<p>Any criticism/help would be appreciated, thanks. </p>
<p>I have already finished applying to nine schools, and I was wondering what my chances were for getting in and/or receiving aid. Also, any personal recommendations for which school/s I should prefer over others would be nice. Here is the list, in no particular order: </p>
<ul>
<li>Northwestern University - Medill School of Journalism</li>
<li>American University</li>
<li>Boston University</li>
<li>U. of Missouri - Columbia (Mizzou)</li>
<li>U. of Michigan - Ann Arbor</li>
<li>U. of I - Urbana/Champaign</li>
<li>U. of Minnesota - Twin Cities</li>
<li>Case Western Reserve University (for Eng. major)</li>
<li>New York University</li>
</ul>
<p>I go to The Illinois Math & Science Academy (arguably one of the best high schools in the state) but we don't give out class rank or gpa to colleges. If we did my soph/jr. year gpa would be around 3.5 unweighted and I have a 1400 SAT score.</p>
<p>Previous journalism experience includes two published articles in The Daily Herald and one in The Aurora Beacon News (local newspapers) as well as being an editor (1yr.) for my school's literary magazine. I was, in addition, an Opinion Staff Writer for the student newspaper (2yrs.) before becoming the Opinion Editor this year (1yr.) and I participated in a Mentorship at a Children's Museum in Aurora working with their Marketing/Journalism team during the second semester of my junior year. I am/was the Deputy Managing Editor for DAMGA's Queer Magazine (~28,000 views/day). I say was/am because it is currently undergoing revisions and is down for maintenance - hasn't been updated since the summer. Either way, the position was enough to give me more experience such as interviewing 'The Gay Pimp' via email and writing a few extra articles while working with other high-ranking staff.</p>
<p>I have a few other extracurriculars, enough to fill the applications and show dedication, most notably - Habitat for Humanity. I am a part of the Habitat for Humanity club at my school, have built twice in Rockford and spent my last Spring break building three houses in South Carolina for their Collegiate Challenge, typically only open to College students.</p>
<p>Thanks for any help.</p>