do you know anything about these colleges?

Question

rutgers university new brunswick- admitted to honors college with scholarship (would only pay room and board) also, i'm an nj resident
wellesley - accepted
smith
bryn mawr
amherst
williams
tufts
georgetown
lafayette

so there's that whole too poor to shell out 40gs, too rich to get a lot of financial aid. i'm applying for merit scholarships, but basically i think i'm looking at at least 20k total for undergrad if i go to a private college. my interests are political science, french, english. i'd like to be a scholar, politician, writer or something cool wehn i grow up.
it's very important to me to have access to professors, an engaged ommunity of learners and enthusiastic people.
i also want to go to grad school, for what i'm not sure, probably public policy or politics.

Answer 1

The colleges you selected are perfect for your goals, and reflect your desire to be a part of a real community of scholars. You obviously did your research.

If you are looking toward grad school in the future, I'd strongly suggest Wellesley, Smith,or Bryn Mawr. This is not because they are women's colleges, but rather because they are all small enough for you to really get to know your professors, and have absolutely astronomical grad school placement rates.

I'd put Amherst and Williams next. They're a tad larger, but still have the sort of climate you're looking for. It will be a bit tougher to stand out in the crowd, and they have a bit more of an old-boy atmosphere, but they're still great schools.

Tufts and Georgetown are both very good schools, and I realize you're into political science (hence your G-town choice), but in my not-so-humble opinion, it's easy to get lost in the crowd at Georgetown. Georgetown's student body is comprised of thousands of former high school class presidents who want to be politicians. I think a more diverse campus might be of great benefit to you. And Boston is a much better city than DC for a college student.

Lafayette and Rutgers were obviously your safety schools. I realize the financial aid offer at Rutgers is tempting, but you know you can do better.

Back in the day, Boston College was my safety school. I received a full scholarship from them, but went to Vassar anyway. I do not regret my decision one bit, and even though I did have to take some students loans (which I am still paying), I'd do it over again in a heartbeat.

This is all just my opinion, of course. In the end, you must do what you believe is best for you.

I wish you every success!