Help for a Maryland Hopeful

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Maryland - College Park
1

<p>Hey guys so I really really want to go to Maryland. It's one of my top 5, however, I'm not really sure I'll get in and if I do what types of scholarships should I try to get. I'll definitley need a lot of them to go there. Please don't ignore this. I'm trying to get a jump start on things. If you comment with any suggestion, any at all I'll love you forever! </p>

<p>GPA - 4.1136, unweighted 3.97?
ethnicity - African/black
gender - female
location - pennsylvania
ACT - 26, 29 I'm definitely taking them again. I'm hoping for a 33
SAT- embarrassingly low, so I won't even mention them</p>

<p>I took AP US History sophomore year and got a 5 on it. This year I'm taking AP European History, AP Biology, AP Statistics, and AP Language and Composition. I expect to get maybe a 3 on Stats and 4 or 5 on the others. Next year I'll take AP chem, AP cal/AB, accelerated English, maybe Health/Anatomy, and maybe AP gov. I won't bore you with all the classes I've taken, but they've all been the highest level. Either AP or accelerated if available. I got a B one quarter in my academic chem class and a B on the final, and a C on my French 3 final (only because the teacher hated me). I've gotten As in everything else. </p>

<p>At the end of high school I will have been in the marching band for 3 years, mock trial for three years (winning best witness twice), tennis team for 4 years (hopefully I'll be on varsity next year), key club one year, student government for two years (junior representative), I'm thinking about running for senior class vice president or secretary, and English festival for 3 years. I'm planning on doing some kind of internship or volunteer work at a hospital or a medical private practice. I know my ECs suck any suggestions for making them better that I can do over the summer and the following year?</p>

<p>What scholarships should I try going for (big or small), how can I improve my transcript, are there any other classes I should think about taking next year, and do you think I have a chance? </p>

<p>Thanks for reading!</p>

2

<p>Here is the single most important thing you need to know: be sure to apply by the University’s Priority Deadline, Nov. 1. [University</a> of Maryland - Freshman Application Deadlines](<a href=“http://www.admissions.umd.edu/apply/freshmanDeadline.cfm]University”>http://www.admissions.umd.edu/apply/freshmanDeadline.cfm)</p>

<p>If you apply by November 1, you’ll automatically be considered for all merit aid that the University offers (with no special application); and if you apply after this deadline, you will be ineligible for any merit aid at all.</p>

<p>Your high school grades are obviously very good. Congratulations. A 29 ACT isn’t bad, but if you can raise it, you’ll be an even more competitive candidate for merit aid.</p>

<p>I’m afraid I don’t have a lot of information about need-based aid at Maryland, but this forum has several really knowledgeable parents who may be able to give you good information about that.</p>

3

<p>Thank you so much!</p>

4

<p>You sound like you’re on the right path! You’ll have a slightly tougher path because you’re out of state, but your grades and ECs are outstanding, as is the rigor of your program to date. My twins both got accepted at Maryland, and my daughter got in with good grades but only an average ACT (28). I believe the middle 50% of ACT for Maryland is 28-32. If you can get your ACT closer to 30-32, I think you’ll do very well.</p>

<p>Definitely apply by November 1!!! Good luck!</p>

5

<p>I think your in! I got in this year w/ lower test scores and much less rigor. My ECs are comparable and im from PA too. Merit aid is extremely difficult for oos students. Idk about need aid because i didnt apply for any.</p>

<p>Sent from my DROIDX using CC</p>