<p>Hi. I'm going to be a senior next year and I wanted to see if you guys could chance me for some schools. I don't know how well this is going to work though. I'm not applying to any Ivies or really selective schools. For me, the major concern is price and how much merit/financial aid I get. My parents have been out of jobs for most of the year, so money has become a major concern. So I was just wondering if you could chance me and say if you thought it was possible for me to get aid (like if they are known for giving a lot of aid out). Or if you know someone who got a good scholarship there or something. I know it might be hard since some of the schools you might not have heard of, but any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated. Also, if you know any colleges that give out good scholarships in the midwest area that I could look into, that would be great. I'm really trying to find a school where I won't end up way over my head in debt, but where I was also get a good education and enjoy the experience. So any advice is appreciated!! Here it goes:</p>
<p>Basics
-gender:female
-ethnicity:white
-state:Illinois
-unweighted g.p.a.:3.75
-weighted g.p.a.:4.4
-act:29, might retake in September to try for a 30, not sure yet though
-rank:28/188, top 15%
-upward trend in rank and g.p.a.
-school: private, doesn't send kids to really competitive schools though, mostly just state schools or private school in the midwest
-major in college:social work
-definitely applying for financial aid</p>
<p>Rigor of school work
-I have taken 4 APs and 7 honors classes including senior year. I have taken 4 years of everything (math, English, social studies, science). My classes are considered pretty hard for my school, not the hardest schedule, but definitely challenging.</p>
<p>APs
-AP U.S. history-5
-AP psychology-5</p>
<p>Awards
-silver award in Girl scouts (I know it's not much)</p>
<p>E.C.s
-3 mission trips during high school
-student ministry
-SADD-Students against destructive decisions
-band-pep band, marching band, and concert band
-JV softball
-theater-crew
-newspaper
-very involved in service things at school
-volunteering at local program for kids (75 hours a summer)</p>
<p>Leadership
-student ministry-service leader for my small group
-SADD-on the executive board next year
-retreat leader at school
-member of my school's service team for junior and senior year
-I'm am incharge of planning and carrying out my own year long service project at school. It's part of a program at my school where students bring in new service opportunities for students at my school. We have to find an area where we are needed, and take care of all the planning and arrangements for it during the year. Usually only 5 tp 7 kids participate in it.</p>
<p>employment
-I've had a job since the summer after freshmen year. I will also have a job during school this year. </p>
<p>essays
-I think my essays should be good. I consider myself a good writer. I plan to write about how my first mission trip affected my life, and how it made me want to have a job that helps people and makes a difference in their lives (social work). I also want to mention some of the things I've done in service since then. I guess you could say service in my "hook".</p>
<p>recs
-hopefully they will be good. I know 2 people for sure that I'm asking, and a possible 3rd choice. One of the people is the one who got me involved in so much service and leadership in service, so hopefully the letter will emphasize that.</p>
<p>colleges that I'm for sure applying to
-University of St. Thomas-St. Paul, MN.
-St. Louis University
-Illinois State University
-Missouri State University
-Loyola University Chicago</p>
<p>Colleges I'm considering
-University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
-University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
-Augsburg-Minnesota
-Northern Michigan</p>
<p>I hope that's good enough. Feel free to list any other colleges that you think might be a good fit in the midwest area. Or leave comments about the ones that are on my list. I really would appreciate any tips or comments, even negative ones. As long as it will help me make my college list and find a good fit. And if this is to hard to judge, then that's fine. I just wanted to see what people thought, since a lot of people know a lot more about the college process then me. Thank you so much!! (And sorry this is so long)</p>