Hi worriedmomucb. I’m not in need of merit aid. My parents said that they’ve been saving for college “since the beginning of time.” I feel very lucky (and not just because they remind me nonstop).
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Fantastic profile - every school out there is possible - but other than location, what is it that you want?
You can do Poli Sci, Ethnic Studies and film most anywhere.
So do you want a large school or small school? Urban, rural, suburban, etc? Sports, Greek life, etc?
You could legitimately go in any direction…
It’s very nice of your family - because pricing runs the gamut. If grad school is a likely, would it help them to save for that? Or you’re good either way?
Why Berkeley? And then Amherst is the opposite.
Really want to narrow on what you might like…
From your profile I get a SLAC vibe…
I don’t see anything lacking in your profile. Some colleges are reaches for everyone just because of their low admission rate. Unless you have a hook (such as being a recruited athlete, or in some cases, a legacy), your chances for admission are low, no matter how strong your profile. It’s just the reality of a 5%, 10%, or 15% admission rate.
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However, subarea focus may differ. With ethnic studies, the ethnic groups that get more focus and interest do differ between (for example) University of Alabama, University of California - Berkeley, University of Hawaii, and University of New Mexico.
Metawampe, I’ve visited Brown, UCB, Amherst, Northwestern, Georgetown, Columbia, Penn, Wellesley, BC, Tufts, Pomona, UCLA, USC. No clear winner based on my post-visit +/- list for each school. I’m generally an open-minded person, easily connecting to people from all walks of life, and have a wide range of interests. I love the diverse offerings and resources at large institutions – and also am not intimidated by having to hustle and be more independent. I love the opportunities to connect with professors at smaller schools – and also don’t think I would tire of the smallness. See my problem?!
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Perhaps the compromise might be an honors college within a large university?
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Hmmm…that’s really helpful. I’ll look into those options.
I’m realizing based on everyone’s messages, that my original post should’ve been a Chance Me, not Match Me. As I mentioned earlier, I can see myself at so many places, so maybe I should just pick the one where I would have the best chance of actually getting in. After all, getting in > not getting in.
BTW, I appreciate all of you very much! I’m some random kid and you’re taking the time to help me. Thank you!
Right. But there’s more than size to consider, and most schools can serve a “range of interests.” You also need to consider that you are choosing a home for the next four years. Most of the schools you’ve visited are in — or within close proximity to — an urban center. Do you prefer an urban or suburban setting? Amherst is not urban, but the Amherst-Northampton area is pretty vibrant due to the five colleges there.
Have you visited Williams? It’s much more isolated. The winter is long.
Do you care about Greek life? Big time athletics? Religious affiliation, if any? Campus diversity? Are you looking for a vibrant social scene, or are you OK being on a campus where it’s not unusual for kids to be in the library on a Saturday night? Some schools have a striving, pre-professional vibe, is that right for you? Do you care about campus services like the quality of food and housing?
I could go on.
You are a rising senior. What supports are available in your high school? Do you have any counseling resources to help you rank your list? How does your school do with placement, do you have any matriculation data available to you?
Seems like American University fits that description. It has political science, proximity to national politics, various ethnic studies, and film. It is somewhat less selective, but practices yield protection (“overqualified” applicants are likely to get waitlisted if they do not show sufficient interest beyond applying). But applying ED would definitely show a high level of interest, so you may want to check its net price calculator to see if it would be affordable. However, it did recently have a shortfall in matriculants with attendant shortfall in tuition revenue.
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Going to Williams in September. Certainly winter is long, but then it ends! I don’t really care about Greek life. (Do people really choose a school based on whether there is a Greek life?) That’d make things so much easier for me! I love big time athletics, but know that I would be happy cheering on my D3 classmates and playing club tennis and volleyball. I know what you mean about choosing a home for the next four years. Thanks for the things to think about. I have good supports at my school and access to counseling resources. I reached out to get perspectives from people outside of my zone – and it’s been very helpful! Thanks.
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People choose schools based on a matrix of priorities and interests. Some criteria matter more to some people than others. I’m guessing, for instance, that ‘Bama gets a lot of kids who consider Greek Life important. Of course, by contrast, Williams famously banned Greek life in the 1960’s. Amherst followed in the 80’s. Some of the schools on your visit list have an active Greek scene, however. Just something to consider in the mix.
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There is nothing lacking about your profile. You have a wonderful background - it’s just that it is so, so competitive out there.
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My kid was similar. Their choice came down to Bowdoin or Penn. Here is some advice. You have visited a fair number of diverse schools. I would start with a list of what you liked and disliked about them. See if there are overlapping qualities on the lists. Also just pretend that you had gotten in to all of them which one would you pick? Why?
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Amazing resume. Congratulations on your acheivements. You will be successful no matter what college you choose. All State Tennis in 10th grade? That usually means you are recruitable. Do you not want to play in college? You mentioned club tennis. That would be a big hook to an elite D3 like Amherst or Williams. I think you are adaptable and will be happy almost anywhere. My vote is for a NESCAC, Ivy, or big Cal school.
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Do class sizes matter to you ?
Some may have intro classes 100+ kids.
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OMG, ucbalumnus, how do you know all of this?! I’ll look into American. Hadn’t thought much about that choice. Thanks!
Hi tsbna44! I don’t mind a large size lecture as long as there are smaller class discussion opportunities.
Thank you, rightofreag! I’ve been busy and working hard (and also lucky). I wanted to play in college at one point, but took myself off that track after 10th grade. Wasn’t good for my mental health! Club level would be fun for me. I appreciate your input!
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