Match My Daughter for English major/Philosophy minor (VA res, 3.6 UW, <$50K)

Chance Me / Match Me
,
1

Yes it’s early but D26 is considering colleges and I need a reality check. The landscape was very different when I applied to college 35 years ago and I’m shocked at how competitive it is.

• Current Sophomore
• In DC metro area, VA resident, public high school, US citizen, white female
• English major, Philosophy minor
• 3.6 UW, expect 1150+ on SAT based on PSAT score
• Several honors courses, planning a few APs for Jr/Sr year – moderate rigor course load
• Member of a few clubs but no other ECs
• Have GI Bill and 529s, but would like to keep it under $50K/yr

Looking for ideas for LACs or OOS schools with English major, Philosophy minor and robust study abroad opportunities. D26 wants to be in an urban area on the East Coast, but all options are on the table. School and surrounding area must be LGBT+ friendly. Would like to avoid schools where most students are wealthy or Greek life is big – she would not fit in there.

I know there is more she could do to improve admission odds, but I think the current trajectory is set. Any more ECs or rigor would create stress that’s just not worth it. She’s already stressed as it is. I’m looking for schools where she could thrive exactly as she is.

Thanks!

1 Like
2

Hello!

You can do a lot of research about English colleges and lgbt friendly colleges, but that would prolly get more of what you want if u put it in college search and selection

I think ur d26 could probably start building English related activities if you look for an English school

I suggest her to improve the gpa and sat. Keep in mind many students are shooting for 1500+ sat and have 3.8+ gpas

Also, see if she can be a club leader . That would help

Finally, I suggest her to participate in some ecs or sports because other applicants will have that.

But hey, you still have time to build the application

Regarding stress, keep in mind every high schooler is going through the same thing.

How I cope is I think about my future: I would rather stress out here than when I am looking for a job

2 Likes
3

The first thing that sprung to mind was Agnes Scott. Not sure how your daughter feels about possibly attending an all-girl’s college, but I’ve heard they have an excellent English department (English being the most popular major there if I recall correctly). They are also very welcoming and have a thriving LGBTQ+ community as well as several clubs to get involved with. Since it has a close proximity to Atlanta I think it fulfills your daughter’s hopes for an urban environment.There is also a Philosophy major and minor available! They are (as of this writing) test optional, but it seems that they’re average GPA and SAT scores are 3.7 and somewhere around 1200. They also do have a study abroad program. Hard to say about finances. Obviously private schools are going to have a bigger sticker price than instate publics, but I feel like for a proper estimate you could check out the school’s NPC.

Since you mentioned OOS, I’ll throw in Loyola University Maryland. They are located in Baltimore (urban), and average test scores are from around 1100-1200. They are a Jesuit uni so I’m not sure how daughter would like that or not. They not only have an English major but a whole department; they also have a philosophy minor and department. Loyola seems to build off a liberal arts approach and I know they’re definitely more of a “thinker” type of school if that makes sense. They have a unique first year group experience they do call Messina that has some interesting introspective courses. Would advise running NPC for this one again.

3 Likes
4

My guess is her test will come up although I’m not going to say 1500. Easier said than done.

I think she can be herself and schools that could work but urban, East Coast will be tough. If you said West Coast, there’s many more (I think).

First one that came to mind - and not East Coast: Kalamazoo College and its open curriculum and great merit.

Beloit is another but more regional - less urban.

Agnes Scott in Atlanta - women only - outside Atlanta, very LGBTQ.

Others to look at:

College of Charleston (bigger) - blue dot, lots of Northeasterners / national reach

Goucher

Mary Washington

SUNY New Paltz and Geneseo - both not urban but not far from urban

Ursinsus - outskirts of Philly

UNC Asheville

I’d suggest you take her to a few schools nearby home - a VCU (yes it’s large and urban), a Christopher Newport - which is a strong LAC like school in VA - because these will be budget friendly and accommodative to her stats. Some think they want an LAC or urban…but they really don’t. Even a St. Mary’s in Maryland…not urban…but what they want on paper and really want are often different. Even a Randloph Macon…just for size…so it makes sense to “validate” what you think she wants…knowing VA is likely not a state you want to be in.

So you’re a year early - but if you have some exploration time to just walk around…it might be good to do on some of these closer ones - to get a feel of school size and surrounds.

2 Likes
5

Mary Washington. Christopher Newport.

2 Likes
6

Also, something to keep in mind, if you’re worried about test scores, is that PSAT isn’t always the most accurate prediction of how they’ll do on the real thing. Even just working through one of those SAT workbooks can help improve score. Also, something else to consider is giving the ACT a whirl. Some people do much better on one test over the other. For example, on my SAT I scored a 1060, but when I took the ACT, I scored a 29 (equivalent to about a 1330-1360). Maybe have her do a practice test for both over the summer and then have her focus in studying on what test she seemed to do better on,

2 Likes
7

Exactly. A 1500 is great but rare.

And when needing pruce, you’re not going to a top school anyway.

OP will have options - especially if they are a little flexible if need be.

3 Likes
8

Thanks everyone! This is the sort of info I was hoping to receive.

  • We plan to visit some in-state public schools that are matches to see how she feels about them (ex. VCU and James Madison) and a private she likes (American - though that’s probably a reach.) I’m hoping to hone in on what she really wants and narrow the focus. At this point she has no way of knowing since she hasn’t visited campuses. She thought she wanted NYU but after seeing it on vacation, wasn’t so sure. That was a blessing because afterwards we found out it’s far more selective than we realized!

  • Religion-affiliated schools aren’t automatically off the list, but it depends on the school. Unless it’s pretty liberal, it won’t be a good fit.

  • I told her she needs to do SAT prep, but never considered the ACT. I thought it was just a west coast thing. We’ll look into that as well!

9

You are correct that AU is a reach, and it wont come in at your preferred price point anyway. If you are flexible about full pay there may be other options.

2 Likes
10

American could work admittance wise but not price wise. Edit - Sorry I see was just written by @roycroftmom .

NYU crazy pricey.

Maybe Clark ? Not an easy in but not impossible. Not sure if can get to cost.

A school like Kalamazoo will definitely hit cost. But it’s Midwest.

If she decides a VCU isn’t too big - UNH is in a neat area and has a train direct to Boston.

1 Like
11

We’d be open to higher cost schools, but it really depends on the school and whether we think it’s “worth it” compared to the alternatives. For example, we’d do full pay for American because she’d be close to home. Or if there was something unique about the school’s programs we may pay over $50K. But we don’t want to pay a lot for a school that doesn’t have something special to justify the price-point.

Because I earnestly don’t know - are there any unusually expensive schools (outside of the Ivy Leagues) that have experiences or outcomes that justify their high prices? I’m open to considering them, but it would have to be compelling.

12

UNH and a train ride to the city sounds fun. She prefers trains over planes. We considered looking at schools in Boston but they all seemed pretty competitive or pricey.

13

Many schools have special or unique programs that you might not be aware of.

For example, my sons school - Alabama - had Blount Scholars who may be for your daughter. My daughters school (college of Charleston) has a Fellows program for top kids plus in her case an International Scholars program that came with a free maymester and she just spent a semester in DC and interned at a top think tank. She has 3 or 4 advisors/mentors and attends events with dignitaries such as ambassadors.

Not suggesting these schools although given the urban desire, Charleston may fit.

But rather to let you know, many schools have extra programs or features or enrichment.

With an English major and Philosophy minor, both fine, but won’t pop off the charts in average salary etc no matter where you attend.

A school like AU is possible because it’s need aware. It requires a lot of demonstrated interest, etc but if you want the student close, it’s potentially an option. They’d love your $$. It’s a business don’t forget.

Would an AU English major necessarily give more opportunities than a CNU, UMW, you mentioned JMU although urban it’s not. At that point throw in St Mary’s of MD (public, not catholic), Salisbury etc. ? I’d say it’s unlikely it would.

But you are a year away from even thinking about this. Get her to some schools to judge size and environment.

Money is very personal. Some refuse to spend a lot. I’m full pay but wouldn’t spend over $50k. American was cut because after merit it was like $65k. Others are willing to spend anything.

My main message to your comment is - soooo many schools have wonderful and special programs. You may need to dig deep to find them.

Don’t assume that because it costs less or is less prestigious that it won’t offer your student fantastic opportunities.

At the same time, little is given. The student has got to want it.

Good luck.

2 Likes
14

Thanks @tsbna44 ! That perspective is very helpful. You’re right that we’re early in the process and I’m still trying to wrap my mind around all the opportunities out there. I appreciate your insight!

15

My daughter is in stuff we didn’t know existed when we accepted. We didn’t deep dive enough.

We applied only to schools that could get to $50k. If they didn’t, AU, W&L, UMD, etc - we took them off. But it was possible.

Both my kids were going where they went regardless. One just loves her city. The other loved his own dorm and shared bathroom with one other kid. That’s why he picked it.

But there’s a ton of enrichment opportunities out there. Some will highlight them. Others are hidden.

Sometimes kids with lesser stats are better at schools where they can shine vs being one of many.

And $50k isn’t an issue - AT ALL.

And if you have a budget - stick to it because if you go above, you’ll always have doubts. It’s hard to stroke a big check 2x per year. And if they get involved in Greek life, etc the costs mushroom.

You’re in a great area so you can visit lots of schools informally for a chance to compare a contrast. Often what a kid thinks they want - turns out they don’t.

Ok. Good luck.

1 Like
16

For a different way of getting an English+philosophy blend, it might be worth looking at St. John’s College in Annapolis. (No majors - all students participate in an integrated Great Books curriculum.) Close to home, urban-ish, and not too competitive an admit because the students are very self-selecting. A fantastic experience for students who love to read, write, and take on big questions with a cohort of intellectually curious peers. Despite the name, it has no religious affiliation, and the website says “St. John’s has students of all genders, and has an active LGBTQ+ community, earning the college a #20 ranking by the Princeton Review for being LGBTQ-friendly.”

Edited to add: the vast majority of matriculating undergrads at St. John’s have participated in their summer program for high school students; and as a sophomore, your daughter has two summers left to consider this if she has any interest in the college, or even if it just sounds like a rewarding experience for its own sake: Great Books Summer Program for High School Students | St. John’s College

8 Likes
17

It might be worth it to look into Sarah Lawrence and Bard, both of which have strengths in humanities and offer significant merit (especially Sarah Lawrence).

3 Likes
18

There are many States where you get in state tuition without having to use GI bill so I would suggest University of Washington and Michigan State as two schools where you get in state tuition. For some other schools such as the University of California, you need to to use GI bill to get in state tuition.

2 Likes
19

Some schools that you may want to take a look into include:

  • Seton Hall (NJ): Mid-sized just outside of NYC
  • Wheaton (MA)
  • Saint Michael’s (VT): In the Burlington area
  • Marist
  • SUNY at Purchase
  • Drew (NJ)
  • Muhlenberg (PA )
  • McDaniel (MD)
  • Clark (MA)
  • Suffolk (MA)
  • Goucher (MD)

They’re not all “urban” but they have some proximity to urban and they seem that they’d be worth checking out based on what you’ve shared about your D.

2 Likes
20

Re American…Granted this was 30 years ago, but I got a HUGE merit scholarship to American (about 75% of tuition) without even asking for it. They recruited me heavily, and it turned out to be cheaper than going to my state school (WI) so I went. I didn’t love it - I always felt like we were the underdogs in DC compared to Georgetown, or even to GW, and there were a lot of rather stupid full-pay sorority/frat people, but the Honors program and those peers challenged me. I then went to St John’s in Annapolis for an M.A. and got the real education I had always wanted. It was a dream community of humble, sincere knowledge-seekers.

1 Like