I know that my stats are low but please bare with me, I’m searching for hope. My parents don’t really care how much they have to pay for college, but on paper we’re technically very ‘poor’ I guess you would say.
I have a 2.9 UW cumulative gpa at the of my junior year 3.23 W
1300 sat: 650M 650R
I am a Hispanic first generation female
My grades go on a drastic upward trend. Sophomore year I had like a 2.5 and junior year I had a 3.8 UW. This was due to my parents having a toxic relationship it took a big toll on me. I want to write my essays about this but I’m not sure if colleges even wanna hear that but it would help explain the reason why my grades are so low.
I’ve taken 5 APs 2 more senior year and basically been in all honors classes. Senior year I will also being a dual enrollment class at my local community college and an internship at a hospital. My school is very competitive. I live in the D.C Maryland Virginia area. I’ve done a lot of community service I hold a leadership position for one club and was on my schools dance team since freshman year. I also did a competitive elite team outside of school. I’ve also been playing the violin for 10+ years. I know the schools I want to go to are sort of a reach but I want some feedback.
Schools I plan on applying to:
Texas A&M college station (top choice// I know this is a hard reach)
James Madison U
Louisiana State University Baton Rouge campus
Rutgers NB campus
University of Maryland (my brother goes there on a prestigious scholarship)
University of Maryland Baltimore County
I want to go to a big school, and want to stay away from having to go to a community college. Please help.
Okay wow there a lot of typos IM SO SORRY EVERYONE
For UMBC, apply to a Scholars program. Has strong pre-med prep, see Meyerhoff program.
https://scholarships.umbc.edu/scholarsprograms/
Look at Towson for dance
/fine arts/ community service interests, also allied health programs.
See Towson’s screened majors https://www.towson.edu/academics/undergraduate/majors/screened.html
Do not write your essay about your family struggles. Your essays are about you, what you bring to the table, and why a college would be lucky to have you. Have your GC explain your sophomore grades in their LOR.
What does this mean? Do your parents earn a lot but carry debt? If their income is high you probably won’t get much/any need based aid. And your stats aren’t high enough for much merit. How much can your parents pay per year without borrowing?
Are your parents separated or divorced? Is that why you live at one address but use a different one to be eligible to attend your high school? Schools that require the CSS Profile might be a challenge for your family.
It sounds like finances are an issue, so I would avoid going out of state. There’s no way you could afford to pay triple the tuition costs without some kind of scholarship. Plus, Texas A&M is a tough school to get into if you’re a nonresident. Honestly, I think community college is a very good idea, since Maryland schools tend to be very competitive. First, it’s going to save you a ton of money. Second, if you can keep high grades, it’ll open the door to go to UMD. That’s what community college is there for.
What’s your EFC?
Run the NPC on Goucher, Bryn Mawr, St Mary’s public honors, Agnes Scott, Muhlenberg. What are the results at each?
Hi, I suggest you widen your reach in-state as you will likely get the lowest tuition that way. Check out Towson and Salisbury and their honors programs. Alternatively, look at the “Colleges that Change Lives.” Many offer scholarships and financial aid that would be equal or better than in-state. Good luck!