The OP has an interest in astronomy, so a college such as Reed may not be ideal.
True, I wasn’t thinking about that. If Astronomy is important, then it would not only eliminate Reed but Carleton as well. RPI, Rice, CMU, Grinell all have astronomy minors or emphasis. Pomona has it as well (same group as Harvey Mudd).
And as hard to get into as Mudd – at this point, the OP doesn’t have the test scores for either one.
Right, Mudd/Pomona or Rice will be quite tough to get into.
Williams is strong in both physics and astronomy.
I’ll recommend some less selective schools, for high matches/safeties.
-Beloit College
-Case Western*
-Drake University*
-Elon University
-Furman University
-Hobart & William Smith Colleges
-Illinois Institute of Technology
-Marquette University
-Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology**
These schools have astronomy & physics.
*This school has astrophysics.
+1 for Rose-Hulman (but bear in mind it’s tiny)
Colgate, Macalester and Middlebury are some other schools to consider. I believe the first two of these offer emphases in astronomy.
With regards to post #45, Illinois Tech has an astrophysics program as well as physics and applied physics.
As a professor of physics, advisor to undergraduates, and responsible for graduate admissions for my department, I can affirm that if you want to get into a graduate program, just about any physics program that has a full range of courses will prepare you adequately. You need to find a school you are comfortable with and where you can get the kind of research experience you want during the academic year since you always have options to apply for REUs in the summer. The other important thing is that getting a BS in physics will not prohibit you from a graduate program in astronomy. Lots of astronomers go this route and you don’t need to exclude departments which do not have an astronomy or astrophysics program.
Thank you very much guys for helping me out! My family income might increase for next quarter… (Not sure yet)
And yes I am aware that SAT does not definitely lead me anywhere.
at this point, i am really happy that you guys are this eager to help me and I am really into those colleges. Thank you very much again all!
Regarding your SATs, @MadAstro, be aware that your relatively '“weak” current CR score is still above the 25th percentile at many highly selective colleges. You really have few barriers in terms of getting into a good school (for physics and in general) since you are so strong elsewhere (as long as your GPA is good). Once there, while exploring your passion for science, you can continue to work on all of your skills. Colleges expect no more than this.