<p>My son goes to a very competitive public school in New Jersey. He took almost the hardest course load as a freshman (1 regular class, rest honors) and got about a 4.0 weighted. Taking hardest course load as a sophomore - a little better than a 4.0 weighted so far. He has good extracurriculars - forensics (very good team), piano, high school sports teams. Hopefully he’ll get over 700’s on all SATs.</p>
<p>He wants to go to a top school. Doesn’t know what he wants to study but not leaning towards anything in engineering or science. His sister goes to a top 20 school and we’re hoping - maybe if he applies there ED - maybe?</p>
<p>His LAC options may be limited by the engineering possibility although some will have it. For a sophomore maybe you should start by seeing a few schools that present some variety in size, location and feel and are near each other. Tufts, Brandeis and some LAC (Trinity, Amherst, Wesleyan, for example). Northwestern, UChicago and some LAC (Grinnell, Carlton). Once you have a better idea of size and location maybe he can narrow down to try to make an ED choice.</p>
<p>“His sister goes to a top 20 school and we’re hoping - maybe if he applies there ED - maybe?”</p>
<p>How set are you to be able to pay for his expenses at an equivalent school? Does his sister receive a lot of financial aid? The whole picture is different if money is no object.</p>
<p>thanks for the response. He isn’t interested in engineering. Those are some pretty good schools - it’s encouraging that you think he’s a contender for them.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t say “money is no object” but we would be able to pay expenses if we feel that a school where he didn’t get aid would be worth the investment. His sister didn’t get any financial aid.</p>