<p>I have some reach schools where it's not only a reach to get in but a reach to get the financial aid I would need to attend. So I come here to ask about what match or safety schools you would recommend that with my stats below could guarentee or atleast be highly likely to receive merit aid. As a rule of thumb, I would like to keep to total cost of attendence under $20,000 a year and aiming more towards $10,000 (room and board included-don't forget). By the way I just finished my Junior year.</p>
<p>Weighted GPA: 4.31
Unweighted GPA (self-calculated): 3.7619 or 3.6871 (depending on way of calculation)</p>
<p>Highest in following category (taken 3 times)
ACT Composite: 30
ACT English: 27
ACT Math: 34
ACT Reading: 30
ACT Science: 31</p>
<p>Superscore: 31</p>
<p>SAT IIs
Math 2: 720
Chem: 660
WH: 620</p>
<p>PSAT is to low for National Merit Scholarship or anything else :(</p>
<p>APs: European History (4), Chemistry (taken), US History (taken), Calc AB (taken), Calc BC, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Statistics, US Government, and Literature.</p>
<p>Thank you for taking the time to read this.</p>
<p>Btw my school doesn’t rank and only submits the weighted GPA, that’s why I had to calculate it myself. As for the 2 numbers, the 1st number doesn’t include +s and -s and the 2nd number does. Just thought I’d clear that up.</p>
<p>Thank now for the requirements of the ACT would people accept superscores or not?</p>
<p>Another useful source of info -
[Kiplinger’s</a> Best Values in Private Colleges-Kiplinger](<a href=“http://www.kiplinger.com/tool/college/T014-S001-kiplinger-s-best-values-in-private-colleges/index.php]Kiplinger’s”>http://www.kiplinger.com/tool/college/T014-S001-kiplinger-s-best-values-in-private-colleges/index.php) (Note - this list is private Universities, to see LAC’s select that category at the top-left.
For publics - [Kiplinger’s</a> Best Values in Public Colleges-Kiplinger](<a href=“http://www.kiplinger.com/tool/college/T014-S001-kiplinger-s-best-values-in-public-colleges/index.php]Kiplinger’s”>Best College Values, 2019 | Kiplinger)</p>
<p>The problem with merit is that it is extremely unusual to get enough of it to get the cost of a private below 20K. Most kids I know who got merit awards got between 2K and 20K, which when subtracted from 55K still leaves a lot of $$$ to be paid.
It is certainly worth exploring however, as part of your admissions strategy - note the words “part of”. So, yes, pursue some merit-based options, but make sure you have some real financial safety schools too.
Are you sure you don’t qualify for need-based aid?</p>
<p>If you want to be sure, assume non-superscored test scores, unless the college says that it uses superscores for scholarship awards.</p>
<p>Thank now for the requirements of the ACT would people accept superscores or not?</p>
<p>Many/most merit scholarships are NOT based on superscored SATs or ACTs. Merit is often awarded based only on single sittings.</p>
<p>So, it sounds like your parents have told you to keep costs below $20k per year, preferably $10k. Is that true? What is the situation? IF not, what have your parents said?</p>
<p>It sounds like you need AT LEAST a full tuition scholarship so that the family contribution can pay for room, board, books, fees, etc. </p>
<p>Bean Town Girl is right about schools that are privates, but there are some publics that might work out for you .</p>
<p>What is your major and career goal?</p>
<p>Are you sure you don’t qualify for need-based aid?</p>
<p>The problem may be that he won’t qualify for enough FA. If he has an EFC of about $30k+, then the family’s contribution of $10k-20k won’t be enough.</p>
<p>Thank you.</p>
<p>My parents and I haven’t talked hard numbers but I’ve seen the numbers and with my sister coming along, 25k would be pushing it.</p>
<p>As for major, I’m VERY lightly leaning towards a social science and/or economics.</p>
<p>Hello,
You might try looking at Honors Programs where your stats put you in line as a candidate. If you are accepted some private schools offer full tuition (Boston College). Otherwise your state school may have an Honors program which – coupled with their lower prices – might give you some merit aid. Some colleges will tell you exactly what stats you need to be considered for their Presidential scholarships, etc., and how much these would offer. Of course nothing is definite until you get an offer on paper! Good luck and remember that if it is a safety make sure you would still love to attend school there!</p>
<p>My parents and I haven’t talked hard numbers but I’ve seen the numbers and with my sister coming along, 25k would be pushing it.</p>
<p>Talk to your parents. Children often don’t really know what is and isn’t affordable for the family. Ask them.</p>
<p>Thanks for all the help. I’m currently looking into schools that could fit me on the lists provided.</p>