Chances and Ideas for Prospective Journalism/Communications Major

<p>As of now I am planning on applying to 9 schools, mostly because I am hoping to get a merit scholarship that will cover almost all of my tuition. What do you think my chances are of getting in and perhaps getting money from:
1. USC
2. Northwestern
3. George Washington
4. American
5. Pepperdine
6. Syracuse
7. Boston U
8. Ithaca</p>

<p>I have taken all honors and AP classes whenever available throughout high school.
GPA: 4.13 (only AP classes weighted)
AP Biology: 5
AP US History: 5</p>

<p>SAT I: 1410</p>

<p>EC:
3 years JV and V Softball
2 years V Golf
4 years in Drama Magnet and performed in many school plays - was a Governor's Honors Semi-Finalist in Drama
3 years in film club
2 years in National Honor Society
1 year volunteer for Big Brothers/Big Sisters
2 years on school newspaper staff (1 year as In-Depth Editor)
2 years on student government</p>

<p>What do you think? Any ideas on California schools with Journalism programs that could be less expensive than private schools? Any ideas on schools with Journalism that I could be almost assured of a merit scholarship?</p>