<p>I am in state for UM and UF. I already have guaranteed admission to two in state schools (Stetson and FSU) so I am debating whether I want to save the money and get an in state education or be in debt out of state (supposing I get in to any of the aforementioned reach schools.) I am male, so unfortunately I can’t use female as a hook haha. Thanks for your input though!</p>
<p>Just as a side note, you’re applying to quite a few colleges, and most of them (if not all) are top 20 schools or near there. </p>
<p>I don’t know you so I’m not sure what you want or who you are, but I was just wondering because this is a situation that has come up with some of my friends (as well as the freshman version of myself). How much do you actually know about these colleges aside from their prestige? Is there a reason you want to go to these schools, name cast aside? What can the schools offer you that is distinct from any other college? If you can list a few things about each college and why each fits you, that’s great. If not, I’d consider revising your list.</p>
<p>Your SAT score is low so I’d retake, as are your AP exam scores (which are just about average) but the AP exam scores aren’t that important. You don’t have any interesting ECs that pop out at first glance, since they are all pretty stereotypical based on what else I’ve seen. Honestly though, even normal ECs can get people into top schools. it’s not just about the academics and extracurriculars, it’s about the essays as well. I can’t give you an accurate measure of your actual chances at any school.</p>
<p>@Gomdorri. I have 4 safeties that I am applying to. I have two instate (Florida) schools that have called me and offered me scholarships to attend. So I have guaranteed admission (as I previously stated) to two universities. That being said, those colleges offer the best education for my intended major(s). The reason they are top 20 schools is because the quality of education they receive there is far beyond what you can get at most state schools. I want feedback on schools that I’m not sure how qualified I am to go there. I’m obviously not going to ask my chances at a school that has called my and basically told me that I am going to get accepted and have a free ride (financially).</p>
<p>Well you also have to realize that the quality of the education isn’t the only thing to factor into decision making. You have to consider SOs, location, research opportunities, campus life, the environment, and so many other things. There are a lot of really great colleges out there, but that doesn’t mean qualified people will apply to every single one of them. A good education doesn’t mean a guaranteed match. You may not fit into some schools even though you feel like others are a perfect fit. I’m not trying to convince you to shorten your college list, I’m just advising you to explore a little more before you make a final decision because applications, when you do a lot of them, get pretty expensive. There is more to college than name and education.</p>
<p>Out of your college list, you can only attend one of those schools. Why apply to 14+ when you won’t be able to attend them all?</p>
<p>I also only plan on applying to some (probably 6-8) of the schools on that list. I probably won’t waste time on the ‘specialty schools’ where I’m way underqualified (i.e MIT and Caltech).</p>
<p>IMHO, there really isn’t more to a college than education. Obviously, the other things will be a factor in my decision in my choice if I get accepted to more than one of these universities( I’ve obviously researched them, not gonna apply somewhere blind.) so I have an idea of what it’s like and in some cases I have been to the campuses (Duke, Cornell, and Columbia). But this is what the rest of my life (my career) will be based off of. Education is really the most important thing in my mind.</p>
<p>There is no such thing as being underqualified. Don’t apply anywhere just because you think you have no shot! The only way to have a 0% chance of getting into a college is to avoid applying. If you apply, you have a shot. Everyone has a shot. CC users aren’t admissions officers, and no one can give you a good guess on whether you’d get in or not. If you really like the school, then go for it. There isn’t a reason not to. I’ve heard of and know of many cases where people have been told they have no shot at getting anywhere and end up going to their dream schools/reach schools.</p>
<p>And that’s good. 
Obviously, education is a crucial factor consider, but it’s also good to explore campuses and other things as well because those also play a role in decision-making. For example, you might prefer smaller colleges (and possibly liberal arts colleges) if you plan to pursue a career in the medical field because the education is similar to any other great university, but there are less students, which means more internship opportunities and better chances of getting close with your professors. Some people prefer larger or medium-sized universities because there is a wider variety of student organizations and chances to get involved. Even if the quality of the education is ranked the same, the way that two colleges deliver their education will be different, even if it’s just slightly. Some people are fine with large class sizes, some people prefer quarter systems over semester systems, some people prefer a liberal arts education where you can design your own major, etc. Two types of education might be the same quality when weighed holistically, but when compared while tailoring to your own needs, one might be better than the other. I hope that makes sense.</p>
<p>I never visited any campuses (and probably won’t ever in the near future) because my family can’t afford it financially LOL.</p>
<p>Yeah thanks for the input! Anyway, campus tours are generally free (I mean minus the cost of actually traveling to the campus)…</p>
<p>Anytime.
And haha yeah, they are. I haven’t heard of a single place that charges for campus tours so far. It’s the cost of the plane ticket + the hotel that my family can’t afford. I mean, I could visit campuses in my state, but I’ve already been to the main one twice for all-state band and my state’s colleges are anything but appealing. The graduation rate is rock bottom, none of the colleges have the majors I want, and most importantly, my state is pretty horrible. The only college I’m applying to that is semi-close to home is Stanford but even then, that’s really far away. :P</p>
<p>Sorry, with weak GPA/SAT and average to mediocre ECs, I don’t think you have much chance at any of those schools. Could be wrong though</p>
<p>I think you have a great shot at the all the schools you listed. You have a great ACT score and GPA! Could you also chance me : Chance me (I’ll Chance Back!!) JHU, GW, NYU, BU, UVA,UConn, Wake Forest, and Brown</p>