Intended Major(s) Either Business or Computer Science (i know).
GPA, Rank, and Test Scores
Unweighted HS GPA: 3.8
Weighted HS GPA (incl. weighting system): 4.4 out of 5
College GPA (for transfers): N/A
Class Rank: Top 4 Percent
ACT/SAT Scores: All 4s or 5s 1540 sat (790m750rw) 34 act (36r35w33m33s)
Coursework (AP/IB/Dual Enrollment classes, AP/IB scores for high school; also include level of math and foreign language reached and any unusual academic electives; for transfers, describe your college courses and preparation for your intended major(s))
I would have taken 12 APs by graduation
Awards
Debate awards
PVSA service hour awards
Miscellaneous school + volunteering awards
Qualifications for national level competition in business Extracurriculars
I am being exceptionally vague on purpose.
Data Science independent study (created model for basketball players)
Published COVID-19 Research in Indian Journal
Deca (went to nationals)
Debate Team (went to nationals)
Website Creation (created over 7 websites legitimately for customers no wix or weebly stuff)
Elected to School Principal Advisory Team
Elected to School Diversity Board
Tutoring
Taught basketball to elementary schoolers
Wrote and published a book
Essays/LORs/Other
I have good relationships with my teachers + good grades and demonstrated leadership in the classroom. Above average LORs and Essays hopefully.
Cost Constraints / Budget
For all private schools I am hoping to get some sort of merit aid. I can afford in state tuition.
Schools
UT-Austin, SMU, UT-Dallas, Texas A&M in state
Vandy, Duke, USC, Emory, WashU, Washington and Lee out of state
Let me know if there is any other schools I should look at!
I am applying business to Emory, UT-Austin, SMU, USC, and WashU. I’m applying Comp Sci/Data Science at UT-Dallas, Texas A&M, Duke. I’m applying Economics at Vanderbilt and Washington and Lee
There is no reason to be scared. You are a strong applicant with a lot to offer! The best thing to do is make sure you apply to a variety of schools with a range of selectivity. As it looks like you are auto admit to UT Austin you are in a great position. Obviously, CS makes it a little tougher, but there are many fine programs - just make sure to cast a wide net. Please have an up front budget discussion with your parents so you know what you are working with and run NPCs for any schools you are interested in so you know they will be affordable.
In terms of admission, I think you are great on your matches and safeties, and reasonable reaches. However, I’m under the impression that your private schools won’t offer you merit money. If you need merit money (and don’t qualify for need-based fin aid), you would have to take it down one to two notches on the private schools, below the ones you’re applying to. You’re gonna need to look at schools that have 45% or higher acceptance probably for any merit money, and the schools that accept 60% or more may offer you big merit. Schools that accept 70% or more might offer you a full ride - but do you want to go there. The less selective the private school, the more likely you are to get merit money, and the bigger the award. I think you have a great chance at UT Austin. Are you happy to go there?
Run the net price calculators for the colleges with your family so you are realistic about what you can afford. Most of these offer merit and need based aid.
Duke is the outlier in your list as they only offer merit to a very small percent. I am not sure your stats hit that level. Their need based is generous, but may not be as much as others.
Is your USC California or South Carolina? You may get very generous aid at a top honors program with a highly respected international business program at USC in South Carolina.
I won the Johnson at W&L. And honestly, you seem like an excellent fit. I would just prep hard for the interview (only thing they really care about is that you know your stuff and that you show your passion). Write a good Johnson essay, and try to connect back to personal/unique experiences as much as possible. Happy to talk more if you want! Good luck. :))
I think that all of the private schools on your list do offer at least some merit aid. Most college websites will have a page providing detailed information on what sort of merit scholarships are available (and what, if anything, you need to do to apply), and you might also be able to find some recent anecdotal information here on CC.
Vanderbilt is a good choice. The Cornelius Vanderbilt scholarship is very generous. It seems like you’d be in the running. DS with similar stats - including NMF and a 4.0 unweighted - but less APs and activities - did not get it, and actually was waitlisted but I say go for it. Watch the deadlines. I can’t remember but I think it may have been 12/1. It definitely required essays.
DS did get in to Duke, unexpectedly. Our EFC is pretty high but they calculated our contribution the lowest of all schools DS applied to and gave him a small amount of need based aid. As we got some aid, they offered us $400 to visit campus. Every little bit helps.
DS did try to chase merit and got a lot - like $31,500 - at Case Western. They look at demonstrated interest and have a reputation of declining some super high stat kids (yield protection) so if you do apply be sure to visit if you can or at least make an impression.
Are you not considering Rice? They give need based aid to families who make up to $200,000. Union, in NY, also has a commitment to making it affordable for middle class families.
Finally, have you looked at Purdue? They haven’t raised tuition in 12 years and have committed to two more. The Honors program, which has an early deadline and requires essays, would put you in a gorgeous new dorm with like minded kids, the engineering school reputation is very high, and they sometimes give around 10k merit to OOS kids.
Good luck. I understand your nerves - this was a wacky year. Apply EA to as many schools as you can. It’s nice to have an acceptance that would work for you early so you feel less anxiety.
Edited to add: I see someone suggested UMD. As a point of reference DS received 8k in merit per year from UMD.
I’m applying to the World Bachelor in Business Program at University of South California. Essentially, I feel like I should be getting into a super special program or prestigious school with some sort of merit based aid to make it more valuable than going to UT Austin.