<p>‘I am aiming for ivy leagues and tier ones, but I want to have 3-4 quality, lower ranked schools where I have a good chance at merit aid with around a 2250 SAT, 3.9 uw, 4.3w, research, volunteer work, a sport, four leadership positions, etc. I live in CA, but the UC system is really expensive, and would end up being out of my price range. Does anyone have advice?’
i haven’t read through this thread but is it hasnt already been suggested, complete your application to USC BEFORE the Dec 1 deadline for scholarship consideration, and you will probably be offered a 1/2 Tuition scholarship. If you score higher than the NMF cutoff for Calif, you WILL receive a 1/2 tuition scholarship if accepted. Just nail your essays, and dont miss the deadline!!</p>
<p>I’m a junior right now, but if I apply to USC I will keep that in mind :)</p>
<p>You have a lot of good advise here. I am not going to add more. But here is a thought for you if you are interested in science.</p>
<p>If you are shooting for the top tier, and if you are the lucky few, you might want have a shot at Univ. of Chicago. Its the only top 10 schools that gives full merit tuition. There are only less than 20 got it in each class of around 1500. As I understand, there is no one on cc have gotten that honor, so apply for it if you want. Your dad’s 12K is enough for the r&B at chicago and after the first year, if you do not live on campus you can save some more.</p>
<p>Apply for Chicago EA and if you got the scholarship, you go for it, if not, there are plenty of options given above.</p>
<p>MisterK,
that’s true they do give need based aid. But it’s only once you get in.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Sorry to give out bummed advise. UofC is no longer giving out these Merit scholarships, they were available last year, but not this year.</p>
<p>@AlwaysLeah - I understand how frustrating of a situation you are in! No mom in picture, dad makes about 15K , step mom makes 170K… won’t give me a cent of help towards college (I live on my own and pay my own living expenses too) so the system ends up screwing me over and I don’t get any aid. Keep your head up, go to school where you want, and work your butt off to pay for stuff along the way.</p>
<p>My heart aches for you. Your situation is truly unfair and I’m usually a rational girl but after reading about your dilemma, I see that you are a smart, capable student who is being denied opportunity because of finances. </p>
<p>Take my advice with a grain of salt, because honestly, what do I know being a student CCer myself :)? I suggest that you write a letter to your dream schools (even ivys) explaining your situation w/ financial aid. See what they say…since you are a superb student (with hopefully feasible
Or if you don’t want to
Sent from my Desire HD using CC App</p>
<p>Oops! Sorry for the cutoff of that post!</p>
<p>But again, explain to colleges about your situation and see if they understand. Perhaps send a letter to them along w/ your application. Chances are they are humans who can understand the money situation. </p>
<p>Otherwise, honestly don’t worry. Med school is where you said you want to go, and they don’t pay attention to rank of undergrad institution they pay attention to your performance there. If you are really concerned about the ivy league try to maintain a high GPA for ivy med schools. Don’t let a obstacle destroy your dream…there is always ivy for med school. </p>
<p>Really, I feel for you :(. As a student like you, I honestly understand</p>
<p>Let me know if I have wasted your time or actually gave okay advice :)! </p>
<p>Good luck 
Sent from my Desire HD using CC App</p>
<p>Go to Bard College’s website.
They have full tuition scholarships for science/math.
They also have a very musical / artsy campus.
The have a summer music festival, and their president is a symphony conductor.</p>
<p>Hey everyone! Thanks again so much for all of your input it has really helped me. Im currently pulling a 4.0 so it looks like my gpa will be a 4.0 uw and 4.33 weighted for apps next year. </p>
<p>Also, I just got my PSAT score. 222 in California. I’m pretty nervous because it’s so close to last year’s semi finalist cutoff of 221 but I’ll hope for the best!</p>
<p>Great job on the PSAT! Fingers crossed for you - this would certainly give you more options…</p>
<p>Also, I just got my PSAT score. 222 in California.</p>
<p>I think you’ll make it.</p>
<p>Calif has been in the high teens for most years and just jumped to 221 this year. I doubt it will jump again to 223.</p>
<p>terrific! That should be enough for NMSF! congratulations!</p>
<p>Thats great to hear! Thanks for the update!</p>
<p>Congrats on your PSAT. If you are dead serious about premed, look up Baylor University in Texas. It has an assured medical admission program with Baylor Medical College, where your medical school spot is reserved for you, and it does give excellent scholarships to NMFs. There is a student here on cc who turned down Harvard to attend Baylor on full scholarship.</p>
<p>Way to go! Thanks so much for letting us know the good news–we’re all rooting for you.</p>