<p>My outlook isn't the most spectacular, so any help is greatly appreciated!
Rising Senior
GPA: 3.9, AP Lang/Comp (3), DC Lit, AP Chem, Ap Eco, AP Stat
Top ten percent, 50 out of 626
SAT: CR: 650 M: 510 (retaking, obviously, probably not going to even submit ACT)
Ethnicity: White
Intended major: Public Relations</p>
<p>EC:
HUGE focus on Debate. President of Debate Team,Member for all 4 years, Rotary 4-way test speech contest winner, Excellence member in NFL (National Forensics League), 50 hours community service in NHS (to be 100 to get cord, so i don't know if the hours count as anything other than 'being in NHS') Vice President of Writing Club, member of NSHSS (but i don't even think it matters w/e ill take it), Euro club and Art club members.</p>
<p>Biggest thing: I have an EFC of $0, which is completely accurate. So is it practical for me to apply? Do I have ANY chance for merit? I mean, I know it influences scholarships to an extent, but probably not merit. Do you think my work-study package will be enough to cover for the self-help part of financial aid?</p>
<p>Should I start on more third party scholarships, community service, or should I prioritize a different college all together?</p>
<p>On average, SMU historically meets 88% of demonstrated need. If you have an EFC of $0, you will qualify for the maximum amount of aid SMU offers, and your package will include work study. Yes, you should always apply for 3rd party scholarships since most can be used at any university you attend. I know the Rotary Club gives scholarship money. </p>
<p>Based on your EFC of $0, you will qualify for a wavier of the application fee, so if SMU is your #1 school, there is no reason not to apply. </p>
<p>As for your chances, your SAT score is incomplete. What was your writing score and/or composite score? Is your 3.9 GPA weighted or uw? You only list one AP test score. Is that the only AP class you have taken to date? Unfortunately, SMU only gives credit for a 4 or 5. Are you are regional or state qualifier in debate?</p>
<p>You EC’s seem very solid, and since SMU is a liberal arts university that has a holistic admission process, your essays and teacher recommendations can help you over come mediocre test scores. </p>
<p>Have you made contact with your SMU admission counselor? </p>
<p>Good luck–this will be a busy and exciting year for you.</p>
<p>Went to an SMU event last night. They do not look at the Writing section. CR and M only.</p>
<p>Absolutely look for other scholarships. And, look for schools where the 75th percentile is 1160 for maximum merit aid chances. Focus your essay on your debate team excellence and tie it to your desire to major in PR!</p>
Basic Stats:
SAT: 1890
SAT IIs: N/A
GPA: 3.79 (U/W), 4.51 (W)
Rank: 112/451 (25%)
Subjective:
Essays: Excellent
Teacher Recs: N/A
Counselor Rec: Assumed to be good
Location/Person:
State or Country: Texas
School Type: Public
Ethnicity: White
Gender: Male
Other Factors: Marine Corps PLC (officer training program), intramural track/cross country
Any thoughts on admission?