so i think i have the list of universities i'm applying to complete

[Ava]

figured out which schools i want to attend the most and i'll be applying to them. i have two schools that are harder to get into and two that are still great schools, but are public universities and not private.

1. harvard
2. georgetown
3. UCLA
4. alabama

i'm considering applying to a fifth, but the four above are the ones i know i'm going to apply to.

[DarkTirade]

1. Never hurts to have an extra backup, just in case.

[Ava]

2. yeah, that is what i figure

[jobycom]

3. Major?

[Ava]

5. i want to double major

political science and journalism

[AlCzervik]

7. have you thought about Oxford? My Niece did her junior year there, she went to BC

and did the Oxford program and loved it, she's now finishing grad school at The London School of Economics. She was also a double major at BC, poli sci and and English lit.

[Ava]

10. i have, but i don't think i have a snowball's chance at hell when it comes to getting into oxford

i'd love to go there though

[AlCzervik]

16. of course you do, my niece got wait listed by Harvard, rejected by William and Mary

and ran away screaming from Holy Cross but finally settled on BC, so when she does her year at Oxford and she comes home to finish she thinking grad school and i just throw the LSE idea by her, she said no, they won't accept me and i told her she should just apply anyhow and she and she got in. ONe of the things that helped her was being at Oxford for a year, that opened many doors for her in terms of meeting people. You kind of remind me of Amanda, hard worker, good grades and so will get in to their college of choice. Anyhow, don't limit your choices because you think you won't get in, you're an intelligent young women so don't sell yourself short.

[Phillycat]

55. What's your GPA and SAT scores?

[tjwmason]

67. If you're considering Harvard I wouldn't be so sure.

British universities love foreign students (because they pay more fees than home ones).

[SoxFan]

59. Financial aid can be a problem

The financial aid rules are different when you are attending a foreign university, or at least that was the case in the 1980s. I had briefly considered McGill University, but quickly changed course when I realized that I'd have to pay almost the entire thing out of pocket.

I wound up applying to American, Syracuse, NYU, and Assumption, and attended AU for a year.

[Lex]

8. Thought about UNC-Chapel Hill?

Great departments for both poli-sci and journalism.

[Ava]

11. i have

but when it came down to it i ended up choosing UCLA as my other public school that i'm applying to

[Lex]

13. I understand it's nearly impossible for out-of-staters

to get in these days because of the spaces available or something. I had a great 4 years there, but thankfully was an in-state admission!

[Ava]

14. yeah, i know people who went there and loved it

[Scooter24]

70. I read somewhere not long ago that the UC schools were increasing their OOS admissions

because they bring in more money to the university. Even though the admit rate for OOS students is between 20-25%, I would think that chances of an OOS student getting admitted today are greater than in previous years.

[FloridaJudy]

4. Have you considered UC Berkeley?

I think you'd like it there. While the cost of living is horrendous, it's not cheap in Cambridge, LA, or DC either.


(inserting a plug for my old Alma Mater)

[Ava]

6. i have, but i was trying to only apply to once school in cali

and UCLA is a place that seems like it would be great for me, especially since i'm into film, and since that is what i'm hoping to pursue.

[Tektonik]

18. You should apply to USC as well imo

[Ava]

21. i've looked into USC

much more selective than UCLA from what i've read

[Flaxbee]

23. UCLA is in a much nicer part of LA, too --

I never really *liked* the USC people I met - lots of frat/sorority types (might be your thing, wasn't mine) and a lot of privileged rich kids. UCLA is much more eclectic.

[Tektonik]

Well there's no better place for film than USC

UCLA is cool, but I much prefer some of the other UC campuses like Berkeley and Santa Barbara.

Also state school for out of staters is EXPENSIVE as hell, and with a great portfolio of extra curricular activities and such, I'd believe it would be much easier to get a cheaper education at some of the private universities through scholarships and such.

[XemaSab]

25. You might like the culture of the Bay Area more than the culture of LA

The Bay Area is very laid back; LA notsomuch.

[Ava]

26. probably, but since film is what i want to pursue LA seems like the perfect place to get started

[XemaSab]

29. It's either going to be the RIGHT place, or the WRONG place

Know what I mean?

[Ava]

30. well for me yeah, but for film no

in LA i can pursue film better than in most places. it may not be the best city for my personality(though i think i'll probably like it) but it is definitely a great place to be if you want to get into filmmaking.

[proud patriot]

44. We are a rather Big State though

[ElsewheresDaughter]

9. Oh The Places You'll Go!....Wishing you a good journey....#5 Boston College?

[Ava]

12. i have

i'm hoping to make it up to boston sometime this summer to see harvard, and was hoping to check it out also

[ElsewheresDaughter]

17. You'll love Boston...it is the pearl of the east coast

[Ava]

20. my mom loves the city

hopefully we'll head there soon to look at the universities

[Pierre.Suave]

15. You know

there is nothing wrong with public universities. Some of them are just as good, if not better than Harvard.

have you been there to visit the campus? I really think you should, it is an odd place filled with odd people. I turned them down and went to the U of Michigan, the school is just as academic and is just as well regarded, but was a whole hell of a lot more fun.

[Ava]

19. my parents went o public universities.. i'm certainly no snob about public schools

i wanted to have a variety of schools to apply to though, and i think that having two public and two private schools accomplishes that.

[Pierre.Suave]

34. I almost did not even bother to reply to your post

Because I knew like every other teenager, you will refuse to accept anything that resides outside of your own head.

no matter what it is based on.

Why only two? Why those 4? have you visited Harvard and Georgetown? Why two of each? Why not Yale?

What selection criteria did you use and how soon do you need to apply? I think you are limiting yourself way too much here Ava. Consider more options, and consider why you are considering those options.

or, you can be like my sister and start at one school and finish at another...

The school you go to is not as important as how well that school fits you, just look at Bush if you need an example of the effectiveness of the Ivys to give a good education...

[Ava]

35. yup, i'm like every teenager

painting with a broad brush are we?

i'm only applying to a maximum of 5 schools because it costs money to apply to schools.

i've visited georgetown. i'm going to visit harvard this summer.

i find it odd that you say that the school you go to is not as important as how well that school fits you, yet you seem to think i shouldn't go to a private school(at least that is what your post above insinuated).. perhaps georgetown or harvard do fit me. i think it is wrong to judge someone based on which schools they apply to. your first post seemed, to me at least, to say that you thought i was a snob towards public schools - which isn't the case.

i know that there are some awesome public schools out there - that is why i wanted to apply to two public school and two private schools. another thing is that i'm hoping to go to an out of state school, so the tuition will be about the same whether it be public or private for me.

[Pierre.Suave]

36. yes, believe it or not

all teenagers have very similar characteristics...

[Ava]

37. alrighty

i'll bow out here, don't feel like getting into discussion over that.

i'll take my stereotypically moody, disrespectful, close minded, apathetic, immature, and bitchy teenage self somewhere else.

[Pierre.Suave]

38. yes

I constantly am forgetting that when a teenager asks for advice about something, they are infact asking for affirmation of what they have already decided. Not a discussion that may leads elsewhere.

[Duppers]

43. that's says more about you, jc

than it does Ava. Some chip you've got there.

[some guy]

46. no

you're not forgetting.

You're not noticing she DIDN'T ASK for advice.

[WritingIsMyReligion]

58. Leave Ava the fuck alone.

I can tell you that she most certainly has done serious research into schools, as have any of us--they're our own futures; why would we want to screw ourselves over? Not everyone who goes to a private school is a snob or an elitist--amazingly enough, some people to go private schools because....gasp!...they're the right schools for them. You seem to think 1) that most people go to private schools for the name recognition value, rather than the fact that they're honestly good schools, 2) that Ava and other teenagers are ditzes, short-tempered, unwise, foolish, and bitchy, and 3) that you're so all-fired wise and know what other people are thinking and feeling. You're more than likely wrong on all three accounts, so take a step back and stop trying to lecture people for their own choices about their own futures with such little reason to do so.

[Name removed]

41. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Name removed]

57. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Duppers]

40. U of Michigan is very good, but "just as academic....well regarded"

as Harvard??? Don't think so.

A degree from Harvard kicks down other doors later on in life. And if they're recruiting, they'll make Ava an offer that'll cut that tuition fee WAY down.

Ava, dear, go into any interview with the idea of what they can offer YOU. Choosing a U is a 2-way street, as you know.

[LeftyMom]

45. This is good advice.

Ava: Keep in mind that 4.0 applicants from Dorkwater Prepratory High School are a dime a dozen. You've got a really unique skillset, great proof of your qualifications, an interesting story to tell, and you're definitely not the typical applicant. You'll stand out, and standing out in the huge pile of cookie cutter applicants gets you admitted.

Apply to places you think you'll thrive. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised how happy they'll be to take you, and further I'll go out on a limb a little and say that I think you'll probably be able to tell any school that thinks you're paying to attend to kiss your overqualified ass, because most of them are going to offer you a full ride.

[Duppers]

50. You said it better, LeftyMom

My hubby was offered a full ride to Columbia back in the 60's; his last degree is fr. U of Cambridge, UK; he's ex-Wm & Mary faculty; my son is planning to attend MIT grad school (physics) next fall; therefore, 'me thinks' I can speak with a bit of authority here, as can many others.

Ava, I think, has already been approached by Harvard. I expect they'll offer her a quite a deal. You're so right, LeftyMom, Ava is not the typical 4.0 applicant. Jasonc has insulted her and our intelligence on this thread.

And that thing about the chimp attending any Ivy League affirms the fact that even the best universities in this country can be paid off. Pay no attention to what jasonc said, Ava. I think he is doing a lot of transference here.

[LeftyMom]

51. She's a "get" for them. She's already well known.

How much great free publicity would it be when she's being interviewed about her latest project and mentions that she's headed off to University of Whatever in the fall?

And of course she's likely to continue to do impressive and noteworthy things, which naturally her school will take credit for.

[Duppers]

53. ya got it ;)

[Phillycat]

56. Well, that's just not true.

University of Michigan is a fine school, but it's not even in the same solar system as Harvard. Your reaction to Ava's query seems more like defensiveness about your own university than a genuine response.

[rockymountaindem]

22. Not to be an obnoxious alumnus, but you should consider the University of Toronto

It's just as good as Harvard and G-Town, cheaper and easier to get into. The downside is that it's tough as far as grades go.

[Ava]

24. thanks for the suggestions, i'll look into them!

what is the process like for US students though?

[rockymountaindem]

27. It's extremely easy

Basically you just have to send them a transcript. They're not interested in standardized tests or extracurriculars etc. If you get in, just send a copy of your letter of acceptance to the Canadian consulate nearest you to apply for a student visa which, when I went up there in 2003, cost $125.

[Ava]

28. cool, i'll look into that

[rockymountaindem]

31. Plus, you get to live here:

Image

and go to school here:

[Ava]

32. gorgeous!

isn't it COLD though! i'm a southerner

[rockymountaindem]

33. The scale is a little different up there

From Dec-March it's

30- balmy
20-nice
10-cool
0-brisk
-10 - chilly
-20 - cold
-30 - really cold
-40 - freezing

But in fairness it only went down to -40 a few nights. Unfortunately that was one of the times the heater in my room broke. On Friday night. By the time someone came to fix it on Monday it was 50 degrees in my room and there was 3/4 an inch of ice in my window. But it's still fun. I say the cold brings people together. Can't go outside? Stay inside and hang out...

[some guy]

39. Good choices

My niece applied to four, and got accepted at all four. I hope the schools you apply to recognize what a great addition to their school you will be, and you also get accepted at all those you wish to attend. Then you can decide which one you want to grace with your presence.

[Missy Vixen]

42. Ava, have you considered the University of Washington?

Of course, I'm biased, but I think you'd love it here. Plus, you'd be right smack in the middle of one of the bluest areas of the nation.

Did I mention that the school is considered a good value as well? There's a thriving film community here, also.

Julie

p.s. Harvard would be lucky to have you. Plus, if the family income is less than $60K a year, Harvard's endowment is such that tuition is essentially free.

Of course, we (my husband and I!) think you'd love the UW!

[FunkyLeprechaun]

47. You should also think about Brown

I know people who looked at Harvard and ended up going to Brown instead. I personally thought Brown was a lot more friendlier and laid back than Harvard. Believe me, I went to BU.

[1]

48. pfffttt... if you want some sort of "designer" degree, your list is perfect..

if you want a journalism degree, why not go where the education will be the toughest you will ever encounter?

the university of missouri-columbia.

you get around. you talk to people. ask them.

[CreekDog]

49. if those are your schools, you should be giving me advice

not the other way around.

[Duppers]

52. this might be helpful

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Journalism_school#North_Am...

So many factors are involved in deciding where to attend, Ava. I know it's a daunting decision. but with your in-depth research, you'll make a good choice, I'm sure.

[Orsino]

54. I would strongly recommend against posting information like this...

...particularly to prominent DUers with known meatspace identities. It might be best to say nothing publicly until acceptance, or even until after graduation from said institution.

You don't want right-wing freaks taking crayon in hand to write to any potential educators or employers.

edit: and I forgot to add best wishes for your application process!

[Jean Louise Finch]

60. Just an FYI

Hi Ava,

Applying to schools can be so super stressful but it sounds like you've got the right approach. I highly recommend visiting schools and taking the time to speak with students and faculty, as well as figure out if the wider community is somewhere you want to spend 4 years. I'm sure you'll end up somewhere that is super lucky to have you and that you'll make the most of your time at.

I just wanted to let you know that I don't think there's an undergraduate program in journalism at Harvard. There's also no political science -- there's a concentration in Government that is similar but not quite the same. There are lots of opportunities to do both those things as an undergrad at Harvard -- working at the Crimson or the other papers on campus, and getting involved with the Institute of Politics at the JFK school or one of the zillions of politically active student groups -- but if you want those particular majors you might want to rethink Harvard! Or do a bit of hunting around for concentrations that fit with what you want to get out of it, or options to design your own.

I hope that helps, and best of luck to you in your quest for the perfect fit!

Jean Louise

[Ava]

65. the government and film studies programs at harvard are what i've been looking into

[mentalsolstice]

61. Look at where people you admire graduated from...

That was always important info for me. We Alabamians will miss you, but I'm sure you'll do us proud, wherever you go.

[mnhtnbb]

62. Ava, I'm a UCLA alum BS '73 MPH '75 now live in Chapel Hill.

My son will be going to UNC-Chapel Hill in the fall, interested in journalism, languages (German),
and music (he's a percussionist).

Both UCLA and UNC-Chapel Hill are VERY difficult to get into, whether in or out of state.
Both are in very different settings; I love Chapel Hill; L.A. is a complete zoo and has been
for 20+ years. Chapel Hill is also less expensive to live and has much more of an east coast
atmosphere--even though it's in the south.

So--from your list, I'd be inclined to push UCLA up into the same category as Harvard
and Georgetown in terms of admissions difficulty. You might want to think about that!

Good luck!

[Writer]

63. Texas!

[TBF]

64. If you can get into Harvard you'd get a great education, and then could

apply to Northwestern's graduate program in Journalism. My husband majored in Government at Harvard and loved the school.

[ellisonz]

66. As someone who went through this 4 years ago...

...I'd suggest lengthening the list slightly. Admissions have only gotten more competitive and at least in the case of UCLA admissions are slanted toward in-state students. Since your interested in both politics and film I might suggest Missouri-Columbia (top 5 journalism no doubt), Northwestern, UC-Berkeley (UC System App, check one more box) and Brown. You also might want to pick one more safety-mid just in case you don't get into a single one (always a possibility) and don't want to stay in Alabama (although that might make sense financially), you can get financial aid.

What you spend on applications is a fraction of what you will spend on college. I can PM you my accept/reject list if you'd like, but would rather not post it on the board. You've still got plenty of time to think this through.

[DFW]

68. I went through this with my daughter 4 years ago

It was complicated, as she is a German native speaker who is smart but didn't do very
well on her SATs. She went to a school in Hawai'i for her high school year "abroad" (from
a German point of view), and decided to stay on, graduate, and apply to American universities.
Because she didn't score well on her SATs (the English was too complicated for her at the time),
she got into those schools where she had a real live interview and blew the school rep away,
plus one where a certain ex-governor of the state happened to be a friend (may or may not have
been a factor, we didn't ask). Harvard was a big disappointment. They first said that they would
send an alumni rep out to interview her, didn't, and when she reminded them, then told her it was
too late and it was her fault. Three generations of my family went to Harvard (I know legacy
admissions no longer happen--supposedly, yeah, right), including some rather distinguished
individuals. We have now kissed the place off the family radar. They get enough endowments without
our alumni money anyway. She applied to a LOT of schools. Most of them looked only at SATs, put no
weight on checking her out as a person. If this has not changed, be prepared for the same tactics on
the part of admissions committees. If your native language is English, it'll help, of course.

George Washington U accepted her. She was familiar with DC anyway, and loves the town. She
did internships with Emily's List, got part-time work with an international law firm that
needed competent translations from German to English, did a semester "abroad" at the Sorbonne
in Paris, graduated cum laude in Political Science/Public Policy, and she was just accepted by the
UN as a volunteer with their War Crimes tribunal in Sierra Leone in West Africa this summer
(one of 2 students from her law school to get that). In 2 years, she'd be eligible to run for
Congress, and she'd win in a heartbeat if she wanted to run, which she does not (gotta save
the world first, you understand). Harvard doesn't always get it right.

GW is expensive, but apparently generous with scholarships, too. That's what some of her less
well-off classmates said, anyway. My nephew back in the States just got into Georgetown, and
his big brother graduated from Columbia and is now at Stanford getting his PhD in engineering.
For the generation of my kids, we're done with this phase. Good luck with yours!! There are a
LOT of schools out there, and the best choice is not always the most obvious. My daughter had her
heart set on Columbia, but after a year at GW, you couldn't have gotten her to transfer to
Columbia or Harvard or anywhere else. Same with her law school. Boston University Law practically
begged her to transfer after turning her down last year, but she is interested in, among other things,
environmental law, and the top professor in that field at the school where she is happens to
be one Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and she is not about to give up a shot at taking his class just
because BU is interested in offering her a consolation prize.

The main thing is, rejections don't always happen for the right reasons, and, as we all know
with Bush Lite, acceptances don't always happen for the right reasons either. Keep that in mind
always, and make the best of where you end up--it could surprise you by being far better and
much more interesting than you ever imagined.

[Scooter24]

69. Good choices, however....

I would advise maybe adding another "safety" school. The top two are obviously your reaches and are good choices.

UCLA's out-of-state admits are usually from a very strong pool of applicants so I assume you do have the grades to stand out in this crowd. OOS apps average around 4,500 which only about 1,200 are usually selected for admission.

An in-state school such as Alabama is a good safety and if you're grades are good enough for harvard I would not think you would have any problems getting in. But as always with the admissions process, it's always good to have a backup for your backup.

Kids in my neighborhood will often flood all the Ivies and top in-state and out-of-state public schools with apps, increasing their odds of acceptance.

Best of luck!

A website you should use for help is http://www.collegeconfidential.com