<p>My son is a senior and is interested in engineering. He loved Georgia Tech, but the cost would be hard as he's out of state.</p>
<p>Academics
Cum GPA unweighted 4.0
Cum % Average: 99.7381
Rank: 1st or 2nd out of 278
National Merit Semifinalist
ACT: English 31, Reading 30, Math 35, Science 35, Composite 32
SAT: Waiting on scores</p>
<p>Currently Taking
Computer Programming at local college (dual enrollment)</p>
<p>Summer 2010 Took
Physics 1500, Physics 2500, Physics 2501 at Tn Governors School for Physics</p>
<p>AP Grades:
Calculus AB 1/2 : 5
Chemistry 1/2: 3</p>
<p>Honors Classes - All A's
English III, II, I
Chemistry I
Pre-Calculus
Biology I
Geometry</p>
<p>Extra Credit -
Eagle Scout
National Honor Society
Math Team
Swim Team
Church Choir & Youth
Church Mission Trips - 6 years</p>
<p>Any help, advice would be appreciated. Thanks :)</p>
<p>100% in also as oos - possibly also a shot at the Presidential Scholarship? </p>
<p>I’m not all that familiar with ACT (Reading & English seem to have room for improvement) - but his class rank and GPA make me think that he might have a chance for the PS (assuming he’ll have great SAT scores). </p>
<p>Your list of ECs doesn’t really indicate (to me, at least) if he’s had leadership positions in his ECs. This (plus the way he comes across in his application) might give him a shot at the PS - which would help witht he financial burden …</p>
<p>Again, based on his grades, I think acceptance should not be a problem, unless he comes across in his essays as a complete jerk (which I doubt, based on his ECs) ;-)</p>
<p>piao -Which schools do you mean when you say harder schools?
emi - He hasn’t had leadership positions in school. He has been a senior lead patrol in Boy Scouts. And I don’t think he came across as a jerk in his essay. I had him take it to his English teacher to proof and she thought it was okay. I also thought it was good. He talked about his steadiness and dedication to those things he loves.</p>
<p>In regards to a more difficult school, MIT might be one.</p>
<p>You mention that finances are an issue. What other schools is your son applying to? He should have plenty of opportunities to get close to a full ride with his National Merit Scholarship (NMS). There is a long thread that details opportunities for NMS students in the Financial Aid section of this forum. It’s worth looking into if you haven’t already done so.</p>
<p>My son is looking at similar schools and broke down his applications into three basic categories:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Reach High - This was MIT. </p></li>
<li><p>Good schools that he can likely get admitted to and MIGHT be competitive for merit scholarships or good schools that are in state and won’t break the bank.</p></li>
<li><p>Good schools that offer big scholarships for NMS students.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Good luck with your application process! It sounds as though your son is a neat young man.</p>
<p>Your sons stats looks very good for GaTech. I think he may even be considered for some scholarships/financial aid, including Presidential Scholarships, that may help to bring the cost down. Ga Tech is a very good university. Since your son is interested in engineering and perhaps also computer science, there are some good schools that give good merit aid to National Merit Scholars. My best suggestion for this major is Texas A &M. Please see the following thread. </p>
<p>No. Everyone who applies by November 1 is considered for the scholarship. However there are multiple rounds. Only some who apply by November 1 are selected as “semifinalists”. The semifinalists then have to go through an interview process with alumni from their area. The local alumni recommend students to become “finalists” who then go to Atlanta to interview.</p>