Arghh this is so difficult!

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I'm having a rough time determining whether schools are in my reach or completely out of my league as well as finding a few new private matches. I haven't been exposed much to the countless number of colleges that exist and I was hoping the CC community could help me - I've lurked through these boards for ever and you guys are really great. :)</p>

<p>GPA: 4.2 weighted
Class Rank: 28
AP Tests: U.S History - 5, AP Psychology - 4, AP Euro History-2 (The average for this teacher was a 2.)
Course load: Generally took the most difficult load offered. Total APs: 8, five during senior year.
SATI: 1860 (I know, awful. Will it be that much of a hindrance? )
SAT2: 740 U.S history, 640 Lit
Major: International Relations
Other info: 1st generation college student..</p>

<p>Extracirriculars:
1. Member of a philanthropic club on-campus (roughly 100 members) - 9th grade received the Member of the Year award, 10th grade I was admitted onto the executive board, 11th grade I became president, and now I'm the secretary. Very influential.
2. Member of California Scholarship Federation - tutor kids in a variety of subjects and need to maintain a high gpa to stay in the club.
3. Volunteered at the local hospital: 100hrs.
4. Worked the 2008 general election. (It was really a great experience. :)) </p>

<p>Financial aid is pretty important. My mother is a single parent, we receive no child support, and she only makes 39k a year so it'd be great if the schools had a reputable financial aid package. </p>

<p>Since I live in California I've already applied to:
Berkeley
San Diego
Davis
Santa Barbara. </p>

<p>Privates I'm interested in:
Tufts
George Washington
Boston College
U of Chicago</p>

<p>So pretty much what I'm asking you guys if the colleges I've applied to/hope to apply to are realistic? And if not, could you provide for some alternatives that are good matches and have good IR/Study abroad programs? I can't even begin to express my thanks. :)</p>

2

<p>Essays are critical for the UCs.</p>

<p>Use this link to see admit stats to UCs from last year:
University</a> of California: StatFinder</p>

<p>Based on your first generation status, GPA, and test scores, it looks like Statfinder says you have the approximate chance of getting into the following UCs:</p>

<p>Berkeley: 72.2%
Davis: 98.9%
San Diego: 98.6%
Santa Barbara: 99%</p>

<p>So, its safe to assume you'll get into at least Davis and Santa Barbara. Your list is realistic.</p>

<p>Your privates are good to great...not sure how generous they'll be with financial aid.</p>

3

<p>What a nifty site! I wish I had known about that earlier. Thank you! </p>

<p>&& I'm hoping to get more information on private schools? Anyone else have some input for this semi-clueless applicant? :P</p>

4

<p>Anyone else have some advice? Thanks to everyone that has responded thus far! :)</p>

5

<p>I feel silly bumping this topic again - but it's no help if it's on the third page, right? :)</p>

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<p>Rank: 28 out of how many?</p>

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<p>28 out of about 640.</p>

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<p>I'm in the top 5% of the class if that helps. :)</p>

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<p>I think you will get into most of the UCs. If financial aid is important, take a look at this.
<a href="http://projectonstudentdebt.org/files/pub/Pledges_Analysis.pdf%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://projectonstudentdebt.org/files/pub/Pledges_Analysis.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>It has a list of colleges that promise to cover your financial need without loans. You can see that Chicago and Tufts make the list. Well known California LACs are also on the list if you want to stay in-state. Good luck :)</p>

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<p>@Cani: That is such a great website! I'm really glad that these schools participate in meeting financial needs. I knew it was going to be a big factor whether or not I should go to a private university but according to the website I'd pay less at Tufts than any UC, now I just have to get in! :P </p>

<p>Any other school recommendations or advice on the ones I plan on applying to? :)</p>