I agree with one of the replies below that CC is very weighted to STEM and “power schools” in general though I find longtime contributors/experts like gumbymom to provide really pragmatic advice.
That said, this is what I know from my seat. My DD (2021 HS grad) is on a gap year after deciding that none of her options offered felt right the first go around. So if anyone says applying as a graduated senior without a lined up deferred admission is dead wrong. I only have one kid and she was very clear that she was not interested in any of her parents’ alma maters (lol)
My kid learned from Bennington College yesterday that she was accepted into their Scholars programs with a significant merit scholarship ($140K–$35k per year). totally caught us by surprise. We did not expect that at all and we do not qualify for any need based financial aid. This will in effect make Bennington equivalent to in-state tuition. She is a theater kid (stagecraft). I share this because it is literally up to the minute info that might help.
That said, if you LOVE writing, Bennington might be a great fit for you. Their financial awards seem generous based on what I’ve read from kids here in CC who got need based assistance. My kid a strong writer but is not going to major in it. Her acceptance email specifically called out her writing so I think that’s a big plus for you because you sound exceptional. (besides, Bret Easton Ellis and Donna Tartt…)
The cons for Bennington to me are the extremely small size and distance from anything urban. I am also curious about their retention rate and transfer rate. but those are my issues not hers LOL
Anecdotally, these are a few of the other schools that are under consideration where she knows her classmates received decent $ and none qualify for need based:
Wesleyan University: great humanities. awesome if you are a theater kid. Limited graduate students so undergrads have a lot of access to cool research internships that would otherwise go to grad students at other institutions. very strong alumni association and all out the post grad network as a big strength for jobs. The kids we know received solid $ based on merit or need. our admissions tour host was a quest bridge senior from New Orleans and was really impressive.
Oberlin: mentioned by others. Also solid with money. great school. Queer friendly
Vassar: easy access to NYC beautiful campus. advantage if you are male. Also queer friendly
Didn’t apply:
Trinity in Texas (didn’t apply): We’re hearing a LOT of kids with solid+ achievements get great offers of assistance.
Kenyon: great writing.
Are you applying to Yale? it seems like you should…