Which schools should I add to my list?

College Search & Lists
1

<p>Freshman Year:
4 Pre-AP classes
Rank - #20/530
All Region Band Member
State Solo & Ensemble Competitor (French Horn)
Recognized Soloist at multiple competitions
Student Council Class Vice President, organized multiple school events
First Debater ever at my school (We had a debate team of two!), competed in L-D
PSAT: CR: 63 M: 48 (omg) W: 65</p>

<p>Summer:
Attended NYLF-MED</p>

<p>Sophomore:
4 Pre-AP classes
Rank - #14/300
State Solo & Ensemble Competitor
Varsity Wind Ensemble 3rd Chair Horn
Student Council Class President
Broadcast Journalism Anchor
Debater - Public Forum Debate, L-D (several awards), Informative Extemporaneous Speaking (several awards)
UIL - Advanced to regionals, at district: 3rd place Spelling & Vocab, 1st place Informative Extemp
PSAT: CR: 67 M: 60 W: 63 (ouch)</p>

<p>Summer:
Volunteer at Botanical Gardens</p>

<p>Junior Year:
4 APs, 1 Pre-AP (my school weights them all the same)
I’m going into my Junior year as #10/302 with a 3.86/4.0 UW, 4.79/5.0 W (we’re not a competitive class)
Band Section Leader (I’m in a very competitive, state+nationally acclaimed band)
National Honor Society
Student Council Executive Corresponding Secretary
Lettering in academics/band</p>

<p>I’ve taken the SATs once, in 7th grade, and got a 1900; CR: 680 M: 500 W: 720. I’m taking it again this year, and my goal is to get at least a 2100.</p>

<p>Hooks:
URM, African immigrant, low-income, (trilingual? haha)</p>

<p>I’m considering a major in Philosophy, might be impractical but I know I want to go to grad or professional school. Currently, my top schools are:
Bryn Mawr College
American University
Rice University (mostly for the great fin-aid, though I know the SATs may hurt me here)</p>

<p>I feel this is too few to choose from. Any others I should keep my options open for?</p>

2

<p>Hmmmmmmmm…</p>

3

<p>What are your career goals? It has always been my philosophy that if you are going to go into debt for something, then it needs to have some kind of function for your future academic and career goals. This is coming from a music major. I found a program that was flexible and easily tailored to get me to be as MARKETABLE as possible-- especially since I know that I’m going to be paying on my school debts for a long time. If philosophy is what you want to do, then wonderful! But keep in mind that whatever field you choose, you need to be able to pay back your loans.</p>

4

<p>Depends on what you get on your SAT but if you get a 2100, you should consider a few Ivy League Universities and some top public institutions that offer a good financial aid.</p>

5

<p>Given the great increase from your first PSAT to your second PSAT, I’d say things are looking pretty good for the SAT - generally, the PSAT has a harsher curve, so that can help. If you study on your own a little (just a practice test here and there, even), my guess is that you’ll come out with pretty good scores. </p>

<p>If you’re interested in Bryn Mawr, how about some of the other women’s colleges? They seem like they might work well. Check out Mount Holyoke and Smith…maybe Barnard and Wellesley… Scripps in CA, maybe? </p>

<p>Any more details on what you’re looking for in a college - I could list of a ton of schools that are similar to the ones you listed, but anything to narrow it down a little?</p>

6

<p>3) Quite frankly, I’m not sure. I feel undergrad should be a time to learn, but I’m thinking of professional school-can’t pick between med and law. I know for sure I’m going to grad school at least, whatever I choose, I’ll aim to be the best in. :p</p>

<p>4) What Ivies do you suggest? I’m definitely intimidated by the looks of other prospective applicants.</p>

<p>5) I think the math SAT will be the one to hurt me, but thanks for the encouragement.
I prefer smaller schools, I’d probably be comfortable until about >8k (just estimating). I’d like to go a great school, access to resources, name isn’t everything to me but it’s always a plus, great alumni network…I’m pretty open right now to everything. ^^</p>