<p>I have a 1730 SAT, a 3.6 weighted GPA (I think), and I am waiting on my ACT. I have been accepted to UNC Charlotte and Averett University, and I am expecting to get accepted to East Carolina, Mount Olive, and Greensboro College. Once I get my essays done I am going to apply to NC State. I have my application done for George Mason and George Washington, but I have not payed the fee yet, and George Washington has sent me a big packet of information. Do I really have a shot at George Washington? It is where a really want to go, being beside of the state department, and in the middle of DC, but is it worth the $80 application fee? I don't know a lot about George Mason, but I applied there because it is near DC and I feel I could get in. Would there be any reason to pay out of state tuition, to go there over East or UNC C, or NC State if I get in? I have also applied to the small private liberal arts schools because I want to run Cross Country in college, but I would need to go to a Division 2 or 3 school. I am not sure if I would like it at a small school, and I am worried that when I find out what I want the major in, they will not have it. There SAT scores are really low also. I am really annoyed because I know that if I tried through High School I could have easily gotten into NC State, and probably George Washington. What do you think my chance of getting into NC State are?</p>
<p>GW is definitely a reach. Your SAT scores are below their 25th percentile, and they don’t report HS GPA distribution of entering students. If you’re worried about the app fee, keep in mind that if you get in you will not get a lot of aid.</p>
<p>NC State is also a reach. Test scores are just about average for NC State, but GPA is low. The average GPA they report is bull$h1t, but the distribution is possible. It says only 7% reported below a 3.75.</p>
<p>I have pretty much decided GW isn’t worth the $80 application fee, even though it is my top choice. What do you think about George Mason? And what about small private liberal arts school like Averett or Mount Olive?</p>
<p>What you should do is go to each college’s web site and search for “common data set”. Look at section C and down near the bottom of that section are SAT and HS GPA distributions. If you’re right in the middle of both, it’s likely a match. If you’re in the top 25%, it’s probably a safety (finances not withstanding). If you’re in the bottom 25%, it’s probably a reach.</p>
<p>You may want to put “net price calculator” and “financial aid estimator” in each school’s web site search box to see if there is a realistic chance of it being affordable to you.</p>