<p>So I’m having a tough time picking out a few more colleges to apply to this fall. So far I only have two for sure: Ohio university (I’m instate and it’s my financial safety and backup) and university of georgia but there’s a few things that worry me about UGA and the culture so I’d like to have a few more options.</p>
<p>Basically here’s a few things about me:</p>
<p>-I am NOT one to dress up at all for class and, at my slightly preppy, suburban Ohio high school I’m seriously one of the only ones that don’t. Basically leggings with an oversized sweater and flats/boots is my go to look and that’s considered looking like a “bum” here. I do look nice when I go out with friends though.</p>
<p>-I don’t want to go out all the time in college. I’d rather go out and have fun once a weekend or once every two weekends but have a REALLY fun time. “work hard play hard aspect” Where I live, theres pretty much nothing to do so going to a party rarely happens anyway. At my high school, there’s a big divide. Either you’re ultra “nerdy” and put academics way over everything else or you’re not very intellectual at all but do have a little more fun. </p>
<p>-and most importantly, diversity and openmindness are huge factors in my decision! I would consider myself slightly more liberal/moderate but I’m open to different views. I just don’t want extreme ends of the spectrum, no ultra liberal schools but no ultra conservative either. My high school and local area are VERY close-minded, VERY judgmental, and VERY small and I really want to get away from this. I just want real people who aren’t super overly bubbly nice but not materialistic snobs either. I understand you can find your group at any school but I know stereotypes and some schools have one type of student more than another. </p>
<p>a couple of other minor factors:
-Preferably a school at least 3000+ students plus (no limit on how big really)
-I enjoy going to sports games with big crowds occasionally but am not a die-hard fan.
-I actually am interested in rushing a sorority but look at the real people segment earlier^
-preferably a little nicer weather than northeastern Ohio (6 months of winter) but if you think of a cold school, go ahead and name it because it doesn’t matter that much.</p>
<p>Quick stats: around a 3.6 UW GPA with hardest curriculum available 2050 (680 M, 680 CR, 690 writing) first time SAT will take one more time. 4 yr varsity tennis with tons of volunteer service along with some other clubs.</p>
<p>Any schools suggestions would be very helpful!</p>
<p>What can you afford? You would probably enjoy the culture and weather at James Madison U in Harrisonburg, VA, if you can afford out-of-state tuition.</p>
<p>“Laid back” and “work-hard, play-hard” don’t go hand in hand. In fact, they are quite the opposite. Laid back schools tend to have students who approach both working and playing with moderation. Work-hard, play-hard schools tend to have intense, type-A students.</p>
<p>From your post above, you are more of a laid back type. The work-hard, play-hard type usually like to party hard more than once a week. The University of Rochester seems like a good fit for you.</p>
<p>Alexandre, I guess you’re right, I should’ve clarified a bit more. I meant that I work hard academically and don’t mind competiveness in that aspect, but in any other aspect of life I would consider myself pretty laid back. I’ve actually never really considered University of Rochester other than I know it’s a great school, I’ll have to look into that. Thank you for your input!</p>
<p>Nova2nola, I don’t know a ton about JMU, but I’ve heard it’s a good academic school but that the kids have a lot of fun too. I think I would be able to afford JMU. It’s interesting that you said that, because I actually spontaneously visited University of Richmond on my way to vacation and I liked it and the reasonable but still far enough away distance from Ohio. However I really don’t like the stereotype that goes along with it and was hoping maybe there’d be another school in VA that I’d like. I’m definitely going to check JMU out! Thank you and any more info feel free to share :)</p>
<p>By the way, I should encourage you to check out Kenyon. I love that school. Oberlin and Wooster are also excellent.</p>
<p>Miami Ohio also for the money and quality. If you want larger several BIG schools–Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa.</p>
<p>I also think work hard/play hard is a usually a good academic school but code for heavy partying so that’s not likely what you mean. And not laid back. There are schools that are academic and laid back too, though.</p>
<p>Barrons- I agree Miami is great for instate kids like me. But I really don’t know if I’d fit in there…based off things I’ve read, local reputation, and people I’ve talked to that have gone there. Obviously I do not know what it is REALLY like without having been there, but the whole “j crew u” thing freaks me out a little bit. </p>
<p>I’ve actually visited Indiana and loved it, but dont know if I’ll apply considering they’re out of state price is a little on the hefty side and are known for not giving much aid. Also my school does not weight grades so I would not be considered for their automatic scholarships. May still apply for the heck of it though.</p>
<p>Wisconsin I’ve looked into before would like to visit before September ends if I get a chance. Really don’t know too much about Iowa other than it was just ranked as #1 party school on Princeton Reviews annual list haha</p>
<p>I’m going to Michigan State (hopefully) and that’s known for its parties. I’m going there for their business school, but I wouldn’t mind some fun from time to time.</p>
<p>Brown Parent, Yeah it isn’t exactly what I meant now that I re-read my post. I’m definitely not the kid who can party a whole weekend…I don’t have the time let alone the stamina to do that 
I meant when I do want to go out and party, I want it to be a crazy fun time and decently easy to find.</p>
<p>OP, every kid I’ve known who has attended JMU has loved it. The calibre of students is pretty high (people joke that JMU stands for “just missed UVA”). The social life is abundant, but there are plenty of serious students who study much more than they party. The vibe is WAY more laid back than UVA (and U Richmond) and more casual. The students are known for being super friendly. The quality of the teaching is excellent. Definitely check it out!</p>
<p>Lewis and Clark in Portland OR. Smaller than what you’re looking for but otherwise it hits all your desires.</p>