Chance for Scholarship at Richmond

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Richmond
1

<p>I’m a new poster to the site, but a follower for over a year. My son will be a rising Junior next year and I would like to gauge his preference for Richmond with a realistic eye. Any and all comments regarding his chances based upon this info. would be greatly appreciated for this 1st time poster. </p>

<p>White Male, from South Florida</p>

<p>He plans to pursue PreMed Studies (ultimately Med School) or International Business/Economics.
He’ll be a Junior in the Fall Junior, so I'll make reasonable estimates for that and his senior year.</p>

<p>Stats. as of now:</p>

<p>GPA UW: 3.93 (Core Only)
GPA W: 5.12 (School weights +1 pt. for Honors & 2 pts. For AP Classes)
Class Rank: 2 of 110
Counting senior year, 9 AP classes will have been completed</p>

<p>Freshman Year: AP Human Geo (5)
Sophomore Year: AP Biology (just taken-very certain a 5)
Junior Year: APUSH, AP Environmental Science, AP Lang and Comp.
Senior Year: AP Physics B, AP Chemistry, AP Lit and Comp., AP Stats.</p>

<p>All Honors or AP level courses - Medical Professions Track at his school is heavy on the Sciences, has or will complete: Medical Terminology, Embryology, Anatomy & Physiology,
Forensic Science, Pathology, Medical Internship, Medical Exam, Biology (Honors & AP),
Chem. (Honors & AP), AP Physics B, Microbiology, AP Environmental Science.</p>

<p>PSAT: 214 as a 10th Grader (Intensive tutoring for PSAT and SAT continuing up until October Test date – School provided scholarship for tutoring 20 high achievers at his school)</p>

<p>Sat Testing with tutor in timed test conditions is yielding CR 770 M 740 W 720</p>

<p>Extracurriculars:
National Honor Society (Secretary)
National English Honor Society
National Spanish Honor Society
PreMed Honors Society (2 Years)
Key Club
Community Service 450 hrs. to date (YMCA, Fundraising for various overseas causes, Acting Camp mentor at local County Playhouse)
Physician Shadowing
Tutored Middle School Students in grade specific math</p>

<p>Dual Citizen- USA/Italy
He researched, applied for and was awarded his dual citizenship. He would like the option of living/working overseas after college.</p>

<p>Awards:
• Palm Beach Regional Science & Engineering Fair 2nd Place Physics Category (2012)</p>

<p>• Florida State Science & Engineering Fair Finalist – 2nd Place Engineering Category (2013- only student in school history to make it to and place at State Level).</p>

<p>• The Stiles Nicholson Foundation “MAD Scientist” Junior Achievement Award.</p>

<p>• ASCE American Society of Civil Engineers & Florida Foundation of Future Scientists- Outstanding Project Award – State of Florida 2nd Place Senior Division.</p>

<p>• Received a Full 4 year Academic Scholarship to attend his Private School from amongst 250 competing Highest Academic achieving Middle School students in South Florida.</p>

<p>Outstanding Academic Achievement Awards: Biology, Pre Calc, Anatomy & Physiology, World History.</p>

<p>AP Scholar with Distinction (as of next year)</p>

<p>Recommendations:
Honors & AP Biology teacher (was also his State Science Fair Coordinator)
Medical Professions Program Chair
School Headmaster</p>

<p>All three will be outstanding recs.</p>

2

<p>I would say his chances seem very good!</p>

3

<p>Thanks for the reply…</p>

4

<p>My daughter has similar stats, applied ED this year and was accepted. I would guess your son has a great chance of acceptance but not so sure about scholarships. In our experience, you need something extra in addition to impressive stats, as well from reading posts online it seemed a diverse, first generation, single parent, and internationals were more in the pool of scholarship consideration. We received no aid from Richmond though other equally competitive schools offered her monies. Good luck.</p>

5

<p>Thanks for your insights…</p>

6

<p>Hi! Speaking as an incoming Richmond Science Scholar, I think your son’s chances of getting into Richmond are great! In terms of getting a scholarship, the majority of the people I met at the scholars weekend had wonderful grades and test scores (though not always perfect) and all had something special that made them stand out. A lot of science-oriented people had conducted graduate-level research, and many of the service-oriented people had started/presided over large non-profits. It was very humbling to be included in a group of such talented people. </p>

<p>In regards to 132obs’ generalization of the profile of a typical scholar, I definitely agree with the need for something extra but am not so sure about the need for diversity/first generation/single parent/international (I personally am not Caucasian but I’m also not first generation/single parent/international). </p>

<p>I think your son’s chances of getting a scholarship would increase exponentially if he were to take something he’s really passionate about and do something with that passion so it betters his community. That way, when it comes time to talk about himself during the interview, his interest and love for what he’s doing can really shine through.</p>

7

<p>@ heymap-First, congrats on your scholarship. Just wondering if any of the scholars you have met had applied ED?</p>

8

<p>My son was granted a full ride as a Science Scholar a year ago (he did not apply early decision). Here’s my speculation on why he was so lucky: In addition to his stats (SAT 2300, 3.8 UW, Nat. Merit), I think what Richmond most appreciated was the time he had spent for three summers being an unpaid research assistant at a local university’s bio-chemistry lab (not doing high level work - just fruit fly sorting, but he could articulate the brain protein research they were pursuing). He was able to use these summers to demonstrate an interest in research, discovery, and scientific advancement. This gave Richmond a basis to decide he was a “good bet” to give the school something to boast about in 10 or 20 years. By the way, he had a great first year, and has enjoyed his paid research internship with a professor at Richmond over the summer.</p>

9

<p>Thanks baywood and heymap…after our 2500 mile college trip this summer, son has U of Alabama and Rhodes 1 & 2 closely followed by Emory…heymap, saw your interest in Rhodes on another thread and sorry this is getting to you late, but we absolutely loved the school…premed advisor (Dr. Jaslow that we met with was top-notch)…Bama merit money looks too good to turn down…will be visiting Viriginia schools this 2014 spring break (including Richmond)…hope you have good luck up there and congrats. on the scholarship! (and your son also baywood!)</p>

10

<p>My son was a science scholar who graduated last year. Coming from what many would consider an upper middle class family, with no socioeconomic hardships to speak of - I didn’t know if he would be offered this amazing opportunity. </p>

<p>His stats were high - 2380 SAT, first in his class of over 600 and a summer working at a world renowned hospital conducting research under a respected physician. In addition he played two varsity each year and spent years volunteering at local charities. </p>

<p>UR was an amazing experience under any circumstances and being offered this scholarship was the best financial opportunity one could hope for. </p>

<p>UR opened all the doors he needed. He was offered admission to many medical schools including a top ten choice. I am proud to say he now completed his first year of medical school.</p>