Truly Undecided

I am a US citizen studying in Australia and wanting to go to College back in America. I think the US system suits me better as I am truly undecided and I know colleges cater for students like me.

The thing is I only want to go to a top tier college (say top 50). Before I am attacked I am 100% aware that this is easier said than done but I am using the ‘go hard or stay home” method. If I don’t get into a top college in USA I will stay in Australia and go to ANU (which I am guaranteed admission and is a world ranked University) and have a rethink about USA college for graduate school.

So - I am rolling the dice to see what happens. As I start my research I would like to know what are great Colleges that truly embrace an undecided student. I would like something in a big city, big school scenario- think USC in LA as the dream. I like the idea of California, North East area, maybe Pennsylvania/Maryland area. I don’t think I like the idea of a liberal arts school as they tend to be smaller and isolated (correct me if I’m wrong).

I have great stats / ec etc so on paper I have the grades but I know this is no guarantee. I am really strong in Maths and Science subjects but don’t necessarily want to do the STEM path. I’m the ultimate undecided student!!

Thankfully, due to planning cost is not a problem.

I welcome any feedback as I start this journey.
Thank you

Without an ACT or SAT standardized test score, you will need to focus on test-optional schools.

Liberal arts schools are smaller but not all are isolated.

Examples of LACs or mid-sized schools not isolated in small towns are Macalester, SMU, Loyola Marymount, Richmond, Loyola Maryland, Brandeis, Holy Cross, and Villanova, and there are many others. These may or may not fit your requirement of being ranked as a top-50 university on most sites, but you may find they serve your needs very well.

Good luck!

@Bluepit I agree with Publisher and Doschicos. To give you a general idea of creating a college list, College Confidential covered the topic in an article that may help answer your few questions. Read more here: https://insights.collegeconfidential.com/creating-college-list-consult-tips-first