Feeling Unsure About Where to Go

College Search & Selection
1

I’m from Florida, but I’m looking to go OOS. I originally wanted to (and still really want to) go to California, but I’m slowly realizing how unreasonable and expensive that would be. Merit aid is VERY important to me and my family. I’m looking for suggestions of schools that match my stats and give good merit money. I would prefer warmer weather but will take all suggestions. Here are my stats. Thanks in advance!

GPA weighted: 5.075
ACT: 32 (writing 8/12)

AP Scores
human geo-5
apush-5
comp. govt/politics-5
ap lang-4

Senior sched.
ap econ/apgov
ap lit
ap psych
ap environmental sci

EC:
campus store cashier (volunteer 70+ hours)
NHS
president National Art Honor Society
English Honor Society Director
Miami Children’s museum (40+ hours)
Vector Marketing Sales Rep (paid)
Joshua’s Heart Foundation (food distributions to homeless 40+ hours)
Publicist National Italian Honor Society
Cashier at local pool (paid)
Photographer at local mall (paid)
Children Battling Cancer (volunteer 70+ hours)

2

My DD is a sophomore at LMU in LA and got good merit aid, her ACT was lower, maybe a 29? She was a mostly A, some B student. NOw, she is a Theater major and had to send in an audition tape, so I cannot tell you how much of her merit was related to that, or not.

It IS expensive to go to school in CA . Factor in 3-4 flights per year (two during peak rates…Thanksgiving and Christmas), and a very high cost of living for stuff like gas, groceries, restaurants, movies. I’ve been surprised by the grocery costs just for snacks (although, my DD is gluten free and a healthier eater than the cafeteria so her grocery bill may be higher than the normal student). Good luck!