<p>I have a low GPA Im from puerto rico and did not really take school seriously because admission to college there is granted . I moved here sophmore year and began to understand the concept of college. My GPA before I moved here was 1.2 and now it is 2.67. I take all APs and Honors and so far ive gotten a 5 on AP Spanish and 4 on AP Psych. I have work exp and a lot of volunteer exp. Im mixed race . One younger brother. Parents are very educated . Huge interest in the environmental field. My native language is Spanish and I can speak french and english. I have a 25 on the ACT and 1600 on SAT.</p>
<p>Bottom line is I'm plannig on applying to some top schools because I developed an amazing need to further my education. </p>
<p>My reach schools are University of Richmond, Elon, Wake Forest, William and Mary.</p>
<p>And my safe schools are UMD, ODU, FGCU and St Mary's</p>
<p>I was wondering what were my chances of getting into my reach schools? And if there weare other schools that I should think about instead of the ones I have.</p>
<p>I know you will definetely not get into University of Richmond and William and Mary. I don’t mean to sound harsh, I’m just being realistic. You can a shot at ODU, I don’t know about your other safety schools. I hope you can get in. You seem very genuine and down to Earth and your test scores are great. But a 2.67 will unfortunately hold you back. Unless the college takes into account your upward trend and advanced courses. I still don’t think you really have a shot at your reach schools, but you might at your safeties. Just be sure to keep the grades good and write an awesome essay, get teacher recommendations, maybe take the SAT again.</p>
<p>The only school I know a decent bit about on your list is UMD. I would classify it as a very high reach, not a safety, the average GPA is like a 3.5 for admitted students.</p>
<p>You need to look at non competative or minimally difficult entry colleges. These schools will usually offer very little in financial aid so you need to consider that also. Are you in VA? Check out college data dot com. You can do a college match search there.</p>
<p>When I put in your SAT/ACT/GPA and a great college town into the search engine and it came up with Lycoming College (Pennsylvania).</p>
<p>They have a GPA average of 3 (your below but close) and a ACT of 23 (your above). It costs about $30,000 (private) but you can get a $15,000 merit based scholarship IF you get the GPA up over a 3 and graduate in the top 50% of your class (above a 22 ACT too but you already have that)</p>
<p>I know nothing about this school (never heard of it) but by using the College Search I was able to find it and then a simple google search to find more info. Just do this and look at schools that match your results.</p>
<p>You seem like a very kind hearted, genuine person, but you are in a very unfortunate situation and I really feel bad for you because you are passionate about continuing your education. Look into lesser-known VA public schools, pick one, go for a year or 2, get good grades and a high GPA, and then apply to transfer to a more well-known, better school. Your first year or 2 of college will not be ideal, but if you do well you will have much better years in the future. You have potential to do very well, given your situation, and I truly believe you will eventually land a good career in environmental science but you gotta work your a** off to get there haha! On your essay, highlight your passion for continuing your education and learning and make sure that you get very good recs. Also, try retaking the SAT and ACT and if you can pull off a 1900 or 28, you will have a better shot at some of your safeties. Good luck :)</p>