Your strategy should be the same as any college applicant. Honestly assess your credentials and seek out a range of reach, match, and safely schools that appear affordable and that you would be excited to attend. FWIW I see T30 colleges as real reaches but it is fine to put in a few applications, give them your all, and see what happens. If grad school is in your future, pay particular attention to finances.
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I thought of the same thing and gave already started reviewing what I didn’t understand this last year.
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I loved doing research about neuroscience last year. I think I like learning in small collaborative classes . I’m very social and want a college with a big spirit and greek life …all that, but I know I can get distracted so I probably need a college with a good balance of academic challenge and social life. My parents are paying for my education so Im not restricted to State schools …but they think that spending money is worth it for a T30 and are wondering if we should spend$$$ on just any college. (they think college brand is important …I guess I do too). Please help me come up with more places to apply too …My list as of now is :
- Emory (my reach school )
- case western
- Pitt
- Stony
- Bing (not too happy about it)
Your last three make sense, especially Pitt. Not sure #1-2 do based on what you described.
There are many schools that meet what you describe - some state, some private. A U Miami is more likely than an Emory - but still maybe a reach. Lehigh might be another.
Syracuse would be another that might work for you.
If you’re in NY, the SUNYs will be your best bet - especially for a major that likely calls for grad school. You may not like to hear it and of course one can graduate and get a job right away - but in most cases grad school would be needed (even if you don’t do med school).
But other publics (just because you can afford the max doesn’t meant to eliminate the publics, you might look at Delaware, Va Tech, Ohio State, Indiana, UMD and others.
btw - your parents are paying - but are they paying for 8 years?
For med school, brand likely matters little if at all - same for law. Your grades and test will matter.
But there’s a zillion schools with good names - and just because you want a top ranked school, it doesn’t mean it’s going to happen.
And it guarantees you nothing btw - in the end, it’s more about you then the school.
Let me also offer this up:
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You enjoy learning in small class settings - that says more to me LAC or small school or perhaps a public Honors College.
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You can get distracted - that also says to me LAC. A Bucknell might meet your needs for greek/social /spirit as would U of Richmond. Davidson and Lafayette would be two more to consider and Furman would be a likely/safety (assuming you have strong rigor). It’s a great name - again with greek/social/spirit.
Good luck.
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Wake Forest
Lehigh
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Thanks I have thought of Lehigh, but my parents thought it’s a big party School and are reluctant
How much do you think I should rely on my School naviance Does GPA matter or would the two Cs take precedence over my GPA. Because if I base it off The admission stats from Navi’s then case western seems like a possibility I just Want to be cautious not over ambitious
Nobody here can chance you for these schools. My advice stands- create a list of safety, match and reach schools and see how it goes.
You may want to look into honors colleges at schools such as Ohio State (for example). Lots of premeds are at these schools. Do not dismiss SUNY.
The good news that if you apply appropriately, you will have choices. Good luck!
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Most schools are party schools or at least have partiers- you said you want “social” - I assumed that’s what you meant.
But guess what- at every party school you have board game players, non drinkers and whatever else. My kid went to a big southern state flagship and doesn’t drink at all. At work events (now graduated), most drink - but he doesn’t.
He’s found his crowd at both.
Tons of smart kids at every school - including Lehigh - which may be a reach for you, btw.
You could sub in Rochester - but not sure it will have the spirit you are seeking.
Case is a demonstrated interest school - meaning, visiting, going online - even ED - they want students who will love to be there.
I’ve not used Navience - but I would think your GPA is what matters - not individual grades. But for example, if someone wanted to be an engineer and got a C in Pre Calc - maybe it’s looked at.
Don’t paralyze yourself with over analysis - you have 20 spots - and can use them - as long as you have two definite and affordable on your list. If you apply wherever and get turned down - oh well. You’re going to just one.
Case, as an example, can be a reach for everyone - but at the same time a safety - it’s often about the demonstrated interest and there’s no way to know which bucket someone would be in. They have a very low yield and try to offer to those they think they have a chance with vs. a random app that never interacted with the school.
You might look at Williams & Mary too or Elon to pacify your parents - but honestly, you are my concern, not them. They are not going to school - and you going to a big name assures nothing success wise. But you, yourself do - and they should know that.
But as you build your list - the most important schools are the safeties. After that, you can aim as high as you’d like (as long as you are thick skinned as there’s the possibility of a lot of rejection) - but don’t forget, you can only go to one.
Don’t focus on the C+ - but also don’t focus on top names…because there’s SOOOO MANY great schools - and you can’t control the decision an AO will make.
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Miami of Ohio might be one to look at. Their long-claimed status as a “Public Ivy,” and the corresponding campus aesthetic, might appeal to your parents. Their merit awards are based on weighted GPA and test scores; you wouldn’t be in the absolute highest bracket, but you’d get at least 10K/year off the 58K/year sticker price and possibly more. Honors College would also be possible. The school has Greek life and a lively social scene, but also a serious academic side. Their premed program is structured as a “co-major” https://miamioh.edu/cas/centers-institutes/mallory-wilson-healthcare-education/academics/co-major.html.
For a smaller school in Ohio, College of Wooster might be worth checking out. They have a very strong emphasis on undergraduate research, which seems like it would be a fit for you. They also have Greek life and a fun social scene, and they’re generous with merit. https://wooster.edu/2023/09/18/us-news-world-report-recognizes-wooster-for-strength-in-undergraduate-research/
UMiami (FL) and Syracuse could be worth checking out - both have tons of “spirit” and social life but also academic seriousness.
Have you worked on your personal statement yet? The earlier you can apply to Pitt, the better - the app opens in August. They make decisions on a rolling basis, so applying early gives you the best chance and gives you a quick decision. If you get in and can afford it, you no longer have to worry about having a safety, and can focus your effort entirely on schools that you like better than Pitt.
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Thanks so much that’s a great idea!
Daughter had a C+ in chem sophomore year and a C+ in AP bio junior year, with all the rest As , and two Bs. She got into 16/18 she applied to including Pitt, Lehigh, Syracuse, Colby, Wisconsin, Santa Clara, umass, American. Just make app as strong as possible and be sure to have reasonable safeties.
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