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Hey,
My parents have been on my back lately about what colleges I plan on applying to. They want to go check out campuses this summer. That's probably a really good idea except I have no idea where I want to go.

This is what I do know:
-probably will be an undeclared major with an emphasis in political science or sociology
-would prefer a strong theatre and music program
-don't want a GIGANTIC school, or I at least want it to have a good student to teacher ratio (I like my individual attention!!)
-I'm looking in CA, as well out of state

Also in your opinion, is it wise to get your general ed out of the way at a community college, especially if you don't know your major? I can tell my mom wants me to stay in the area for a couple years until I figure out what I want to do... but personally I want to get the heck out of here.

Anyway here are my stats. Where do you think I have a chance:


Junior at a small CA high school

SAT I: 650M 640V (These are the scores for the 1st time I've taken them. Fairly disappointing but I'm expecting improvement the 2nd time around. Also taking ACT)

SAT II: Writing, US History, Math IC

GPA (Unweighted) 3.971
CLASS RANK 2/161

CLASSES:
Honors English (Sophomore Year)
AP European History 3
AP Eng Composition
AP US History
AP Government
AP Calc
AP Eng Lit
Spanish I and II, Sociology, World Religions, Bio, Chem, Physics, Orchestra, Jazz Band, Concert Band


EC's:
Class VP (3 years)
Organized a school Blood Drive
NSLC: International Diplomacy
DARE speaker (2 years)
XMAS food/gift basket volunteer
School's Annual Literary Publication: Selection Committee and Layout Team
Various awards (Star Testing, Bio and Chem Gold State Awards)
All-County Bands/Orchetras (4 years: Trumpet and French Horn)
Northern CA Honor Band
Alcohol Awareness Service Learning Project in local elementary schools
Church Choir and Youth Group (2 years)
Volunteer Math Tutor
Volunteer Counselor at NorthStar Quest camp for "at-risk" youth
Volunteer Summer Counselor at Campfire USA
Link Leader for incoming freshmen (2 years)


Softball (1 year JV Captain, 3 years V)
Soccer (1 year V)

I should have awesome recommendations and essays. I can't think of any other info of interest other than I lived in Saudi Arabia 8 years, traveled all other the world, and this could get some attention by colleges. (I don't know! Maybe? If it's worked into my essay?)


Sorry this is so long. Please reply if any colleges come to mind that I should check out, or if you have any thoughts about where my stats could takes me.

Thanks so much!

By Carolyn (Carolyn) on Tuesday, June 03, 2003 - 10:48 am: Edit

Take a look at these schools in Washington/Oregon:
Whitman in Washington - has an excellent theater program, good social sciences, wonderful academic reputation. They're known for providing personalized education, friendly and close knit student-faculty relationships.

Willamette in Oregon has a good poli sci program - they are located right across from the Oregon State Capital so students get to do great internships.

Also in Oregon (Portland): Reed and Lewis & Clark both have strong social sciences programs - Lewis & Clark has an interesting international focus.

In California, Occidental, Pepperdine, and Santa Clara University might be worth looking at for private schools.

For UC's - Berkeley or UCLA would be most likely to fit your interests, but they are very large schools of course.
UCSD might fit some of your needs as they have a residential system that makes it seem somewhat smaller than it is.

As for going to a community college, with your background of AP's and gpa, I think you'd be bored out of your mind at a community college. I wouldn't recommend that route unless you have no other choice due to financial reasons. At any of the above private schools, you could probably get a nice merit scholarship.

By Gianscolere (Gianscolere) on Tuesday, June 03, 2003 - 01:35 pm: Edit

If you like political science, the University of Chicago I think has excellent programs. As you may know, it's ranked in the top 10 ahead of Northwestern, Brown, and other elite colleges. The average ACT was 30 last year...really tough to get into but worth giving a shot. I really liked the school from impressions I got when I researched at the library. The atmosphere was very intellectual, European-like...you just have to see it! lol The surrounding neighborhoods are kinda rough but the campus is world-class. It's also obviously right next to Chicago, so if you like Chicago, it might be a good match for you!! Northwestern is also in the area...another excellent university...

For college rankings:
http://www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/college/rankings/rankindex_brief.php

Best of luck. Your credentials are impressive to me.

By Carolyn (Carolyn) on Tuesday, June 03, 2003 - 08:47 pm: Edit

Thought of two more private schools that you should look at in Calif - Pomona and Claremont-McKenna. Pomona is one of the country's top liberal arts schools - very tough to get into but with your stats you'd have a good shot of getting in. Claremont-McKenna is focused on political science and the social sciences. Also highly selective. The nice thing about these two schools is they're part of the Claremont Colleges - a group of 5 colleges all in the same area so you can take classes at the other schools if you want. This also gives you some of the resources of a bigger school but both Pomona and C-M will give you the smaller school attention you're looking for - and your Mom is sure to be happy that they're in Calif.

By Caramelapple (Caramelapple) on Wednesday, June 04, 2003 - 10:46 pm: Edit

Thanks so much. I'll definetly be checking out your suggestions and will probably visit the ones on the west coast this summer. You have actually helped a lot.

Any other suggestions are welcome!!