<p>Hi. I'm new to this whole college searching thing. I'm a junior currently, so I'm pretty sure I'm supposed to be looking at colleges now, right? But, I have no idea where/what I want to study. I'm kind of one of those classic really intelligent, but incredibly lazy kids (just living the stereotype) with absolutely no direction in life. I haven't really had much guidance from my school, teachers, or parents on this stuff, so I was hoping you guys could help. My GPA is like a 3.5 UW and 3.9 W. After this year, I will have taken 7 AP's, and I'm set to take 10 AP's next year. My SAT score was 2150 last time, but I'm retaking it due to the fact that I think I was high when I took it (accidentally took too much cold medicine.) I'm in band and marching band, but that's about it. And my home state is Georgia. I don't think my parents can afford much more than instate tuition would cost us, but I really want to get out of state, so what options do I have for scholarships (if any)? Or maybe just really cheap schools? Thanks a bunch.</p>
<p>mapayax, the first thing you should do is take advantage of two semesters you can impact before you send off your applications and get your GPA up over 3.5. Two semesters of all A’s would be a BIG plus. </p>
<p>Second, learn how financial aid works. If your family is low income you may qualify for need based aid which is generous at many private colleges. Ask your parents to use an on-line calculator to get an idea of how much need based aid you may be eligible for. It varies from school to school but this would give you a ballpark.</p>
<p>You may also be a candidate for QuestBridge which is an organization that matches high achieving low income students with good colleges. Do some research on their website.</p>
<p>Lastly, music is an excellent extracurricular. Don’t just be in band and marching band: excel, lead. Depending on your instrument this could also be a plus in admissions. </p>
<p>[I’m not going to tell you to get over the “lazy” excuse, because you know that, right?]</p>
<p>There are options out there and you still have time. But, to help guide you, people will want to know things like what you’re interested in studying, or at least what your strengths and interests are. For example, what was your SAT breakdown? Are you looking for a traditional college campus or more of an urban environment? Head north or stay in the south? Good luck!</p>
<p>momrath- Thanks for the reply! I think I’m out of the low income range. My parents haven’t been very forthcoming about what we can afford (only what we can’t), so I’m really not sure where exactly we are financially. I should be able to get all A’s and one B this semester, but next year, I’ll have a good shot at all A’s (going to be in a better fit for math placement next semester.) With regards to music, I’m in line for getting a leadership position next year. And I’m pretty good at my instrument, but I don’t have much by way of awards or anything because I just really bad panic attacks at auditions.</p>
<p>Case16mom- Thanks for the reply! I’m honestly not sure where my academic strengths are. I’m pretty good at writing, but I would hate to major in it. My SAT breakdown was 670 Math, 710 Critical Reading, and 770 Writing. I’ve honestly got no idea what I want in regards to college environment. I’d like to head north or even west, but if it won’t fit in the budget, I’m willing to stay closer to home.</p>
<p>Glad to hear that you expect mostly A’s this semester and next semester. Colleges like upward trends. </p>
<p>You should also develop a close relationship with two academic teachers whom you can use as recommenders. </p>
<p>Focus on the positive side of your involvement in music, even if awards are not forthcoming. In addition to academic references send in a supplemental recommendation from a music mentor or instructor. Plan to submit a recording as a supplement to your application. </p>
<p>A second EC or activity would be good. Do you have a job? What do you plan to do over the summer? You should join a group or do anything just for the purpose of padding your application; however, you can turn activities that you enjoy (or in the case of a job that are good for you) into positives. These don’t have to be traditional ECs like sports or student government but can be personal or artistic, like creative writing, volunteering – anything that shows that you have interests that you care about.</p>
<p>Another factor in admissions is any diversity qualification. Race is obvious, but diversity also covers family economic status, religion, ethnic background, geography and if you’re the first member of your family to go to college.</p>
<p>Lastly, and this is the most important, clarify your financial situation. There are two kinds of financial aid – need based and merit. Choose two or three colleges (any ones) and find out how much need based aid your family would be eligible for. You may be surprised by the results. </p>
<p>Many parents are secretive about finances, but you really need to know the reality of your situation. If your parents are resistant, perhaps you could enlist a teacher or clergy member to help you explain to them how important it is to know – for better or for worse – where you stand financially.</p>
<p>If need based aid works for you, you’ll be able to put together a wide list of colleges. If you need merit aid, the higher your grade point the better.</p>
<p>Do some prepping and take the SAT again. Consider taking the ACT. Really, though, your scores will neither get you in or keep you out. You should be concentrating your energy on your grades, your essays, your extracurriculars, your recommendations – and of course your financial options.</p>
<p>I don’t currently have anything this summer. I’ve been looking for jobs and applying everywhere, but around here most jobs get taken by college kids coming back, so it’s been tough. I haven’t given up yet though. I might get an internship with a local Spanish program if I can’t find a job.</p>
<p>I think we’re fairly ordinary as far as diversity goes (white, likely middle class, atheist, and of European decent.) </p>
<p>I’m set to take the SAT again in June. I wanted to sign up for the ACT too, but it’s just too far away for the closest testing center.</p>
<p>Mayapax,</p>
<p>Each college and university has a Net Price Calculator on the website, or a link to their own calculator inside the College Board website. Pick out a couple of places that you like including at least one GA public, and ask your parents to help run your family’s numbers through them. Chances are that your parents have just finished their taxes for the year, so they should know where their financial records are. Once you all know those results, you can talk about what looks to be affordable, and what doesn’t.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Mapayax, if your parents are avoiding the financial aspect of paying for college, get them interested.
Do not let them stick their heads in the sand! Have one of your parents run the EFC calculator on the Collegeboard website with their 2012 tax returns and yours, if you have one. Choose IM for institutional methodology and FM for federal methodology. Keep hitting save on each page, print out the summary sheet at the end. It will show an EFC (expected family Contribution) for both financial aid formulas, FM and
IM. </p>
<p>Have one of your parents buy “Paying For College Without Going Broke” Princeton Review by Kalman Chany. Read it, do the worksheets in back of the book etc. It is important for at least one of your parents to be an educated consumer in this process. If you are a junior, this is your base income year, so what your patents do financially this year affects your financial aid for college year 2014-2015.</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/financial-aid-scholarships/1348012-automatic-full-tuition-full-ride-scholarships.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/financial-aid-scholarships/1348012-automatic-full-tuition-full-ride-scholarships.html</a></p>
<p>Happymomof1- Oh, thank you! I didn’t even know that sort of thing existed!</p>
<p>SLUMOM- I look into both, thank you!</p>
<p>Erin’s Dad- I was hoping a sort of thread existed! Thank you so much!</p>
<p>Also read the thread on “Schools known for good merit aid”. It’s on the Parents Forum. Schools that give merit aid for good scores, will give even better aid for excellent scores. If finances will be an issue -target some colleges where your SAT is the top 25% or higher. Try not to fall in love with any one school until you are accepted and you know the final cost and can compare.</p>