Are these schools realistic? Low GPA, high test scores, and ok ECs.

That is awesome! You are in much better shape than most kids who post that there parents can “only pay a little.”

Boston University meets 88% of need on average. Your college fund will go further at schools that meet 100% of need, but many of those schools will be admissions reaches with your GPA.

Keep checking Net Price Calculators and you will be fine.

I was in your place last year - B’s freshman year with a strong upwards trends, few ECs, but a strong interest in journalism! I applied to schools like Brown and UCB on the security I’d be rejected straight out - but I ended up getting into Brown with a good aid package. Your GPA is a bit lower for Ivy Leagues (you never know) but your scores are fantastic! I’d definitely add schools like Vassar to your list - Pomona, Barnard etc.

bump?

I think your strong testing will overshadow your GPA by alot. Seriously. 1570 is insanely high and beats a 35 imo. But you should report both to show you are really smart :slight_smile:

Seriously, BU? I think you could do better than that. Their average SAT is a 1370.
BU is a match at best IMO.
All other schools listed are safeties.
Are you NMSF? Fordham gives full tuition for that.
I think Fordham would then be a very good safety especially in terms of cost.

I’d apply to some higher tier colleges as these are the ones that give the most financial aid. If I were you, I’d even ED to a lower tier Ivy. Dartmouth, for example, has an average sat of 1500. I think if you ED there, you have a decent shot at getting in. Shoot as high as you can, but have a strong string of backups.