UNM is very strong in astronomy, and the new physics dept chair is an astronomer. I met Dr. Taylor a couple of weeks ago when gave me tour around the brand new (as in opened in March of this year) physics, astronomy and interdisciplinary sciences (PAIS) building. The new facility is fabulous! There is even an observatory on the roof. The facility has a direct, dedicated, high speed data link to the VLA (Very Large Array) in central New Mexico near Magdalena.
UNM’s earth sciences dept is also very strong (top 45-40) in the US.
UNM’s biology dept heavily focuses on ecology and organismal biology because of the varied and plentiful different ecosystems in the state. UNM offers both a conservation biology major and an ecology major.
UNM’s enrollment is not huge–about 17,000 students (grad and undergrad). There is easy access to National Forest land and the Rio Grande’s bosque from campus. Outdoor sports are quite popular.
Student population is highly diverse, laid back and rather chill.
Weather in ABQ is similar to LA’s (I’ve lived in both places…), though New Mexico tends to be a bit colder in the winter than LA.
Sorry, this is so confusing! After entering all my grades into my UC application and figuring out which honors and community college classes would count, this is my accurate UC GPA:
you would get a lot of merit at Clark (MA) might be worth a look – I know someone whose kid went straight to a SUPER top Vet program from there a few years ago, so assume people who like animal science would be a fit, FWIW. good research opps. Would be a likely for your and a gives solid merit. Not sure about their astronomy but would be good for enviro/bio stuff.. they have a PhD in physics so maybe some offerings..
I am not sure you could make it in budget, but UNH and UVM seem like fits too.. (not warm but rest of it…) you would be in honors colleges, I would bet, and at top merit, but not sure how much fin aid you qualify for? They don’t get huge numbers of CA kids…though obviously not underrepresented either.
Your UC GPA’s are well within the admitted ranges for all the UC’s on your list so spend time detailing your EC’s and your PIQ’s which will set you apart from the other qualified applicants. Best of luck.
After visiting both campuses, I’m currently deciding between applying ED to either Duke or Dartmouth. I understand that the probability of acceptance at either school is low, but I would appreciate any guidance or advice you might have to help me make this decision. All my stats are the same as above, but my SAT score went up to a 1470 (750 R&W, 720 Math).
Another question, since Duke is test optional, do you think I should submit my SAT score?
At this point I’m leaning towards applying to the school where I have the better chance of acceptance, but it seems like they’re both tied on this front. Dartmouth’s NPC cost is substantially lower. However, Duke is closer to my family, makes travel easier, and offers better weather. I’m a bit nervous about Greek life at both schools, but it seems like it might be easier to avoid at Duke than at Dartmouth. I’m really excited about the academic programs available at both schools.
It seems to me you shouldn’t ED, especially as you’re unsure and don’t know about Greek life.
Dartmouth, of course, you need to submit and it’s not going to help. But with tests required, it may not hurt as bad.
Duke, is, in theory test optional but when 75% submit tests and it’s likely athletes and maybe Questbridge types that don’t, is it really test optional?? Your score would hurt there but not submitting would hurt more.
I don’t think you should ED - if you think it’s a big lift, I dont’ think so - but you seem unsure and I’d hate to think you end up bound somewhere you’re unsure of.
But if you are adamant, then pick the one you prefer.
