College Search

College Search & Selection
1

I am a rising junior who is just thinking about possible college options in the future. Here are some things about me:

My school doesn’t provide an UW GPA, but I will most likely end up at around a 93-94 weighted GPA, or possibly higher if I don’t transfer to a local CC senior year (will explain later). I am a member of the Academic Team, and will most likely be the captain senior year. I also plan to run the Young Democrats Club next year or senior year. I will most likely be in the English, Social Studies, and World Language Honor Societies for my school by the beginning of senior year, and National Honor Society not far after that. My ACT score could come around to a 31-33 or higher (I got a 28 on the PreACT with no prep), and I am taking the PSAT junior year.

I am beginning to volunteer for our freshman mentoring program next year, and I am seeking various opportunities in my community. I may work as a peer tutor run by the school, and I will most likely apply to a job as an after-school counselor next year. I also have autism, so I would like to hear opinions on how that affects my chances.

However, there is a community college in my town that has a renowned honors program with a high transfer rate to Ivy League schools and their equivalents. If I attend there, some of my senior year activities could be in jeopardy.

I am from New York, so there are certain SUNY schools that I like. Even though my family makes way over the amount that will get me significant financial aid, any schools that are over $25,000 a year will require me to get significant financial aid. I would like schools that have a bustling social scene as well as good academics. I want my college education to be an experience. My major is most likely going to be Undeclared, but I might have a change of heart in the future. I would like to know about schools that are reaches as well as safety schools.

2

I will be honest. Your current trajectory does not put you anywhere near an Ivy. Both your GPA and test scores don’t seem competitive – and all are just projected anyway.



I agree that exploring SUNYs are a good place to start, especially if your parents are well off but are capping their contribution at $25K. You can borrow another $5500 freshman year, and a little more each year after that, so take that into account.



You can enter college with an undeclared major, but it is helpful to know what majors interest you. You generally have to pick by end of sophomore year, and realistically many majors require you to take at least some of their intro classes in the first year to stay on track to graduate. It is hard to recommend schools with no hint of what you want to study.



Autism itself won’t make much difference. But if it has a negative impact on your relationship with peers or teachers, it can have a negative impact on your recommendations. It can also make interviewing difficult. You might consider avoiding interviews unless they are required. I have a kid on the spectrum who took that path, and she got in everyplace she applied.

3

I agree that I am not anywhere near an Ivy’s standards, but what are other schools that I should take a look at?

4

My autism has not affected my social skills that much, thankfully. Several teachers have commended me for my intellect and hard work throughout my high school career, and many adults have very high expectations for me and pride in my abilities.

5

If you get a 32 on the ACT you should look at Hamilton. If any lower I would suggest Fordham, and maybe Baruch.