<p>Okay, I'm a rising senior and I NEED to get this college list down. I've always dreamed of going to college in a large city in the NE. I've had dreams about attending a college right in the city. However, even if I do get in, affording the college is a whole 'nother thing.</p>
<p>Here's the dilemma: I live in Michigan. My grades are enough to get me into UofMI in-state and it has the program I want. Unfortunately, that is not the college experience I was looking for. But that's the one I can afford. I will apply to some of the colleges I like more campus-wise, but either will not get enough money, or they will be TierIII. Do I settle for a school that I'm not enthusiastic about (Michigan) with hopes to transfer to a better school for me(Columbia, NYU, BC, etc.) and I must find a way to pay? Or do I choose a school I like more, but doesn't look as good (Northeastern, Fordham, Pitt, etc.) but I still will have to shell out some cash? Keep in mind that I have/will not take SATs or SATIIs, so applying as freshman to Columbia or NYU is out.</p>
<p>PS: 32 ACT (will retake Oct), black female, actuarial sci. or statistics major, 3.98uw HS gpa + 4.0 at community college</p>
<p>You are lucky to live in Michigan. You can easily go to the big city after school with little debt and as good a job as anyone from those other schools. Or apply to them for grad school. You can't always get what you want but you'll get what you need right at home. Going to school in a big city is expensive beyond just the tuition.</p>
<p>A 4.O GPA/32 ACT African-American female who plans to major in actuarial science/statistics is likely to be able to go anywhere she chooses, and likely at a cost less than UMichigan. </p>
<p>You ARE lucky to live in UMichigan, and to be able to use it as a safety. But I think you are selling yourself (and your ability to attract aid offers) way short.</p>
<p>Personally I think you would be crazy to turn down UMich... especially for a school like Northeastern or even BU. ESPECIALLY when you factor in the cost.</p>
<p>The University of Michigan is a name that is recognized everywhere in the country. You can consider places like Northeastern with its very practical coop programs for grad school. With a U of M degree, you can target employers in the cities you are interested in, such as Boston and New York, and they may subsidize grad school.</p>
<p>As an alternative, Northeastern's coop programs are a very attractive and practical choice for someone with your interests.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, as mini said, I think you may be underestimating your chances. Have you considered Penn? They take the ACT but require SAT IIs. You could easily prep for and take two SAT IIs in October--Math IIC and one other, for example--or even November. A 32 ACT puts you firmly in the top part of their 25-75 range. You might gain a lot more in terms of financial and educational opportunities by taking the SAT IIs instead of retaking an ACT which is already good enough, although not stellar.</p>
<p>I believe you might've made mention of it before, but for ActSci, not too many schools can beat Temple. You should get close to a full ride at the least. I know several ActSci majors here, and we actually have a few who transferred from schools like Carnegie Mellon for the ActSci program. Anyway, if you have any questions, feel free to PM me.</p>
<p>Well, have you looked at Michigan State University? Perhaps you would feel better in East Lansing. I agree with the others, unless you simply can't abide by U of M, I'd head to Ann Arbor. Try to make friends. Join an activity or interest group.</p>
<p>Er...don't 'swallow whole' proficies like "There's no way you wouldn't get into Columbia..." Your odds are good, but...Columbia [and other] admissions officers are sure to wonder why wouldn't you prefer UM and may determine that you'll head to UM regardless. But that's what your personal essay [and possibly an interview] is for; to elaborate on your desire to attend XYZ college.</p>
<p>to everyone: Thanks for the advice. Well on CC, it seems like I'm not too qualified for admissions at better schools, but maybe I am. But I can't really afford my EFC without some help, so idk. ACCEPTANCE and AFFORDABILITY are two TOTALLY DIFFERENT things.I still like UofM, it was just never the school experience I dreamed of, although a good school experience (and I'd have fun).</p>
<p>to consolidation: I am considering taking SATIIs. Earlier I'd decided to just apply to ones that don't require them, but I am seeing that they are beneficial. I have a semi-heavy workload this senior year (probably light by CC standards) of working at comm. college, 3 CC classes, 4 HS classes (only 2 APs =( unfortunately). But since I don't have a fall sport (first time since 7th grade!), I think I may be able to squeeze in Nov. SATIIs for Physics and MathII.</p>
<p>to TUOwls: Yeah. I really like Temple's campus and location in Philly, so I will definitely be applying to it as a safety. I already planned so, as you mentioned. Plus Act. Sci and Risk Management programs are amazing.</p>
<p>to mini and NearL: Thanks for believing in me obviously much more than I believe in myself right now. I'm just so new to this "college planning" thing. During sophmore year, I didn't think you did anything for college but take a test (ACT) and it tells you which one. I'm trying to catch up (but I guess I'm not as far behind as I thought).</p>
<p>to LakeWashington: Thanks for keeping it real, lol. I'll definitely try to integrate why I'd prefer that school over UofM in my essays, if that's a good idea. Should anything about my school all aiming for Mich or MSU and how only until recently, I broke the mold be good for an essay? Or maybe better supplemental or not at all?</p>
<p>If you are from a "low" income family, I see no reason for you to not get into multiple HYPSM, and practically into any other school you want. Even if not "low" income, you have as good a chance as anyone on CC. You are seriously underestimating your chances.</p>
<p>3.98HS/4.0CC African American female with 32 ACT, as good as it gets in terms of admission (only beaten by 4.0 Native American from Alaska, lives on reservation, 2400/36...)</p>
<p>at noobcake: You're last comment made me laugh. Not low income, though, mom has ~$80k and dad (divorced) ~$50k with lots of savings (little for me). We definitely have a cash flow problem, and there's no way I would burden my mom for a school I <em>like</em> more than the state flagship.</p>
<p>at ferryboat10: I will look back into St. John's. I saw College of Insurance a couple of months ago, but didn't learn or find out much about St. John's so crossed it out. Just got Personal Application in email, though so should research some more. Thanks</p>
<p>I can readily identify with you because when I was your age I was in the same position. My local large university had (still has) a very fine national reputation and was just across town from my home. The tuition was remarkably cheap and the education was solid. Though I loved my hometown, I had no intention of ever attending the state university. I had wanderlust in my eyes and was determined to get away. I headed to an 'Ivory Tower' college far from home and it was the best thing for me. When you make your personal statement, make sure you make a strong and sincere mpression concerning your aspirations.</p>
<p>As a 3.9, 32 ACT AA, I don't understand why you're not trying for merit scholarships at Tier I schools: WUSTL, Rice, Emory, Grinnell, USC, Vandy, Tulane, Brandeis, Scripps, BU, Smith, etc.</p>
<p>You'd also be in the running for LS&A and possibly the Shipman scholarship at UM.</p>
<p>p.s. From the parent of a transfer, you don't want to go that route unless you really need to. Outside of the fact that most schools have much lower acceptance rates for transfers:</p>
<p>The process is as time consuming, if not more so, than Fr admissions.
You will be trying to keep up with your coursework while filling out applications.
You will likely make friends at your first school and have to leave them.
You will need to make new friends in an environment where kids have already known each other for a year or two.
You will have to give up activities you've started at your first school.</p>
<p>to entomom: Well, up until this thread, I didn't think I would have much chance at those merit scholarships. But of the colleges I like, I will apply and work hard for merit scholarships and outside ones at an attempt to make a dent in my EFC. Thanks for the suggestion.</p>
<p>to LakeWashington: I will check some of those out.</p>