<p>I'm a senior and have absolutely no immediate family members that have gone to college. My family expects me to be the first to go, but it is difficult as I have no one to turn to for advice when it comes to preparation or applications. My family expects me to "figure it out." My school counselor just started counseling this year so she isn't able to help me out much. My GPA is currently a 3.489 and my ACT composite score is a 33, with my highest sub-scores being a 36 in English, a 35 in Reading, a 27 in Math, and a 33 in Science. My family's financial situation is a bit grim, so it's unlikely I'll be able to go to college unless I am awarded a full-ride or something similar. I would like to know from some other people where that would be possible for me in terms of schools. I would very much prefer to go to a school in Arkansas. Thanks to any and all of you who provide some advice. I've never actually created a discussion board account before, so I apologize if I've posted this in the wrong forum.</p>
<p>It appears that you reside in Arkansas. Given that, I highly suggest you start your search by focusing on public colleges in Arkansas. Cast a wide net and look at as many as you can. With an SAT of 33 and a stated need for financial aid, you might just find a school that can help you come up with the funding to attend.</p>
<p>Take a look also at Hendrix, a small LAC with a reputation for providing good merit. You would be at the high end of the SAT scores at Hendrix, and it’s one of the best schools in AR.</p>
<p>A suggestion: come up with a list of 5 schools that have your major or that offer a variety of majors which you can imagine yourself wanting to do; if they have your major, include Hendrix and UArkansas. Run the net price calculator found on each school’s Financial Aid webpage. This will give you an estimate of what you’re likely to pay to go to that school. You’ll need your parents’ financial info to complete the npc, but at the end of this process you’ll know what the schools will each expect your parents to pay to send you to college. It could very well be as little as 3-10K/year. Then get back to us.</p>
<p>You should also consider widening your search to include nearby states. It may be that in the next five years being so close to home won’t be good for your education. Maybe a school far enough away that you can’t just bolt home every time your wisdom is called for. College can be a life-altering experience, but only if you focus on your studies and the new experiences college offers you.</p>
<p>For example, at UArkansas-Monticello, if you’re in the top 10% of your class, you would qualify for a full ride (residual costs @4400). At Louisiana Tech, you could have a full ride (residual 5300). At Louisiana-Monroe, full ride (residual 2900). At Prairie View A&M, full ride (residual 5300). </p>