Need some low matches

JerryTN
Sun, 08 May 2016 08:06:04 +0000

Would like some further suggestions for low match/high safety schools - and comments on current thinking - for my junior son.

We have found previous replies very helpful. As you you’ll see below, they’ve guided some of our research and visits. Thanks!

Some Stats:
ACT 35
PSAT 1480. SI 222 in TN – should make National Merit Finalist
GPA 3.85 (uw), 4.35 (w)
Rigorous courses (on track to have ~11 AP & ~11 honors at a very good high school)
Solid ECs (Eagle Scout?, leadership, internships, lots of volunteering for causes he cares about, job, etc.) but nothing spectacular or unusual
Rec’s and essays should be very good
“Quirky” white male from Tennessee. (Is Tennessee valuable geographic diversity anywhere?)

What he’s after…

Mid-sized school (6,000-10,000 undergrads or so). Mom & Dad like smaller.

Unsure of major - pondering History, Pre-law, Pre-med … Wants to change the world

In or near a city

Smart kids in a cooperative/collegial environment with great teaching

Doesn’t care about big time sports except as it contributes to school spirit

Interested in fraternities, eating clubs or similar

Likely east of Mississippi

Not too conservative. “Preppy” is fine.

Steers clear of places he considers “engineering schools”

Not a big fan of hot weather

College budget likely OK for all his choices (IF we can trust Net Price Calculators). Of course, merit is always a good thing!

Current thinking…

Big reaches (for almost everyone)
Yale – Visited and loved it
University of Chicago – Visited and loved it
Brown – Visited. Son liked. Mom & Dad didn’t

Reaches
Wash U – Visited and like a lot
Vanderbilt – Visited and loved it. Would their love of high stats make it a match?
Emory – Maybe a match?
Davidson - Considering

Match
Northeastern – Visited and loved it. (Mom – Not so much)
GWU, American, Richmond, William & Mary, Wake Forest - Considering. Any of these more of a safety?

More Safety
Centre – Visited and liked it
Univ of Tennessee – Knoxville – State flagship. Know it well and like it.

Off the list …
Rhodes, Tufts – Visited. Just didn’t feel it
Alabama, Oklahoma – Looked into. Good merit but just too big
Tulane, U of Miami – Too hot
Georgetown – Turned off by competitive “vibe.” Unfair or inaccurate?
Duke, Carnegie Mellon, Butler, Boston U, Boston C, Villanova, DePaul, LeHigh, Rochester, Brandeis, Fordham - Looked into. Nothing triggered excitement. Revisit any?

Other suggestions, esp. a “match” with high likelihood of acceptance? Think we are done building the list?
Comments on current list?

Really appreciate those who take the time to reply. Thanks!.