I’m an average student, mostly B’s and C’s, with a GPA of 2.8. I’m applying to Arizona State, Drexel, University of Illinois - Chicago, Georgia State, and Belmont. I have an SAT score of 1420 and an ACT score of 25, but I plan to retake for a higher score. My school doesn’t do weighted GPA’s, but I took 3 AP classes. My extra curriculars are volunteering, babysitting, and working a part time job. Do I have any shot at these schools? Or do you have any recommendations of schools I have a shot at? Any advice would be appreciated! Community college is NOT an option.
What is your financial situation? Do you need financial aid?
Well, college is expensive, so yeah - I need financial aid, but I’m aware I wouldn’t qualify for any merit scholarships.
Price limit and state of residency?
I would agree, with your SATs, community college is not for you! But your grades say that you probably don’t have good study habits. What about starting off at a local branch of your state university, and if you get it together on study habits, transfer to the flagship state U? Cheap tuition in state, eventual degree from flagship state U without risking a lot of dough. However, if you qualify for a lot of financial aid, you could consider less competitive private schools that offer a lot of financial aid. In what state do you reside? What do you want to study? How poor is your family?
@redqueencouture I assume you’re a junior. There are forums especially for situations like yours. They usually go by college graduation year such as “Class of 2023 3.0-3.4 GPA” and are very active. Look at the postings for the last couple of years–the parents there really know their stuff and you can pick up some good tips on schools. Furthermore, everyone is very accepting of imperfection.
You will need to cast a wider net. FWIW, my D13/17 had a similar GPA. Her verbal SAT was pretty strong 780 (she REALLY worked at it), but her math was average. More important than the overall GPA, is the way it trends. No roller coasters for you…with good semesters followed by bad. It HAS to be a strong upward trend from here on out. Establish good relationships with some teachers who will go to bat for you on recommendations. Your essay will need to be strong and perhaps address why you are an average student. More important than focusing on the above schools, be prepared to cast a wide net. Spend the weekend reading the forums I mentioned and make notes on schools where kids like you are getting in. If you do decide to post a query like the above, be specific about what you’re looking for in a school (region, urban, rural, sports, greek life, possible majors,). You have a schools that are all over the country–will it be easy for you to visit? If schools visit your high-school, make sure you stop by and talk to the rep. Believe it or not, they keep track of who shows interest. Go to college fairs in your area if they have them. Start to have the discussion about finances with your parent. Merit aid may not be in your future.
Take heart, I found that my so-called average kid actually had a good selection of schools to choose from. It’s the kids who have perfect stats that find a bottleneck at the HYP and top 30 schools. You will be fine, but you need to do some research right now. All students need to have a selection of “safety/fit” schools that they love. Find a school that will support you and won’t let you fall through the cracks. BTW, I hope your dismissal of community colleges has some validity. Some CC actually replicate the college experience with dorms and EC’s and can be a good place to find your footing. Some of the most successful people I know started out at community colleges.
@nyermom My dismissal of community colleges has to do with my mother’s small mindedness; she believes I have to go to a 4-year university. I’ve repeatedly challenged this view, but I’ve eventually given up the fight. Thank you for the advice, though. I want to experience life outside my home state more than anything, which is why these schools are all over the country. But once again, thanks for the insight.
@parentologist I reside in Wisconsin. I plan to study history, psychology, or communications. And I wouldn’t exactly call my family ‘poor’, but in no means do we have enough to spend $30,000 a year on college tuition; I have an older brother in college and a younger sister soon to go next. I suppose I could look into UW-Madison, but my stats aren’t exactly there yet. Thank you for the insight, though. Much appreciated!!
Have your parents told you the actual price limit?
Have you and they run the net price calculator on the web site of each college you are interested in?
Perhaps Arizona and Utah should be on the list as well.
My son’s high school friend had the same GPA as you do (no AP classes though) with a much lower SAT and is at Arizona doing pretty well (mostly As and Bs).
If you get the GPA to around 3.0, you might qualify for merit aid with your SAT. I would not take another standardized test as the SAT is pretty solid.
There are other 4 year schools in the UW system. Would your consider Stevens Point or Green Bay, getting a high GPA, and then transfer to Madison?
I don’t think CC is for you unless you really struggle financially. It can reign you in to college and and save you lots of money. But, it also depends on the courses you’ve taken. If you have more rigorous courses I like your chances into some of those schools. maybe try and get your ACT up some more. Extra Curriculars? Other merits like perfect attendance ?