Need CA college suggestions

Student615
Fri, 02 Mar 2007 05:00:28 +0000

Well, nbg127, I was just going to post, but I was going to say more or less EXACTLY what your last post did! CMC and Pomona seem like they’ll be definite reaches, Scripps might end up being a slight reach or high match (but definitely seems within regular match range), and Pitzer will also be good to look at. Beyond that, I’d recommend looking into LMU, Occidental, Redlands, and Santa Clara, as you say. Also: St. Mary’s (probably safety), University of San Francisco, University of the Pacific, University of San Diego, and perhaps Chapman. USC might also make a reasonable reach (but definitely able to be turned into a match over the course of time) for you, and fit the bill of “very social, want lots of people”/“like small classes, personal attention.” I don’t know the stats for a few of those off the top of my head, but I’m pretty sure they’ll all be in a more or less reasonable range. Double check, though!

Note that a LOT of things will/can change between now and your actual college search. GPA can go up a LOT, your SAT scores will be very influential, you have plenty of time for EC development, and so forth, not to even mention changes in your own personal tastes and preferences. It’s great that you’re starting to look right now, but it’s almost impossible to tell you what is and isn’t within your reach. Get an idea now of what you like now, while you still have a fair bit of time to strive for it!

Also: I’d personally recommend service abroad. Ten times over. On the one hand, yes, it says something that you were nominated for this leadership program. On the other hand, it says a lot that you’ll be choosing to spend your summer doing service in a unique environment (I assume, though you haven’t specified). Do what will make you happier, knowing that it will also happen to look very nice on an application.

Good luck!