Context: Was planning to attend my in-state uni up until a few months ago when I realized they don’t even have a program - or at least a decent one - for what I want to study (art, specifically animation). I’ve spent some time researching schools and what I’ve noticed is the best schools are either insanely expensive art schools (so that’s not happening) or T50s. I’ve never even considered a top college until very recently which is very nerve-wracking, but because I’m low income they seem like a fantastic choice due to how much aid they give. I know so little about the whole process that I’m curious if I even have a chance or if I should aim a little lower. Thanks in advance!
Schools:
- Carnegie Mellon (School of Art)
- USC (School of Cinematic Arts)
- NYU (Tisch)
(also considering: UPenn, USC Long Beach, Purdue, U of Washington, RIT)
Income: ~$35,000 /year
First generation white female
GPA: 4.0 UW; 4.6 W
APs:
sophomore: APWorld (4)
current: APLang, APUSH, AP physics I
next year: APlit, APgov/econ, APstudio art, APstats
Class rank: 6 out of 732
SAT: 1410 (panning to actually prep for and retake in the fall so it will probably be better by app time)
Portfolio: pretty good
employment: currently unemployed but will be getting a summer job to help out at home
ECs:
- art is obviously my #1 priority. I run an Instagram account for my art that I put a lot of time into. I draw at least 3 hours a week up to 6-8 hours a day depending on my free time (all at home, haven't had any classes the past 2 years, but I will be talking 2 next year if the colleges care). I've made art for my school a few times and will be in art club next year (officer?) Overall a big chunk of my life goes towards it
- Guitar. I'm in the advanced ensemble and have done a lot of traveling and playing for competitions/events/etc. My ensemble has won some awards. I practice 1-2 hours a day at home. I've also been in guitar club for the last 3 years (officer next year) and have done quite a few activities but nothing major
-NHS next year
-TriM (NHS for music) last year but the club barely did anything
Awards:
- I have a few awards (1st place, 2nd, honorable mentions) from my district art show as well as the congressional art show (and a few from before high school but IDK if those count). More in the future as well.
- some awards from the school arts department in art and guitar
- QuestBridge College Prep Scholar (hypothetically for now bc decisions aren't released yet)
- National AP Scholar (also hypothetical I know but I'm on track for it)
Okay well I think that’s all the important stuff. Thanks again to anyone who takes the time to read this and give this girl some closure!