<p>Ah, sorry for the miscommunication. I didn’t mean that wake forest is large in terms of undergraduate enrollment; I was referring to class size. US News puts somewhere around 40% of their classes as above 25 students, which is slightly more than I’d like. However, it’s still sounding like a good idea.</p>
<p>@bopambo: So, for the most part, I should be looking for ‘likely’ schools? That makes sense to me, given the relative uncertainty of the process. </p>
<p>I think Grinnell might be a good likely for me. It’s got the class size I want, and I’ve always wanted to go cow tipping JK.</p>
<p>I just reread my post above and misstated the idea of positioning yourself. The idea is to have scores in the top 25% the attending students scores, making it the 75th percentile and above. Yikes, I flubbed that, but I think you figured out what I meant. There are really great schools that are lower in the USNWR rankings where you can have a great college experience and get some financial assistance.</p>
<p>On a cautionary note, a bunch of applicants were rejected from “match” schools last year. The Common Application makes it very easy to send out scads of apps to schools everywhere, and it appears that schools are more than ever seeking the students who are most likely to attend; remember the yield numbers are important to them. This brings me back to showing interest, make your list with care and then make contact with each school.</p>
<p>Good luck, I’m impressed with your thoughtful approach, other than the cow tipping urge :)</p>
<p>“US News puts somewhere around 40% of their classes as above 25 students, which is slightly more than I’d like.”</p>
<p>That being the case, you really need another safety besides UF, unless you feel enthusiastic about New College. There are a lot of LACs that offer the environment you seem to be looking for and are a lot easier to get into than Reed, Grinnell, etc.</p>
<p>I’m in the process of contacting the admissions counselors at each of the schools. What is the best way to demonstrate interest (I can’t do on-campus tours because I don’t have the time or the money)? Obviously, I can email admissions counselors and I can set up alum interviews, but is there any other way?</p>
JK.</p>