OP’s desire to stay in Connecticut, RI , or MASS, I’d second the excellent suggestions of Connecticut College, Clark, BU, and Wheaton, and throw Hampshire into the mix too.
Cost constraints? State of residency? Academic credentials?
Would the state universities in your state of residency be suitable?
How about Fairfield?
Boston University fits your profile, also look at Providence College, Emmanuel and Clark (all most likely low matches or safeties given your original list). Most of the others on the list are not in urban areas, although Skidmore is walking distance to a great college town and would likely be a match and Salve Regina in Newport is also in close walking proximity to an great downtown (another safety).
Look at Wheaton in Norton, MA. Small LAC with good academics. Some cross regisyration with Brown.
Clark is another good option, but Worcester is a city of 180,000–more urban than the OP might want. I would definitely visit Worcester–it isn’t for everyone. Worcester is a gritty manufacturing city, and even though manufacturing is long gone, it still has that feel. Health care and education are the main industries now. Despite a number of four-year colleges, a medical school campus, and a number of junior colleges, Worcester isn’t really a college town. I worked at Clark (administration) for a number of years. Still go back to visit friends.
Simmons, Wheelock