College/university admission: A special case in need of opinions

Applying to College
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<p>Hey guys, first off, I have been reading some of the posts here during the past few days. Some are very informative. I want to to thank you in advance for taking the time to read my post.</p>

<p>My questions are kind of weird so try and bear with me. Thanks. </p>

<p>I am a 23 year old American-Israeli. I was born in the U.S and, of course, I am a citizen. I currently live in Israel, Tel-Aviv and plan on returning to the states permanently. My first step in doing so is college. I realize that I am a special case, since I'm not exactly an international student nor am I a domestic student. </p>

<p>In high school is was what you would call "some one who didn't apply himself". I have a diploma with a 75% average (out of 100) and 43% in math (not passable). In a nutshell, not impressive at all. Its not that I'm stupid I was just very lazy and preferred the beach to school :). </p>

<p>Since I graduated high school I have served in the IDF (Israeli Defense forces) as a staff Sargent in an infantry brigade. I went through rigorous training, duties and was honorably discharged after completion of full service. </p>

<p>After the military, I went on to start a small startup company in the Israeli e-commerce market. After raising private capital, building the company for over a year, I sold it about a month ago. </p>

<p>Now I am studying to take the SAT's. I really hope to get a good score, but I wont speculate. </p>

<p>That's me in a nutshell, as far as colleges would be concerned (I think).
I have some other EC's but nothing really interesting.</p>

<p>I'm not looking for a top20/ivy academic atmosphere. I am however looking for a good school, with solid academic and great people. You might say a good balance between life, leisure and work. From my searches it looks like the schools I am aiming for are University of Miami, UNC, UCD, University of Texas, maybe even USC.
Also, I would very much prefer a school with a hot climate and great social life that isn't too small. Also, I am much older than the normal college goer in the U.S so take that into consideration. </p>

<p>Also, I am able to become a resident of probably any state in time to be considered instate. I don't have 160K and I won't be able to afford much more than 20K a year. I need a school that will be willing to accommodate my financial situation. </p>

<p>My questions are:
1. Does my list make any sense? Do you think those schools would fit me? Are there other schools that you would recommend?
2. What would you say my chances are getting accepted in such schools if I get a good SAT score (2100+)?
3. Is there something you think I should know? I am fairly unfamiliar with how college in the U.S works and if there is a must know I would appreciate you sharing it with me. </p>

<p>Sorry for the long post and thanks for your time.
Roy.</p>

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<p>Are you hoping to start school this fall?</p>

<p>Is it important to you to have a significant representation of Jewish students?</p>

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<p>siliconvalleymom,
I am hoping to start school in the Fall of 2013. Not this upcoming fall. I do not care at all about a significant representation of jewish students. I am non religious as can be. </p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

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<p>Also, if I wasn’t clear enough, I am going to arrive at the states during the upcoming august and gain residency of the state most relevant to me. Furthermore, when I say 20K i mean comprehensive. Thanks again.</p>

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<p>College admissions will be quite interested in getting someone of your experience into their institution, provided that you meet prerequisite standards of academic performance. If you start at a good CC for a year or so and maintain a 4.0, you could easily aim for a top 30 school.
I would suggest looking into Columbia University School of General Studies. It is for non-traditional students and you get the same degree as graduates of Columbia College.</p>

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<p>dcsmiss,
I know that starting out in a community college and then transferring is always an option. I would prefer not do pursue it at this point. I would much rather start out and finish in the same institution.
Should I take your reply to mean that you do not think I have a chance in getting accepted into a decent school? </p>

<p>Thank you,
Roy.</p>

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<p>I just went on this site: [GPA</a> Calculator](<a href=“http://www.foreigncredits.com/Resources/GPA-Calculator/]GPA”>GPA Calculator) and it says I have a 3.17GPA. Is that good?</p>

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<p>If your 43% in math indicates weakness in that subject, and you plan to major in something needing significant math, then it may well be better to start at community college rather than have to take a lot of remedial math at a four year school.</p>

<p>3.17 GPA, even with a high SAT score, may be somewhat iffy even for some mid-level state universities, depending on major, due to increased competition and capacity cutbacks due to budget cuts. Also, check very carefully about acquisition of residency for in-state tuition purposes, since many states intentionally make it difficult to get in-state residency.</p>

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<p>Add Tulane to your list. (in New Orleans). Similar reputation to Miami as well as both having a Jewish population. </p>

<p>Can you take the ACT? My sons did better on that than the SAT.</p>

<p>Private schools are more generous with merit aid than publics (state schools) so you may be best off applying to schools where you are in the top 10-20% of applicants.</p>

<p>I think you will stand out by your interesting background as stated above. Certainly, your experiences and maturity can make up for some GPA. You should state your current work ethic and motivation. Maturity is a great thing. You are not hte same person you were in high school!!</p>

<p>UNC- only 12% or so of each class is for out of staters. These tend to be top scorers. Valedictorian Long Island son was accepted. No merit at all. Also, friend told me schools is way to conservative for my liberal, Jewish son and it would be a poor fit for him.</p>

<p>Lower cost state schools- New York SUNY’s.</p>

<p>Low cost state schools if you were a resident… NY, Georgia. Georgia is relatively inexpensive to live in. Tuition is cheap as well. University of Georgia?? Very good college town I hear. </p>

<p>Major?</p>

<p>Community College… not a bad idea. You can get good grades and transfer into the state school you want. Find out about residency as well.</p>

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<p>Want to add University of Florida and some of the other Florida sate schools as well.</p>