<p>I need some advice from a different perspective. Here are my stats:
SAT: 660 CR 650 M 680 W
GPA: 4.252
Rank: 4/~125
School type: public (rural)
APs: psychology (5), apush (5)
Current senior course load: ap euro, ap bio, ap government, ap environmental science, ap literature, calculus (not AP), band
ECs: marching band (majorette captain), forensics competitions (regional champ sophomore year), president of drug prevention club, VP of interact club, SCA secretary, beta club treasurer
Job experience: I work retail about 5 hours a week. I've also worked in a nursery and at a day camp in the summer. And I had a regular babysitting job last summer if that counts
Volunteer experience: about 200 hours, mostly from summer mission trips
Ethnicity: white
Gender: female
State: WV
Income: < 30,000
Okay, I've been accepted to WVU for speech pathology already. I just don't know what I should do next. WVU is a good school, but is by no means my dream school. I don't know whether I should be content and go to WVU, or whether I should shoot for something bigger, better, and more selective. If you were in my position, what would you do? I can't afford to go out of state unless I were given a VERY generous scholarship. Should I just stay where I am? Do I even have a shot at some of the more selective colleges? I don't want to waste my if I don't stand a chance. Are there any particular schools you would recommend for me? I know these are the questions I should have been asking before I was a senior, but better late than never, right? Thank you all so much!</p>
<p>To your credit, you’re in an enviable position, having already been accepted into WVU, which, although not your ideal school, is still a solid institution. Were I in your position, I would decide on an application fee budget, research other schools with Speech Pathology programs that also offer good financial aid, and apply to a few. Having stated that, if your intention is to work toward a post-baccalaureate degree in Speech Pathology, you don’t necessarily have to major in it as an undergraduate - just be aware of prerequisites and make sure you take those classes along the way. Best of luck, and congratulations on being accepted into WVU!</p>
<p>Absolutely apply for more selective schools. Your stats are much higher then the WVU average. Your low income means that at many schools, you’ll receive high amounts of need-based aid. Don’t be so offset by the sticker price! At ivy-caliber schools your education would be completely free, at many others it would still be much lower then the advertised price. Since your income is so low, you’ll qualify for fee waivers. These allow you to apply to schools and send SAT scores with the typical fees waived. You have absolutely nothing to lose. Check out private schools from 25-50 on the USNAWR rankings just to get a sense of the schools you really should be looking at. If you have ANY questions at all about anything I am happy to help!</p>