Chance a First Gen, Low Income Hispanic

Colleges and Universities A-Z Occidental College
1

<p>Hey everyone,</p>

<p>The reason I'm doubting myself when it comes to the admissions process is my academics. I have a 3.48 GPA BUT I jumped from a 3.2 GPA Freshman year to a 3.96 Senior year. I transferred from a large, predominantly all-white public school where I faced hardships (discrimination, financial, etc.) to a well-known Preparatory School after Sophomore year when I was offered a scholarship. My ACT English is a 32 and Math is a 27. I am in 5 IB Classes and 1 AP (my school is technically "all-IB").</p>

<p>I have 2 pretty good recommendations and 1 average. I have spent summers at UC Santa Cruz (course on Logic), Roger Williams University (course on Psychology), Princeton University (course on Global Politics), and UC Berkeley (Civic Leadership Institute).</p>

<p>I am currently President of 3 clubs (Key, Pre-med, Sports Management), Captain of the football team, hold 2 Varsity baseball letters, and have received honors in both Band and Choir. I work upwards around 30 hours/wk helping my mom sell clothes at the local swap meet (I guess you can say I have a "Manager" role in this family business). I'm also a Eucharistic Minister and have 100 hospital volunteer hours.</p>

<p>I believe that my answers to my supplements are very good. I demonstrate my ambition to become a doctor in a setting where I will be able to utilize my skills to assist the underprivileged and also show my interest in becoming a leader as part of such a diverse campus. I applied as a neuroscience major.</p>

<p>I have just emailed a baseball coach so hopefully my interest to participate in athletics will add some extra weight to my application.</p>

<p>I'm Hispanic, First Generation, Low Income (<20,000).</p>

<p>Thanks for any responses.</p>

<p>SEPARATE QUESTION: </p>

<p>How are Oxy's financial aid packages? I'm obviously not going to be able to attend without immense help but I have heard that they are very generous (one of the many reasons I applied).</p>

2

<p>Hey Carotid!</p>

<pre><code>I am also a low income first generation latino. I was lucky enough to be accepted ED1. Your stats are definitely outstanding. ESPECIALLY for a first-generation student. You demonstrate immense dedication to your education. And it seems like you apply yourself well in absolutely everything you do in and outside of the classroom. I can’t guarantee you anything, but if they accepted me (similar applicant profile except for a few things), they would be silly not to take you. A lot of colleges really like to see the sort of academic improvement you have demonstrated, and you have a very long list of extracurriculars that you excel at. Know that I’m pushing for you man haha
</code></pre>

<p>About financial aid, they really are great! I hope you complete your CSS Profile and Fafsa early! For me, they were really generous. Not a full ride but the amount I have to pay is very very very very reasonable in comparison to the 66,500 it would of cost with no aid. You better have applied for a merit scholarship as well! Along with financial aid, if you get in I’m positive things will work out. They did for me, at least. If you do end up finding issues with your financial aid package, the office is more than glad to help if you really doubt that you can cover whatever amount they ask you to.</p>

<p>Best of luck man!!
Hope it all works out for the best.</p>

3

<p>Thank you so much for the reply!</p>

<p>What were your stats?</p>

4

<p>Let us know if you got in!</p>

5

<p>I’m Argentinean, not first generation but the amount of financial aid that they awarded me ended up making Occidental the most economically accessible college in my list of acceptances.
Definitely apply, you have nothing to lose and they are very generous.</p>

6

<p>@marshallmeyer12 @fweedance,</p>

<p>I withdrew my application due to being accepted by Claremont McKenna College via ED 2.</p>