majoring in alcohol consumption studies

[c0nfusion]

<p>Catchy title eh? No, this is just my FINAL chances post as I've just received my rank and GPA.</p>

<p>SAT: 1470 (770 verbal 700 math)
SAT II: 750 IIC, 730 physics, 710 bio, 700 writing
GPA: 95.6 /100 (95 = 4.0 in my school)
A.P.'s taken: Physics B, Calc AB, Chemistry, English, U.S.History, Economics, Government
Rank: 20 / 326
E.C.'s: -Volunteer Internship at Cooper Union; worked with 2 graduate mechanical engineers on projects for Con Edison
-National Merit Commended Scholar
-Art Honor Society (President)
-International Society of Poets; Publication and Editor's Choice
-Olympics of the Visual Arts; 2nd place finish in group drawing competition (statewide)
-Appearence in C.W. Post Art Exhibit
-2 years work experience at Staples ~20 hours/week
-News Editor for Edge Network (edgenetwork.org)
-Various volunteer activities; breast cancer walks, multiple sclerosis walks, senior citizen luncheons, etc.
-random other things; NHS, principal's list 4 years, art department award</p>

<p>Applying to: Cornell, Princeton (maybe), Lehigh, Williams, Tufts, Bucknell, Villanova, Penn State, and Binghamton</p>

<p>Rate me, oh wise ones!! ...please!</p>

[c0nfusion]

<p>Actually, I've decided not to apply to Princeton as the chances of me getting accepted are very slim and I'm already spending a good amount on application fees (not to mention the fact that I would have 2 more college essays to write).</p>

[c0nfusion]

<p>Wow, even with a title about booze I get no replies! :D</p>

[c0nfusion]

<p>bump? yes.</p>

[dcfca]

<p>I think you should apply to princeton and drop Penn State</p>

[c0nfusion]

<p>Eh, to be honest, Princeton doesn't appeal to me very much. (and I really like Penn State - it seems like I can get a good education, for a decent price, and it wont be as hard as if I were to go to, lets say hmm....princeton :P )</p>

[blaineko]

<p>Chances at:</p>

<p>Cornell...Good
Lehigh...Excellent
Williams...Okay (RD)/Good (ED)
Tufts...Good
Bucknell...Very Good
Villanova...Excellent
Penn State...Excellent
SUNY-Binghamton...Excellent</p>

<p>I'd like to suggest Colgate & Hamilton (as LACs without application fees and very good to excellent chances), and URochester & CWRU (as universities that have no application fee, great merit aid, and excellent chances). I would drop Binghampton and Villanova, unless you really like the schools. I'd add 1 to 3 of the schools I mentioned above. Your stats are very good. If you like Penn's conference, then I would also suggest UWisconsin as just one alternative (where you have an excellent chance). Just my 2 cents.</p>

<p>Anyhow, good luck.</p>

[c0nfusion]

<p>Thanks, blaineko, probably one of the most useful responses I've gotten on these threads. As far as dropping Villanova and Bing, the reason they are on there is as financial safeties; Binghamton because I am in state and Villanova because I qualify for the presidential scholarship (full tuition) and am awaiting the decision on that. I will look into Colgate. UWisconsin, unfortunately, is too far away - I prefer to stay in the Northeast. Thanks again, it was very helpful.</p>

[blaineko]

<p>Hey there...</p>

<p>All the schools I suggested in my earlier post gurentee to meet your financial need (I have some need also). I'm looking at Colgate and Hamilton myself...they are pretty kewl. Just make sure that you show interest, and you will likely get in. Happy hunting.</p>

<p>Anyhow, glad I could help.</p>

<p>PS--Trinity College (CT) would be a very good chocie for you (Match/Safety), although it does have an application fee. You might want to ask you school counselor for a few fee waivers, if you have need for your other schools.</p>

[c0nfusion]

<p>Eh, it's not that I'm poor, I certainly have the money to apply to schools, I just really can't justify spending $600+ on applications. Many of the schools on my list are alike, and I feel if I add many more they will be just as similar. Do you see a college on my list i could REPLACE with trinity or colgate? that's the problem :P I'll check it out though, its worth a look. Thanks again</p>

[c0nfusion]

<p>I should also mention that my prospective major seems to be astrophysics at the moment, although it is prone to change.</p>

[joev]

<p>If they offer that major for real, I already have enough life experience for a doctorate. Penn State rocks, go there. Happy Valley is an awesome experience Saturday mornings. Now if JoePa would ever retire...</p>

[blaineko]

<p>I'd scratch Villanova & Lehigh actually, and replace them with Trinity and Colgate. </p>

<p>As for $$$ for apps...tell me about it, I'm like applying to a dozen or so. Luckily, a handful are free...though the CSS also eats up dollars. I tried to reduce my list, but I was unable to get it down further. I had to cut most of the larger universities. That left mostly LACs.</p>

<p>Here's my suggestions for your list:</p>

<p>Williams...Okay (RD)/Good (ED)
Cornell...Good
Tufts...Good
Colgate...Very Good
Trinity C...Very Good
Bucknell...Very Good
Penn State...Excellent
SUNY-Binghamton...Excellent</p>

<p>Again, just my humble opinion. :)</p>

[collegeparent]

<p>Because sports is such a large part of both the Colgate and Williams experiences, you may want to think twice about them; Hamilton may be a better fit for you. To a lesser degree, Trinity, Bucknell and Lehigh are rather "social" and less artsy-craftsy which seems to be your interest. Actually, Vassar may be perfect for you and you might also consider Connecticut College. Of the list that Blaineko offers, Tufts and Cornell seem to be good fits for you. Also, did you think about Amherst, Middlebury, Haverford and Swarthmore?</p>

[c0nfusion]

<p>Amherst is a bit too small for me, and I think I actually may like the sports thing, even though I don't currently play any for the school. I'm going to check out Trinity. Swarthmore is too academic based, I need a bustling social scene :p</p>

[collegeparent]

<p>Bustling social scene: Colgate, Williams, Trinity, Bucknell, Middlebury and especially Lehigh.</p>

[c0nfusion]

<p>Which of these schools would you say has the strongest physics/astrophysics program?</p>

[collegeparent]

<p>Because of their strong engineering programs, probably Lehigh and then Bucknell.</p>