In need of input and help with safeties!

College Search & Lists
1

<p>I’m a recent 2011 high school grad, but I’m going on a gap year so I’ll be applying to schools this year. I’ve got a solid list of schools so far, but I’m having trouble finding good safeties, so any help in this department would be greatly appreciated.</p>

<p>A little about me:
White female
3.6 GPA, 31 ACT, 5s on all 7 AP exams</p>

<p>ECs:
Choir: 2011 Natl Honor Choir, 2010 Eastern Division Honor Choir, all-states, regionals. I’ve been singing in the same church choir for 12 years and have performed solos extensively in concert and have also sung with Dave Brubeck, Stephen Schwartz, Judy Collins, & others. Singing is big for me.
Writing: written 500ish page manuscript, a few articles for a Canadian fashion magazine as well as for my local paper, among other things.
Tennis: JV for 2 years until trying my hand at theater
Riflery: Expert ranked
Youth Group: leader, organized projects with various organizations
Played around with lit mag and theater here and there.
Work in family business and run store on my own during the summer when moms are away on buying trips</p>

<p>I’ll be using my gap year time to volunteer as a English, math, and computer skills teacher in rural India; I’ve raised about $5000 as well as books and clothing to donate to the NGO I’ll be working with.</p>

<p>The future: my dearest ambition is to be a professor of religion (specifically Eastern) so finding a school with a quality religion program is a must. If you have any insight on this topic, I’d LOVE to hear your thoughts as it’s been hard to dig up much information thus far.</p>

<p>Schools I’m applying to:
UChicago, Reed, Macalester, St. John’s College, NYU, Bowdoin, William & Mary, George Washington, UWashington, maybe UC Santa Barbara (really not my scene, but I’ve heard the religion program is out of this world)</p>

<p>As you can see from my list, I’m pretty indiscriminate as far as size and location go. All I need is relative proximity to an urban area, a dynamic intellectual environment, stellar professors, and interesting people. If I have that I’ll be happy.</p>

<p>So. Thoughts? Safeties ideas? Good religion programs? Even some schools with good choirs? Anything and everything is appreciated.</p>

2

<p>Some southern schools to consider: UNC-CH, Duke, Emory have top programs in religion.</p>

3

<p>What can your family afford? A safety must be affordable.</p>

4

<p>I’m applying for aid, but if I don’t get it it probably won’t be the end of the world.</p>

<p>@JohnBlack, I took a look at Emory and the religion department completely won me over. Thanks for the suggestion!</p>

5

<p>Are you an int’l?</p>

<p>What is your budget? How much will your family pay?</p>

<p>…cross-posted with the above post.</p>

<p>If it’s not the end of the world if you don’t get aid, that suggests that you wouldn’t qualify for any.</p>

6

<p>@mom2college kids, I’m from New England (I only wish I were international!) and yes, I do doubt that I’ll get any aid, I’m well aware than there are many people more in need than I am. With that said, in this stage of the game I’m just looking for a few schools that match my interests academically. The financial side of things will be a conversation I’ll have with my parents in September once I have my definitive list together.</p>

7

<p>Do you prefer East Coast or West Coast schools? If you’re open, try Chapman University. Chapman would be more of a match than a safety though for your range in stats. You might want to give them a call to see if you can qualify for some sort of merit-aid.
[Chapman</a> University - Wilkinson College - Religious Studies](<a href=“Religious Studies | Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences | Chapman University”>Religious Studies | Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences | Chapman University)
[Chapman</a> University - Music - Performing Ensembles - University Choir](<a href=“Hall-Musco Conservatory of Music | College of Performing Arts | Chapman University”>Hall-Musco Conservatory of Music | College of Performing Arts | Chapman University)</p>

<p>Others to consider LMU, USD, and UC’s.</p>

8

<p>I think you would like singing (and touring) with one of the choirs at St. Olaf College. The musical opportunities there are pretty amazing. The religion department there is fine, especially since you will be going on to grad school.
[St</a>. Olaf College | About St. Olaf | The Religion Major](<a href=“http://www.stolaf.edu/depts/religion/major/]St”>http://www.stolaf.edu/depts/religion/major/)</p>

9

<p>My recommendation is you shape your list with finances in mind rather than thinking about that later.</p>