US Citizen
North Carolina resident
STEM charter high school
White, male
Hoping to study philosophy, political science, ethics, etc.
4.4 weighted GPA, Top 10-15 % of class, no test scores yet (mock tests indicate low 30s on ACT)
All honors classes
5 AP classes by junior year
2 community college classes by junior year
Calculus junior year; Statistics senior year
Golf (qualified for States freshman year)
Hospital volunteer
1-2 service and other clubs at school
Part time employment as math tutor
No costs constraints at this point
Open to anywhere in the U.S. although slight preference for something in SE, mid-Atlantic
Would like to be near or by a big city for internships, social opportunities
Would prefer a medium size school (7500-15,000ish)
Not a partier, not really into Greek life scene
Would prefer more of an academic vibe or culture around internships, etc.
Define no cost constraints at this point…because if you have a budget, it’s best to plan with it in mind.
Define weighted GPA - don’t know the system you are using - so you need to figure out an unweighted so that you can compare apples to apples. Take all your core classes - give a 4 for an A, 3 for a B, 2 for a C. Divided the total by the # of classes…what’s that add up to?
By core I mean Enlish, Language, Math, Science, Social Science, etc.
Many schools don’t have PPE degrees but some have policy or you can tinker with minors.
I’m sure you’ll have plenty of options but it’s then a question of do you need a PPE degree or you can mix and match.
For example, College of Charleston has a Poli Sci degree - and it has minors in econ and philosophy. But it it’s Poli Sci major, it has optional focus areas - * Politics, Philosophy, and Law (PPLW) and * Public Policy (PLCY). Maybe you match with an econ degree.
On the other hand, U Richmond, a bit too small but has a PPE degree and they add law - but it’s too small.
So it might be better to find the right school for you - and then figure out how to work the major.
For ideas relevant to your academic interests, these sites may be helpful:
If you might like to combine your interests, along with economics, in a practical form, also consider colleges with an available major in public policy:
Georgetown seems like an obvious reach possibility, George Washington and American for less reachy possibilities (note American is big on demonstrated interest).
Fordham maybe? And Loyola and Marquette. Yes, more Jesuit colleges, but they tend to be good for what you are describing!
Edit: I realized after DC I sort of ignored your regional preference, which is de facto because the SE happens not to be a great place for the type of college you are describing. But, Tulane and the University of Miami could be worth checking out.
Definitely apply to UNC Chapel Hill. It’s big but not that much bigger than your higher number. Good opportunities. Great value with in state tuition.
You really need to think seriously about the budget and have a family discussion.