Tell me some good-fit colleges for this kid (junior)

[Anonymous]

Colorado School of Mines might be a possibility if geology is the priority. Definitely has a bit of that nerdy vibe but the strong engineering focus makes it more computer geek than arty nerd. I probably wouldn’t go there for history.

Finding a quirky/nerdy vibe, strong geology, strong history, and strong arts focus, in a not-overly-selective, not-crazy-liberal package is tough!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:-Student at a public magnet (test-in, competitive, not DC but major metro)
-Rigorous courseload, mix of As and Bs, one C
-1470 SAT
-Quirky ECs that demonstrate strong commitment to arts interests.
-Field of study likely history or geology

I think DC needs something nerdy but also a little artsy. Liberal but not ultraliberal. I think Carnegie Mellon would be a great fit in terms of vibe but DC probably doesn't have the stats to get in. Other ideas?

Key: In which course did the student receive a grade of "C" ?

Break out the SAT into math & verbal scores please.

What type of "arts interest" ?

"Field of study like history or geology" ????? Suggests that the student has no preference or direction as the study of history is very different than the study of geology.

OP: I can help if you respond to my questions.

Yes, this additional context would help a lot! Is he/she thinking about a minor in an art area or is this more just a hobby?

Also, is there a preference on school size? Area of the country? Any sense whether history or geology is the more likely pursuit?

[Anonymous]

Bard?

[Anonymous]

Look at Vassar. Artsy plus deep liberal arts. Woukd appreciate your kid's unique ECs.

[Anonymous]

Bard and Vassar are about as ultra-liberal as you can get.

[Anonymous]

UDenver or Minnesota

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Pomona
Rice
Claremont McKenna
Davidson

Even ED, this is a pretty reachy list.

Very reachy with that SAT. Same with the mention above for Williams and William & Mary.

[Anonymous]

SUNY New Paltz...good value, cool rocks to study. Other SUNY schools that might work: Buffalo, Stony Brook, Genesee

On the private side:
Centre College
St. Olaf
Rhodes
Trinity (San Antonio)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Your best bet with these interests might be a state flagship rather than a small liberal arts college. Most big publics will have decent arts programs, while also being strong in areas like history and geology. With 20,000+ students, it’s easy to find your people, whether that’s jocks, arty hipsters, or nerds. Most will also be more politically balanced than LACs.

Thinking specifically about the mix of decent geology + arts, I’d look into places like Wisconsin (maybe a reach), UC Boulder, Arizona State, Indiana, Ohio State, etc. Lots of Big 10 schools would potentially fit the bill.

+1

Plus apply to the Honors Colleges at the flagship schools

[Anonymous]

Michigan tech or northern Michigan if they like the cold. Agree with flagship state universities or land-grant schools (Michigan State rather than university of Michigan, for example). Obviously not limited to MI; it's just the state I know best. University of Nebraska seems pretty fun and diverse, and it's surprisingly easy to fly from the DC area to Omaha. I also know a Mizzou alum who had a good time there, though I would prefer a lot of other college towns to Columbia MO!

[Anonymous]

Agree about going to a larger university or public.

[Anonymous]

SUNY suggestions above are a good idea. Probably more realistic too based on the range of grades you posted (though still unsure of GPA average, which would be helpful info).

[Anonymous]

Macalaster
Franklin & Marshall
Dickinson
Whitman
College of Wooster
Beloit
If interested in history and geology that can also overlap with anthro, geography, environmental sciences.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Pomona
Rice
Claremont McKenna
Davidson

No way.

[Anonymous]

Need to figure out if it’s history or geology - with the exception of some T10 schools that just aren’t going to happen, the same school isn’t going to be good at both the hard sciences and history. Usually. For artsy nerd culture maybe look at some less competitive SLACs like Davidson, Dennison, Oberlin etc.