Hi everyone, I’m new to the forum. I was wondering if any of you can give me some insight into my chances of being accepted into USD. USD is my dream school and I am absolutely enthralled with every aspect of it. However, my GPA and test scores are a little low.
My GPA is a 3.56, ACT is a 26. However, the reason my GPA is on the lower side is because of some rather large family issues that took place freshman year (which I discussed in my application.) My sophomore year grades were average, nothing special, all A’s and B’s, but starting Junior year until now (4 total trimesters) I have gotten straight A’s. (4.0-4.2 GPA) I am taking Honors English, AP Spanish, difficult classes such as Physics, and I don’t have any easy classes. They are all academic core classes and electives. I’m not sure if it matters, but I go to a College Prep Private High School that is known for its rigourous academics.
I have received awards in Chemistry, Spanish, Physiology, Algebra II, and I have gotten awards for great achievement. My essay is about how I impacted the life of an underprivileged child through volunteering at an institution for 5 consecutive years. I know the my recommendations are excellent and demonstrate how well-rounded of a student I am. I have a Chemistry teacher writing one, my counselor, and my Religion/Music Teacher.
As far as extracurriculars, I have done the musical once, but I have participated in Spanish Club, a club for service, and A Cappella Club (I was one of the original founders and I am the Alto Section leader) for 2 years. I do outside service consistently with a nearby school (5 years) and I volunteer at a hospital on weekends.
If you need anymore information, please let me know. However I would very much appreciate it if you all could give me some insight! Thank you!
Their tuition is definitiely expensive. However, my family’s income is way below what one would consider “low income”, therefore I am hoping that will we get an adequate amount of financial aid through FAFSA.
FAFSA is an APPLICATION. it is not a funding source.
FREE APPLICATION for FEDERAL STUDENT AID = FAFSA.
What happens is that you fill out all of your information on the FAFSA application.
That FAFSA **application **goes to the universities where you applied. You might get some federal funding like a PELL Grant (but it is not much), and you may qualify for some STATE funding if you are a resident of California (like a Cal Grant-a separate application), but the majority of money comes from the university itself.
USD tends to reserve it’s monies for recruited athletes. They have increased their fees and have decreased their financial aid. Make sure an experienced counselor looks at your aid package. Packets are presented as funding by, either yearly, or by semester funding. Read these carefully.
Edited to add: your ACT is on the low end. It is preferred if your scores were above 28. That may hold you back.
BTW, I attended USD, as a low income, high achieving, Mexican American student, many years ago and had to drop after the first year because I couldn’t afford it. I transferred to SDSU. :)>-
I’m sorry to say, but I agree with the above - you will probably not be able to afford this school. You might qualify for Pell Grant and student loans, plus the cal grant (if you are a calif resident), and probably some USD grants, but I am guessing that you would still have a shortfall of at least 20K per year. If it really is your dream school, go ahead and apply and see what happens. Just be prepared with other options in case the financial assistance is not what you need. On the app side, I can’t really comment on whether you will be admitted, but we did have some kids from our school who were admitted as late as May/June, so don’t give up even if you don’t hear in early March.