Hello! I’m relatively new here, I’ve been looking at the forum for months but I’ve never bothered to make an account. I know chance threads aren’t official admissions advice but I just wanted some input from others as I’m still narrowing down my college list. To give some background, I’m planning on applying to:
Priority/EA:
- UMD (Priority, one of my top choices) - Match
- UMBC (Priority) - Safety
RD: - American (Reach)
- UPenn (high reach but it’s worth a shot, I’m going to retake my SAT in October and take Subject Tests in November)
- F&M (unsure about this one, I prefer a larger school environment) - Match
- GW (unsure, considering it as an option) - Match/Reach
My intended major is Public Health/Health (in general) and I’m open to considerations of other schools that are nearby Maryland and give good merit/need based aid (EFC is zero). I know I do not have the highest of stats but I come from an county with high competition/grades within its student body.
Stats
Gender: F
Location: MD
High School: Public
High School Type: sends some grads to top schools
Will apply for financial aid: Yes
Academics:
GPA - Unweighted: 3.67
GPA - Weighted: 4.31
Class Rank: Unknown, most likely15-25% (class size is ~460)
APs: 3, 8 by graduation
Courses: Highest levels possible
Scores:
SAT (NEW): 1310/1600 (superscore- will retake in October, practicing regularly–highest prac score is 1320 one sitting)
- CR + M: 1230/1600 (converted using concordance tables)
- scores have improved based on recent practice tests
ECs:
- Choir (4 years)
- Freshmen Mentor in leadership program’s "Mentoring Committee "
- Tri-M Music Honor Society (Member)
**Can’t afford many ECs and parents are unable to pick me up on a regular basis due to long work hours. We also cannot afford a car (for me) and I am not allowed to work.
Volunteer/Service Work:
- Teen Summer Reading Program Volunteer (10th grade summer)
- ESL Program Teacher Assistant (11th grade)
Honors and Awards:
- Honor Roll (every quarter)
- AP Scholar
- Tri-M Music Honor Society
Desired College Characteristics:
- Location type: Urban, Small City
- Size: Medium (5,000 - 10,000), Large (10,000 - 18,000), Very Large (Over 18,000)
- Area: East Coast
- Importance of cost: Extremely important
- School spirit/sports (not 100% essential)
Extra Info:
- URM First-gen/First-gen college student
- Sister attends UMD (will graduate this fall)
- Low income (<$25K); family of 4
Thank you! Ask me any questions if I missed anything/if you need more info.