<p>Hey CC. Like the title says, I'm looking for a school that I might be able to get into for materials/chemistry. Quick background - I'm a poor independent/recently orphaned student with a mix of confidence and insecurity when it comes to applying to schools. </p>
<p>I've taken the act once w/ a 34 composite.
Sat 3 times w/ all three being about 2040 and a 1430/2110 superscore (Reading 730, Math 700/680 Writing)
I've also taken two AP tests and two subject tests:
Bio - 5 - 740
US Hist. - 5 - 690</p>
<p>11/173 students
My gpa is a little low w/ about a 93/100 and a 101/100 weighted.
Theres a signficant upward trend though b/c of personal difficulties:
Freshman : 97.48
Sophomore: 99.40
Junior: 105.13</p>
<p>I've also taken 6/6 ap classes (I'm the only student to have done so- I don't know if that makes a difference).</p>
<p>I have a few years of winter/spring track and a few unremarkable clubs.
Plus, I've spent a lot of time working a paid internship at a lab since my junior year. </p>
<p>My community service isn't remarkable, but I feel that it is very strong. I've had a service internship and started drives at my school. I've also been outside of the country on a relief trip.</p>
<p>Out of the schools that I've looked into I love UCSD, UCLA, Bowdoin, and NYU. Out of those UCLA & UCSD would be the top choices by far if I get in. But as an out of state student its way too expensive and I probably can't afford them.</p>
<p>I only recently became very interested in materials, but I've always loved science. I'm not sure where I could find a good program that I could get into. I'm super interested in research but I'd also like a more varied education. </p>
<p>I have been accepted to some strong safeties so now I'm looking for a few schools that might be a bit harder.</p>
<p>Well done on getting into your safeties. I don’t know how recently you lost your parents but it looks like you’ve been able to focus on college and done really well :)</p>
<p>I don’t want to seem callous or have you get the wrong impression- but being an orphan in limited financial circumstances may be a ‘hook’ to some colleges. You’ve demonstrated a drive and focus in real life rather than ‘buying’ experience and brownie points through expensive study trips and hobbies. I believe there are also specific scholarships available for young independent/ orphaned students (if you haven’t already searched for them).</p>
<p>The confidence/insecurity wibble is normal. Even the most academically able with international recognition in subjects or sports will still be anxious. You should apply to one or two needs blind colleges with your scores! </p>
<p>Recommendations for reaches?
Harvard (need blind)
NYU
Princeton (need blind)</p>
<p>You need to run net price calculators on each school to check need-based financial aid. The minimum net price at UCs will be about $32,000 per year for an out-of-state student eligible for maximum need-based financial aid (i.e. unaffordable if you are poor enough for that).</p>
<p>@poppy thank you so much, that was very reassuring! Most of those schools might be a little bit more than a reach though!</p>
<p>@ucbalumnus I had been checking the ACS list but I hadn’t seen the ABET list, so thank you. As far as need-based aid goes, I’ve got a pretty good idea from the calculators and such that I’ve looked at. I’m just looking for some specific good programs that I can apply to regardless of exact scholarship expectations.</p>
<p>Note that Harvard, Princeton, and Caltech do not have materials engineering either, although Harvard’s general engineering science covers several engineering areas (though it appears limited in materials).</p>
<p>There are 58 schools with ABET accredited materials engineering bachelor’s degree programs. This might be a good place to start, since the availability of this major is probably one of the more constraining factors in your search.</p>
<p>Be sure to check the net price calculator for every school you may apply to, since their aid can vary widely.</p>
<p>why not PSU? Materials science is a strength (about #12-15). Better than the schools you listed and right in your back yard. Chemistry is excellent too.</p>
<p>Thank you for your help @ucbalumnus I’m in at Rutgers and its a school that I would be okay with going to. I would very much like to seek some more variety than to go to a public school so close to home though. </p>
<p>@rodrigo9 Well its just frustrating that I’ve bummed off in easy classes and I could’ve hit higher. You’ve got test score that I’d be jealous of, at least.</p>