<p>Here are my stats (I know they're really weak, I don't have a lot of extracurriculars because I was shy and sadly really bad at sports)</p>
<p>-3.7 unweighted GPA, 4.21 weighted, lots of honors classes but only 1 AP
-1790 out of 2400 on SATS (weak again I know)
-Lacrosse for Grades 9 and 10 (just tried it, terrible at it)
-roughly 200 hours of community service (but 140 hours were required by my school anyway)
-member of National Honor Society
-got student of the quarter for a language and technology book award
-just started working as a tutor my senior year, I make $15 an hour and work for about 4 hours a week
-class rank #18 out of 220</p>
<p>Do I have any chance at really good 4-year colleges (NOT STATE SCHOOLS OR COMMUNITY COLLEGES? Are my stats even remotely impressive? Be honest, what kind of colleges/how selective can the schools be that I look at?</p>
<p>Looks pretty decent to me. Community Colleges work well for many students, but I can see why you’d want to go away to a 4 year school. Don’t scoff at state school - there are some excellent ones available for less money than privates. You certainly could get into many privates, but probably not the top ones.</p>
<p>Short Answer: I wouldn’t put too much faith into schools with an acceptance rate lower than 45%</p>
<p>Long Answer:
I wouldn’t put too much interest in really competitive schools, but that’s not to say you wouldn’t get into a good school. A 3.7 GPA is average for a lot of schools, and if you bumped your SAT score 100 points or so your stats would be much more competitive.</p>
<p>Seriously? A 1790 is roughly top 20%, you have a 4.21 GPA, and are top 10 % of your class. Don’t know why you’re against state schools but: Syracuse, American, Baylor, Marquette, TCU, and Drexel are all private top 100 schools and are realistic for you.</p>
<p>There’s tons of state schools you could get into if you changed your mind about that.</p>
<p>theres a lot of solid “under the radar” private schools that you can get into out there. not sure how much scholarship money you’ll get but there are plenty of private schools you could get into: (Loyola schools, fordham, heck you might have a decent shot at Wake forest, they don’t require SAT scores) a 4.2, 3.7 unweighted is better than a lot of kids at private schools today</p>
<p>Your stats make you eligible for lots of excellent schools and if you look at honors programs in the second tier group you may even get merit aid. You didn’t mention what’s “in state” for you or whether your parents can afford their EFC, if you’re looking for colleges that meet 100% need, or hope for scholarhips, but with some details and if you’re willing to travel to get into a good school, we should be able to list many possibilities for you to explore.</p>
<p>Community College is a great option for a lot of students today - mainly because of cost. That is a good option, but if you prefer to go to a 4-year college, you have the grades and community service hours to do it, without question. You may want to take six weeks or so of practicing for the SAT and get that score up, but either way, you will have options for 4-year schools. Best of luck!</p>
<p>you are greatly underestimating how decent your scores are. you could get into many good schools, just not the tops. If you dream big, just improve your SAT and you’ll be competitive.</p>
<p>Look at LACs ranked around 50-100 in USNWR rankings for some good options. Run the net price calculator with your family’s information to see how it looks. If you can, study and take the SAT again. My D2 had similar grades, but much better SATs, and got into several top colleges last year. Boost your scores some and you will have some decent choices.</p>
<p>“my parents are very poor…I do probably need colleges that meet 100% need since I can’t pay for it”. </p>
<p>Have you run FAFSA estimates some example NPC (Net Price Calculators)? It’s important to get a level set because often families with low income can’t pay even the EFC.</p>
<p>OP, why are you stuck in the mode that you have to get into a top competitive school? Try to find schools that are a good fit for you first then put them into the categories of safety, match and reach. The school that has the 35% acceptance rate will be meaningless if it isn’t a good fit for you. The purpose of college is to feel successful in that environment and gain the confidence/skills to face the world’s challenges.</p>
<p>If your parents are low income, you are among those for whom what college you get into DOES make a difference - you need to try for the most competitive college you can, because they’ll offer the most support and the best financial aid package. In addition, are you first generation? If so, some top colleges factor that in (as a “plus” for you), like Hamilton. Low income + URM or first gen = they’ll look at your stats in context.
(first gen = neither adult who raised you has a 4-year degree).
If you’re a girl, look into the women’s colleges; they offer very good financial aid packages.
Go online and ask for information from LACs ranked up to 60, national universities too.
Check out UAmherst’s Honors College. However as a low income/first gen, the benefits of graduating from a top-ranked school (higher ranked than UMass) will matter since the college will be your network (middle class/upper middle class students can rely on family to help them so as long as they’re hard working it doesn’t matter which college they go do.)</p>
<p>To boby642-who am I to say? Because everyone is allowed to have an opinion. People come on asking for opinions and responses reflect those perspectives. The Op can accept ot reject those perspectives offered. I find it funny people take things so literally.</p>
<p>@goingnutsmom is correct, you need to forget ranking and find a college that fits you properly.
BTW, your stats are certainly good enough to attend a decent (non-community) university. Talk with your guidance counselor for some college options or look at earlier posts.</p>