<p>I’ve been a long-time lurker on CC, but I figured it’s time I posted. I could really use some of your collective wisdom right now. 
I’m a senior and I’ve spent a lot of time researching my options for college. However, I wanted to see what schools people on here thought I should be considering. I’m sure that I’m still blind to many possibilities! I’m a first-gen student and I’ve been pretty much on my own. I’m looking for schools that give generous merit aid that are also a good fit for me. My parents are divorced and my mom (custodial parent) is remarried. My family has some financial issues and our projected EFC is a bit high, so I’d really like to find a school where I can get some good merit aid and hopefully lessen the burden on my family as much as possible. I imagine applying to some schools that don’t take my noncustodial income into account would be a good idea as well? Ones that suit me have been hard to identify though.</p>
<p>I’m really interested in public health, but having a public health undergrad major in name isn’t that important to me. It’s a plus, but not a deciding factor. I’m really not concerned about rank. I just want to be surrounded by interesting people and learn as much as possible… while not going into an insane amount of debt. I live in New Hampshire and I have for my whole life. I haven’t thought much about schools outside New England, so please feel free to expand my horizons too! I love the atmosphere of LACs, but I’m not opposed to large universities if anyone feels they have good suggestions. I’m really social, but more a fan of small gatherings than big parties. Ideally, a quirky, supportive school where I can work closely with my professors would be the best place for me. I’m open to women’s colleges, and while I’m not religious, I’m not closed to the idea of schools with religious ties as long as they have the atmosphere I’m looking for.</p>
<p>I come from a fairly non-traditional academic background. I’ve been homeschooled since 7th grade, but I’m graduating from a public charter school. I have a 98 average (no rank or weighted GPA). I haven’t had many APs available to me, but I’ve taken honors courses whenever they are available. I have taken AP Bio (I’m taking the exam this year). I have four years of English, 4+ social studies/history (I believe 6 credits), four years of science (3 labs), four years of a foreign language, and four years of math (through pre-calc). I’m retaking the SAT in December. I was sick during my first test date and I basically crashed and burned during the math - the subject I’m least comfortable with - even though most of the material was stuff I’m usually fine with. My scores were 800CR/570M/790W. My projected math score when I’m not in a zombified state is in the high 600’s and I’ve really been focusing on improving my math skills to the best of my ability. :)</p>
<p>For extracurriculars, it’s mainly been theatre and politics. I performed with a local non-profit childrens theatre group for years and was a board member for two, until the director moved and stopped the group. I wrote press releases, helped plan fundraising events, etc. in addition to performing/assisting the directors with shows. I’ve also done various tech work for other local shows and I performed with a charity Renn Faire. During the 2008 election, I worked with the Democratic Coordinated Campaign here in NH. I helped with a lot of events, did random office stuff, trained volunteers, and during the time right before the election I trained/managed a group of data entry volunteers. Right now I’m interning at a district congressional office; I assist with a lot of casework involving federal agencies and help constituents who call/come into the office. I also volunteered as a teachers assistance in science/special education reading classes on and off for two years at one of our local elementary schools.</p>
<p>If you have any questions about information that I may have left out, I’d be more than happy to answer them. Thank you so much for your suggestions in advance!</p>