Please help me choose a balanced list

GreenGirrl · October 28, 2004, 10:47pm

I don't think too many people want to read every detail of my life-here are the most important stats:
SAT V 760 M 640 
(have done well in AP and honors math but it doesn't show on SAT)
SAT II's 710, 680, 680
GPA 3.9 Weighted 4.6

8 AP's 4's and 5's on tests
Hundreds of community service hours, internships, intramural sports, employed as tutor 10 hr/wk etc

My list of schools so far includes: Tufts, Brown, Brandeis, Emory, Tulane, Michigan

I think that these are reaches except for Tulane--can you help me devise a rational list--my counselor is encouraging us all to have a real safety and solid matches because so many kids wind up being rejected despite great records

I appreciate any advice!

reidm · October 29, 2004, 12:57am

What are your academic and career interests?
Have you ruled out small liberal arts schools?

blaineko · October 29, 2004, 1:44am

Tufts...Reach/Match
Brown...Reach
Brandeis...Match
Emory...Match
Tulane...Safety
Michigan...Match (If you apply Now!)

A few other suggestions:
URochester...Match/Safety
Vanderbilt...Match
UWisconsin-Madison...Match/Safety
UWashington-Seattle...Match/Safety
John's Hopkins...Match
Cornell...Match/Reach

Just my 2 cents.

GreenGirrl · October 29, 2004, 7:08am

Thanks. I haven't rules out anything--but I seem to gravitate toward medium sized urban universities.

I'll probably major in bio and minor in environmental sci

icemaker · October 29, 2004, 10:43am

Given your interest, I would add Case Western, Carnegie Mellon, Rice, and Washington University.

Regarding your original list, while Brown may be a reach (Brown is a reach for everyone), I think that you have a pretty realistic list.

Of the schools I listed above, I would think that Case Western would be close to a safety for you, while the other three would be matches or slight reaches. But then again, I am not on the admissions committee and none of us on this board (well, almost none) are privy to specific information about numbers of applicants and their quality this year. We all are just taking somewhat educated guesses at this admissions game. My guess is probably less educated than most.

GreenGirrl · October 29, 2004, 12:07pm

I thought about Case but was told that there wasn't much going on socially--I'm not interested in a big party school, but like to go out, go to plays and alternative rock concerts etc. Anyone know what it's really like at Case--I'll check their postings again--but there hasn't been much action.

ohio_mom · October 29, 2004, 1:41pm

Case is located in University Circle, an area that includes the Cleveland Institute of Music, Museum of Art, Severence Hall (concerts), Natural History Museum, Cleveland Playhouse (theater), restaurants, shops, a few clubs, and so on. Cleveland does not have the number of events as does Boston or New York - but there is a variety of things to do. The Flats - a few miles from Case - is rather a happening place - lots of clubs and music and such. And we have the Rock Hall.

Case would be a strong match / safety for you.

par72 · October 30, 2004, 9:23am

Might want to look at Trinity or Holy Cross both very good LAC's in mid-sized cities. Holy Cross is also only 1 hour from Boston.

GreenGirrl · October 30, 2004, 1:20pm

Thanks--I think I'd be better at a college that isn't church affilitated (I know Emory is has historic links, but it doesn't seem to have an effect on the current school).

Does anyone think I need better matches or safeties--I'd hate to be shut, but I also don't want to apply to a school that I REALLY don't want to go (my state uni for example).

thicks · October 30, 2004, 1:37pm

Something else you can consider is this: if you apply to a bunch of safeties and middles and only one or two reaches you will probably get into a lot of schools. But they may not be as "prestigous" or "good" as you want. But would you rather apply to all the ivies and get into one or apply to a good range and get rejected at the higher level and accepted at the medium one?

thekev · October 30, 2004, 1:57pm

Look at George Washington, their reputation in the sciences is surprisingly good. It would perhaps be a match. Same goes for Boston University and University of Washington. You maybe want to look at University of Wisconsin at Madison. It is a "public Ivy" according to college guides and has one of the best reputations of any university around. Madison is a hip college town as well, which surprises many unfamiliar with the area.

reidm · October 30, 2004, 1:59pm

GG - in your original list you have three matches (UMich, Brandeis and Tulane) and no safeties, so you do need a good safety. Many to choose from if the main priority is bio. . .fewer options if a top-notch environmental science program is also desired.

icemaker · October 30, 2004, 2:13pm

Personally, I think that your original list is fine -- though if it were I, I would probably add a couple of schools that you may consider safeties.

As I mentioned before, with your excellent credentials, I think that Case is pretty much a safety for you. Tulane would be a safety. Wisconsin would probably be a safety as well.

If you are nervous about your original list, then I suggest that you add a couple of places where you feel confident that you will be accepted and places where you think that you can receive an excellent education.

Regarding the social scene at Case, from what I have heard there is plenty to do at Case. Some students take advantage of their surroundings, and some students lock themselves in their dorm rooms for 4 years. While not a party school, I feel confident that if you wanted to find a party or attend a social event, you would be able to find like-minded students at Case. However, the only way you can be completely confident would be to visit and perhaps stay overnight. Since I believe that Southwest flies into Cleveland, you may be able to get relatively cheap flights if you are not in driving distance. Just a thought.

GreenGirrl · November 1, 2004, 8:34am

Thanks for all your help. I've added Case and Rochester--I hope that counting Tulane that would make 3 safeties or safety/matches. Unfortuantely, it's hard to be as excited about them--Tufts, Brown, Emory or Wash U look a lot more inviting. I feel like I'm getting burned out before I've even put in my apps.

reidm · November 1, 2004, 11:34pm

Most students that are conscientious about their college search are going to get burned out at some point. The process is way too complicated and takes up way too much time. Unfortunately, we are all stuck with it.

Take a day or two off from thinking about it, and when you get back into it keep reminding yourself that there are dozens of schools where you can be challenged academically, enjoy the college experience and prepare well for the next stage in your life.

Since you didn't rule out LACs, you might consider some that are strong in bio and located in urban or suburban areas. I like LACs for law school prep, regardless of major. Here are some to consider: Swarthmore (reach), Bryn Mawr (match), Macalester (match). Scripps (match) and Occidental (match). Lewis and Clark and Goucher would be the only safeties I would suggest in this particular category of school.

slipper1234 · November 2, 2004, 12:22pm

Try UNC-CH, its more a reach out of state but an amzing place. I have heard case is pretty dismal to be honest, its in a crummy part of cleveland and the social scene isn't exactly stellar. But that is only what I have heard, I have never been there. Look it up in the Fiske or PR guidebooks before you apply. I would recommend Wake Forest, Vanderbilt, WUSTL, and Northwestern. I would go for ED Northwestern, but I think its too late. You have a shot and it seems perfect for what you want.