Selective (not HIGHLY selective) schools with good financial aid programs

ghostbuster
Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:39:55 +0000

Two things: reach schools also reach down the ladder, depending on the circumstances and the quality of the application and recommendations. Its not hopeless. However, its always more important to keep well grounded and find a school which is the best fit for your daughters personality, academic acumen and interests.

Elon is not a reach, but its a high match. I would definitely apply there. Great school, tremendous supportive administration and faculty, happy and warm student body. They are becoming more selective every year, but being from Ohio will help you. They keep their costs down on the top end, so dont be dismayed by their financial aid package…look and compare at the bottom line of what you have to pay, compared to wherever else you get in.

There are lots of smaller private schools east of the Mississippi, or just over the river so to speak (St. Louis University would be a really good match for you). Get a copy of Barron’s or Peterson’s Directory and start geographically by state and look at the profiles of colleges, their admission standards and programs. I am very confident your daughter will get into plenty of really good schools.

Being number 3 in her class will really help.

Davidson has great financial aid, but its also a reach school like Vandy. There are hundreds of schools out there for you. Good luck.