<p>Today I recieved an email from Questbridge prompting me to apply for the National College Match Program while on a trip to Northeastern University and I got excited so once I got home I went scrambling to my computer and did some research. I'm asking because I feel I'm definitely on the low end when applying.</p>
<p>Stats:</p>
<p>SAT 1: 1850 (610 M, 620 CR, 620 W) My schools average is 1200 and the districts is 1350
SAT 2: 610 Lit, 590 U.S. History</p>
<p>GPA(UW):3.4
GPA(W):3.7 (I had an enormous upswing from freshman year which was embarrassingly bad, failed a class bad)</p>
<p>AP's: English Language-3, U.S. History-3, (First one in my school to get a score above a 1)</p>
<p>EC'S:LGR (Let's Get Ready)- College preparation program located around the U.S. for low income students. Currently a representative as I've finished the program but I'm still obligated to attend events and speak on student boards</p>
<p>Young voices: Youth advocacy program which gives the students a voice in local politics, normally concerning education.</p>
<p>Sports-
Varsity football:1 year
Varsity Wrestling:1 year
Track and field(Spring):2 years
Track and field(Winter):1 year</p>
<p>You must come from an awful school!</p>
<p>Your SAT looks as good as others that I’ve seen garner acceptance. Grades might be a problem. There’s not enough economic information to make a fair judgement though.</p>
<p>I’m applying too! Good luck!</p>
<p>Oops! I knew I was missing something.</p>
<p>Mother made about $25,000 this year and my father, who she divorced, is unemployed.</p>
<p>That certainly gives you a competitive edge. I think it could help if you were clear on your school’s standards and home-life. Definitely make sure your essays are golden, even if it requires 50 opinions and hours of writing.</p>
<p>I’ll warn that a lot of the kids who made finalist that I’ve come across are mutants from < $20,000 families with 2350 SATs and 10 perfect AP exams. I’m not letting them discourage me, however, and neither should you. Everyone has their own story to tell and who knows where it may take you.</p>
<p>The GPA seems like an issue (especially because it seems like you come from a not very competitive/rigorous school). Apply if you think you can write amazing essay, financially you are qualified, but know that the GPA will hurt you.</p>
<p>“I’ll warn that a lot of the kids who made finalist that I’ve come across are mutants from < $20,000 families with 2350 SATs and 10 perfect AP exams. I’m not letting them discourage me, however, and neither should you. Everyone has their own story to tell and who knows where it may take you.”</p>
<p>Um, why paint the wrong side of the story? The average person named a finalist has a 1960 SAT/27 ACT, and only 24% had an income of 20,000 or less.</p>
<p>[2012</a> National College Match Finalist Profile](<a href=“http://www.questbridge.org/for-students/ncm-finalist-profile]2012”>http://www.questbridge.org/for-students/ncm-finalist-profile)</p>
<p>You have a decent shot in becoming a finalist. Explain the upward trend well and write strong essays.</p>
<p>Like others have said, if you have strong essays, you’ll probably make finalist. But don’t count on being a match recipient unless you have compelling, compelling essays.</p>