<p>I know this isn't really a "what are my chances" thread but it seemed to be the best fit. I've been facing a bit of a dilemma lately as far as where to apply. I'm currently a high school junior (almost a senior, thank God!) and getting a really good scholarship is absolutely key. When I go to college next summer, my parents will have three of us (myself, my sister, and my brother) in universities. My biggest problem as of now is finding quality schools that have large-ish merit-based scholarships. Here are my stats (basic overview):</p>
<p>-White female in North Carolina, prospective major of Engineering/Physics as my first choices, or Biochem/Neurosci.
-ACT Composite: 33 (36 Reading, 30 Math, 31 Reading, 30 Science)
-SAT: We won't talk about it.
-GPA: 3.98 Unweighted, 4.82 Weighted
-Class Rank: 1/395
-Courseload: Finished all required courses already. 6 APs, 5 of which were this year, and I'm taking 2-3 more next year. I've never taken a regular class before in a core subject, only Honors or AP.
-ECs: Various and numerous. I have a mixed bag of ECs and would say they're relatively strong.
-National Honor Society member
-Financial: My father is the sole provider and is currently retired Army Special Forces with 90% disability, I believe. I don't know exactly how much he gets. He used to make 6 figures but I know it got cut down quite a bit when he retired.</p>
<p>Right now I'm looking into USF, U Alabama, and U South Carolina. I would rather not stay in state. Definitely want to go further south, esp. Alabama or Florida (I need sunshine), but any of the deep south states are fine with me, and North Carolina is a flexible option if I love the school. Northern schools are acceptable but not preferable. I think Ivies would be a possibility, but most don't offer merit scholarships. I would love suggestions! </p>
<p>Have you looked into GA tech? It could be an awesome safety school; ranked 1st in women in engineering. That’s my #1… And my safety… Lol. I’m similar to you with all of my credentials. </p>
<p>Hmm. You may be eligible for need-based aid depending on your father’s income. If it is under $100,000 and there will be 3 kids in college, your EFC could be fairly low. If that’s the case, I would highly recommend you look into top private and Ivy league schools. They give out a ton for need-based aid. Do you care about the prestige or quality of the program?</p>
<p>Miw140 prestige is not a huge concern, but quality is. There are lots of private universities that aren’t big name but have great programs. I plan on applying to Johns Hopkins and Duke, which aren’t ivies but definitely tier one. I’m mostly looking for acceptable backups if A. I don’t get enough financial aid and/or B. I don’t get accepted at all. </p>
<p>Looking at your grades and class rank, I would say look into cornell, nyu, and UCLA. Although with those you would be far away from home. Please elaborate on your ECs, as it would help on determining whether or not certain universities would you most likely admitted to.</p>
<p>Also, if you like small schools, check out Wofford College in South Carolina or Eckerd College in Florida. Both are excellent colleges, and you would be among their highest scoring students on the ACT. Getting into the upper 10% to 20% range at most colleges will get you great scholarships.</p>
<p>Have you looked into Vanderbilt? I know one of my friends with extremely good test scores was recently accepted there with amazing financial aid. I think especially as a girl interested in engineering/science with your grades and test scores, you should be able to get good scholarships/aid.</p>
<p>For schools that don’t have big merit aid (like U of A) guaranteed for your stats, be sure you are working with your parents to run the net price calculators so you can get an idea of what kind of aid you will get. But check it out by changing the number of siblings in college, because I am guessing your sibs will graduate, and then your EFC will go back up when that happens. Just so you aren’t surprised when that happens.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t count on merit aid from Vanderbilt–it is extremely competitive. However, if you are accepted there they are generous with need-based financial aid, so definitely worth applying. Your chances would probably be higher if you apply ED–your ACT score is actual middling for Vanderbilt these days (though they will love your class rank!). Best of luck.</p>
<p>Thank you both. I didn’t think ahead for when my brother and sister graduate–although my brother is only one year ahead of me. I appreciate all the input!</p>
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