<p>A ton less prestigious but maybe worth a look because it is a New England School, is St. Anselm’s College. The only reason I suggest it is that it’s pretty close to me, and I’m a New England girl. The campus is really beautiful, but it is Catholic if that’s a problem. I believe it has a pretty good reputation since quite a few of the kids from my school go there every year (Catholic school). It might be worth a look as a safety.</p>
<p>Hey, thanks for the link, that’s helpful. Yeah, I don’t have any real vices; I’m allergic to all potentially bad foods and don’t touch cigarettes or coffee or refined sugar or trans fats or meats or any junk food at all really and I only eat organic…can’t I say “planning on” every so often and have just one bad habit!!! ;)</p>
<p>I know Amherst isn’t a safety for anyone, but I think it’s a pretty safe bet for me. However, I would feel bad about using it, in a way. I mean, the fact that I don’t really have much desire to go but would still apply because it’s a prestigious school that I was basically guaranteed into feels sleazy to me. Not to say that I don’t think I’m qualified, but I would like getting into somewhere purely on my own. </p>
<p>signifyingnothing, yeah, Hampshire and UMass are close by, too, but I tacked them on because UMass is dirt cheap and Hampshire has an awesome educational philosophy, I think.</p>
<p>Money isn’t really an application issue, but I suppose time sort of is. Where else would you suggest I apply?</p>
<p>jessetfan, thanks for the suggestion, but I couldn’t go to a school with religious affiliations. :(</p>
<p>fids,
if you discuss admissions with Amherst, do not imply, in any way, that they are a safety or even a match. </p>
<p>Have you thought about some of the private colleges on the west coast? That would get you away from home pretty effectively.</p>
<p>We talked to my mom’s friend of 30 years, who assured me that I would get in. It wasn’t any old admissions officer. But my heart isn’t really set on Amherst and I’m still sketchy about doing that.</p>
<p>I love New England and don’t want to be out west.</p>