I don't even know where to start...

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I just started applying for colleges. Just applied for University of Minnesota, Tulane and Drexel just because they all sent me letters that waived the application fees. </p>

<p>I have no idea what my family income is, but I know that it definitely is not high since my father is in debt up to his eyeballs since his business failed, and my stepmom really doesn't do anything. Have a few pretty pressing things I could write about in essays, but I try not to make excuses for how I've done in school based on experiences (lost my mother at a young age, brother was injured - mentally and physically - in the War in Iraq, had some hardships with him along the way)</p>

<p>I had a part-time job, but that just went under, so not much work experience to put on the resume. Looking for another job currently. </p>

<p>Way lazier than I should be.</p>

<p>I have a 4.0 GPA, yet only in the top quarter at my school (GPA is in the 97ish range out of 100). </p>

<p>Been on Yearbook staff for 3 years. Was named Staff Sports Editor my junior year, and the Business Manager my senior year.</p>

<p>Also in Mu Alpha Theta (Math Club) since Sophomore year.</p>

<p>Couple of AP classes (Calculus, US History, Statistics)</p>

<p>30 on the June 2010 ACT</p>

<p>That's basically it. Nothing too special. Therefore, I really do not know where to apply that would help me pay for school. I do have a trust fund that will help pay for school, but I'd rather save that to help me get a headstart on whatever I choose after school.</p>

2

<p>Why not make an appointment ASAP to see the college counselor at your school? You know how much you have in your trust; that will be counted when colleges look at your financial aid award. And talk to your dad; let him know that you are working on your applications, and then ask him if he will fill out the paperwork for FA early next year.
Did you know that MN residents have reciprocal tuition with WI and ND schools? What do want to major in?</p>

3

<p>The only type of aid that you could get without using your trust fund is merit aid. Difficult to get, but not impossible being top quarter of class. What state are you in and what do you want to study?</p>

4

<p>Honestly, the counselors really do not do much at my school. At least my counselor. I’ve asked her before, and she just led me to some papers to fill out to get transcripts and all that. I’ll go ahead and try again next week.</p>

<p>I live in Texas. Looking to major in either Business or Law, or maybe major in business and get a minor in law. Still a little up in the air.</p>

<p>Do you think it would worth it to go to a rather subpar college in the University of Texas at San Antonio for the first two years or so, then try and transfer to UT?</p>

5

<p>UTSA and a transfer is a possibility. How about A&M or one of the other TX schools?</p>

6

<p>***I have no idea what my family income is, but I know that it definitely is not high since my father is in debt up to his eyeballs since his business failed, and my stepmom really doesn’t do anything. </p>

<p>I have a 4.0 GPA, yet only in the top quarter at my school (GPA is in the 97ish range out of 100).</p>

<p>Couple of AP classes (Calculus, US History, Statistics)</p>

<p>30 on the June 2010 ACT</p>

<p>I do have a trust fund that will help pay for school, but I’d rather save that to help me get a headstart on whatever I choose after school. </p>

<p>I live in Texas. Looking to major in either Business or Law, or maybe major in business and get a minor in law. Still a little up in the air.</p>

<p>Do you think it would worth it to go to a rather subpar college in the University of Texas at San Antonio for the first two years or so, then try and transfer to UT? ***</p>

<p>I summarized your pertinent info…</p>

<p>How much is your trust fund? You’re probably NOT going to be able to avoid using that for undergrad since that will get counted when you apply for financial aid. No likely way around that.</p>

<p>With your ACT 30, you could get merit aid at some schools. However, I would take the SAT in November because you might score high enough for bigger merit. Some schools just use the Math and CR sections on the SAT for scholarships, so may be easier to study for and get a higher score.</p>

<p>Your rank isn’t high enough for A&M, either. </p>

<p>So, should we assume that your parents can’t contribute anything towards college? </p>

<p>Find out what your EFC is… Financial aid won’t care about debt unless it’s from HIGH medical expenses.</p>

<p>Quick EFC
[FinAid</a> | Calculators | QuickEFC](<a href=“Your Guide for College Financial Aid - Finaid”>Quick EFC - Finaid)</p>

<p>BTW…there is no such thing as a law major or a law minor. Those who are pre-law major in whatever they want.</p>

7

<p>I should add…none of your schools meet need anyway, so your trust fund would be needed.</p>

8

<p>Pre-law, that’s right. </p>

<p>Anyway, the trust fund is enough to put me through college, but I’d prefer to stay away from the trust fund as much as possible (I know I’m not going to get a full ride) for the first 2 years. That’s why I was considering a cheaper college for the first 2 years, then being able to transfer to a bigger university afterward and do pre-law at UT, then hopefully going to the law school there after if I can be successful in college. </p>

<p>However, I’m pretty sure I can get into A&M. </p>

<p>Applicants qualify for automatic academic admission, if:</p>

<pre><code>* they are ranked in the top quarter of their graduating class, and

  • achieve a combined SAT Math and SAT Critical Reading score of at least 1300 with a test score of at least 600 in each of these components; or achieve a composite ACT score of at least 30 with a test score of at least 27 in ACT Math and ACT English. Students must take the writing component of the SAT and/or ACT in order for the test score to be considered, and
  • have successfully taken all recommended coursework, and
  • ensure all required credentials are received by the freshman closing date.
    </code></pre>

<p>Source: Texas A&M Admissions Website
[Academic</a> Admits](<a href=“http://admissions.tamu.edu/freshmen/gettingin/waysAdmitted/academic.aspx]Academic”>http://admissions.tamu.edu/freshmen/gettingin/waysAdmitted/academic.aspx)</p>

<p>However, I don’t know if I really plan on going there because A&M is not really the school to keep the costs down.</p>