<p>So a lot of these posts have very impressive schools that people are applying for. I am not as academically talented as most of the individuals in this thread and I know that. Please respect it.</p>
<p>So the two schools I really want to go to are LSU and University of Alabama (I will apply to more). I am a junior right now, and I live in Ohio. I come from a family whose income is around $160,000 a year. I ran varsity track my freshman year, and am running varsity this year. I plan to run senior year as well. I know that I don't have many EC's, but this summer I will be volunteering around my city to gain some volunteer hours. I also have had a steady job since sophomore year. I am not sure If I can put that on a college application. I also have taken 12 total semester hours my junior year at my local community college. My senior year I will be taking all my classes at the community college. I want to go to a big football school (my mom is an NFL cheerleader, football is in my blood :) ), a big school, and a school with an exciting night life. My major is most likely going to be exercise sciences and I want to go to grad school to become a physical therapist. Here are my stats:</p>
<p>GPA unweighted: 3.1
SAT combined: 1640
Writing: 550
Math: 520
Critical Reading: 570</p>
<p>I am taking the ACT this April and my goal is a 25. Please tell me my chances for getting into LSU and UA, and if you have any suggestions for where to apply or ACT prep. Thanks!</p>
<p>Hey, you may wanna add Ole Miss to the mix so you have an easy pick that’s big on football as well (but it may not meet your nghtlife criteria)</p>
<p>You’re definitely in range for Alabama as per their data graphs, same for LSU. So you should be in pretty good shape. I’d aim for a 27 or so if you can to solidify it though. Best of luck! Keep those A’s and B’s though as well. (also: How rigorous is your schedule?)</p>
<p>Also: YES! Put the job on the application. Job Experience is actually a bigger plus than a normal extra-curricular.</p>
<p>For ACT prep, just self study. You can do it! 
Buy ACT books and do all the problems. Found out your weaknesses and make them your strengths. Test as many practice tests as you can.
Also, taking classes at your local community college is a plus. Also, try to prep for the SAT as well. If you can score around an 1800 and a 25, you’re golden. Message me if you have any questions about study tips for the ACT! :)</p>
<p>Wow! Seriously you guys rock! Thank you!!! My schedule is all CP classes. In my school there is regular, CP then AP but they only offer AP in some classes. The college classes that I take in Ohio are looked at basically as AP classes or better. At my community college I have taken Sociology, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, and Psychology. Next year I will be taking English 111 & 112, physics, calculus (maybe), microbiology, government, and some other classes just to fill in elective spots all at my community college. I am glad that I can put jobs on a college application because I this year I had two jobs, two schools, track and a sport. I was worried that I couldn’t get any volunteer hours in because my schedule is so tight. I don’t think LSU nor UA really take into account recommendation letters, but I could really get some fantastic ones. My managers from both my jobs would be glad to write them. Would this be something I should do? I also am going to apply as early as possible.</p>
<p>I’m not familiar enough with the process to know what recs UA and LSU allow, but a supplemental recommendation is the type you give employers</p>
<p>Out of curiosity, why SEC?</p>
<p>Well I used to live in Texas and Georgia. I like the weather down south and I don’t want to be in the North anymore. Southern hospitality isn’t just a stereotype. Anyways, it’s just random chance that I am picking SEC schools, I also thought about University of South Carolina, and FSU. Those are serious reaches though, and I know that. Unless I get my test scores up I don’t really have a chance. </p>
<p>Lol your stats are almost identical to mine and I too am applying to LSU and UA! LSU and UA are apparently easy to get in. FSU is a little tougher, my brother got in with a 3.12 GPA and 28 on the ACT with no ECs. I really want to get a big school experience. LSU’s app opens July 1st and they only look at your numbers (act/gpa/sat) and some people who get all their stuff in early get acceptance letters as soon as July 10th…</p>