What colleges should I aim for? *test-optional student*

tsbna44
Tue, 17 Aug 2021 03:15:23 +0000

I could see you getting into BC.

But you are looking for “better” financial opportunities.

So here’s the thing with ED. Have you run the net price calculator? What if you get in but you can’t afford BC?

So make sure your parents are 100% on board with you doing this, knowing BC costs $80K+ full pay. In other words, if it says your out of cost is $20K, then fine. But if it says it’s $80K, know that you’ll be tied to that # on ED. ED definitely enhances your chances. However, it’s a big risk because there are many fine colleges you can go to that will potentially cost many thousands less.

As for law school, poli sci is the common major - so you won’t stand out. More important than your undergrad school is your GPA and LSAT. Many now also work before going to law school.

There is no question at a top school, a large portion of the students are from top colleges, including the college itself. Yet you will also find kids from Boise State and South Dakota State, etc. at top colleges as wel since it’s the GPA/LSAT that is most important.

If it were my child, I would find a much lower cost school than BC. But I’m basing that comment on full pay and not your need based cost. For example, a school like U of South Carolina (not the North East) with its top ranked honors college will cost you probably $30K a year after merit. A Syracuse like $50K. An Alabama (bringing in tons of New Yorkers) or Miami of Ohio, much less.

BC is a wonderful school and I hope, if it’s your dream, you find a way there. It is, however, expensive.

Good luck.