I need some help expanding my list of potential colleges...

College Search & Selection
1

<p>To begin with, I recently scored a 29 on the ACT. This score, for me in particular, isn't satisfying; actually, it's quite disappointing and I'm not sure whether taking it again would be worth the time and effort. I'm an excellent student, I love learning, and I believe that my dedication and willingness to work set me apart from most students. </p>

<p>Now, I know I could take this to the "What are my chances" forum, but that's not exactly what I'm looking for. I'm in search of a potential list of schools that would suit me well while also being available to me in terms of possible acceptance. </p>

<p>My credentials:</p>

<ul>
<li>4.0 GPA (unweighted, on a 4.0 scale)</li>
<li>#1 Class Rank (out of 308)</li>
<li><p>Full-IB Diploma Candidate (IB Physics I & II (HL Exam), IB Chemistry (SL Exam), IB English I & II (HL Exam), IB History I & II (HL Exam), IB Calculus (SL Exam), IB French I & II (SL Exam) ).</p></li>
<li><p>A bit more about full-IB: 4,000 word extended essay, 150 + hours of community service, Theory of Knowledge class, a group project that involves the other full-IB students (apparently hasn't been decided yet, but likely won't be groundbreaking).</p></li>
<li><p>ODP (Olympic Development Program) All-State soccer team ('93s) - 2006-2007</p></li>
<li><p>Starting Midfielder on Wisconsin's #2 ranked U17 team (tournaments in Kansas, Missouri, Michigan, Minnesota, Illinois, as I'm from Wisconsin)</p></li>
<li><p>4 year varsity starter / letter winner (one of two in school history)</p></li>
<li><p>3rd all-time leading scorer in school history (with another year left, hopefully will be top two)</p></li>
<li><p>Honorable mention all-conference - freshman, sophomore; First team all-conference - junior, senior?; Honorable mention all-state - junior, senior?
-Varsity captain: junior, senior</p></li>
</ul>

<p>-Excellent teacher reccomendations (teachers that are highly-respected and are known for writing incredible reccomendations), as well as one of Wisconsin's leading physicians (a friend's father)</p>

<ul>
<li>National Honor Society (big whoop, but apparently it helps)</li>
<li>Volunteering at Aspirus Hospital </li>
<li>Volunteering at youth soccer clinics</li>
<li>Volunteering through tutoring</li>
<li>Set up several soup kitchens for area's families that are in need</li>
<li><p>Set up relief efforts for area tornadoes</p></li>
<li><p>First generation college student</p></li>
<li><p>Single parent family</p></li>
<li><p>Middle-class income</p></li>
</ul>

<p>So this is what I have through my junior year. I feel as if there is definitely room for improvement. I plan on spending my summer dedicating myself to organizing something that can set me apart in terms of leadership, while the first semester of my senior year will likely yield more that I can add to my resume.</p>

<p>Now, I'm not searching for praise of any sort. I am simply looking for answers in regards to two questions:</p>

<ol>
<li>Is this resume, as it stands, one that can set me apart from others?</li>
<li>What universities should/could I add to my list? Obviously there are a lot of variables that come into play, but I'm looking for something that mirrors the options I have already decided on: Northwestern, William and Mary, George Washington, Michigan at Ann Arbor, Wisconsin at Madison, Northeastern, and Boston College.</li>
</ol>

<p>Now, that is definitely a lot to take in. That is why I brought my dilemma here. Most of you are intelligent individuals with successful backgrounds. If you are reading this and you're in high school, please refrain from posting. I'm looking for educated views from those in college and who have gone through the process, not another student who may have some sort of animosity toward others - something I see often here.</p>

<p>Thanks in advance. The 29 I scored on the ACT has really thrown me off in terms of confidence, something I haven't had an issue with. So unbiased and honest opinions would be welcome.</p>

2

<p>

</p>

<p>lololol</p>

<p>To respond to your main point, it would be most helpful if you told us what type of school you’re looking for. It looks to me like you want to go to a medium-to-large university in an urban/suburban area; however, you haven’t told us anything about your main areas of interest, financial budget, stance on religious/political campus vibe (UMich and BC kind of stand far apart on these spectra, for example, though it seems you’d rather attend a school with conservative leanings), future goals (though I presume you want to go to med school) or other preferences. This information is much more relevant than you list of extracurriculars, for example.</p>

<p>Emory seems to fit some of your criteria and likes to cater to pre-professionals from what I hear. Tulane too.</p>

3

<p>Well, the credentials were there to give people an idea of what schools I could be accepted to. So yes, that is relevant.</p>

<p>Anyways, a smaller city (50,000+) would be ideal. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to NU because of its location just outside of a larger city. This may seem weird, but I really want a “cleaner” city, if that makes sense. I do not want to be situated in a city with a high-crime rate.</p>

<p>Religious affiliation has no impact on my decision. My religious background is limited and it isn’t something that plays a large role in my life. </p>

<p>I’m planning on majoring in philosophy, leading me into law school. Obviously, as you noted, a college catering to pre-professionals would be ideal, but it isn’t necessarily crucial to my decision.</p>

<p>My budget isn’t a main area of concern, either. </p>

<p>I would prefer a larger university, anything over 5,000 would be best. Although that is something that can change. It’s one of those luxuries, I suppose. </p>

<p>If there’s more information that’s needed, let me know. There are several little things that need consideration, but I won’t cover those unless asked.</p>

4

<p>Have you considered the SAT? Just throwing it out there. Right now your score is your Achilles heel. You should be good for Madison, but the more reachy schools on your list become tough (like Northwestern). I’d try to at least consider the SAT. Anything you do to improve your position on Standardized tests will be worth it. You’re hardly the first or last person with stellar grades to have to switch tests (from ACT or SAT/ vice versa) or retake.</p>

<p>As for your list it looks great - depending on how your scores finalize you might also like UNC, UVA, Vanderbilt, Emory, WashU, or Georgetown (all varying ranges of selectivity).</p>

5

<p>I know a student with a GPA like yours who never managed to score more than 29 on the ACT, who is very happy at Guilford.</p>

6

<p>You need to retest…and also take the SAT. Get some test prep books.</p>

<p>There’s a bit of a disconnect here…</p>

<p>*Single parent family

  • Middle-class income</p>

<p>My budget isn’t a main area of concern, either.*</p>

<p>???</p>

<p>Does your middle class family have a large college fund for you? If not, then how will they pay for college? </p>

<p>You have OOS publics on your list - UMich and Wm & Mary - they will expect you to pay the full cost each year (and UMich is $50k per year). Is your family prepared to pay that? If not, take them off your list.</p>

<p>Budget is a concern unless you have a substantial college savings acct or a family member who has promised to pay the $50k+ per year for college. </p>

<p>I know that sometimes kids think “the college world is their oyster” and they just need to get accepted to a school that they like…but getting accepted is only half the issue if your family doesn’t have the money to pay.</p>

<p>MOST schools do NOT have much money to give. Most schools do not meet need. </p>

<p>OOS publics don’t help OOS kids meet their high OOS costs. Publics don’t have enough money to help their instate kids so they can’t help OOS who have even higher costs.</p>

<p>However, some OOS publics do give merit scholarships, but right now, your stats aren’t high enough for good-sized merit at many of them. Right now, your ACT score is in that “gray area”…not high enough for big merit scholarships…and maybe not high enough for acceptance at the schools that promise to meet need.</p>

<p>You need to find out how much your family will pay. THAT answer will largely determine where you should apply. </p>

<p>Also…some schools will ask for the financial information of your other parent (if alive). </p>

<p>But… :slight_smile: If you’re certain that your family has all your college costs covered, then GREAT…you’ll have many choices for college. :)</p>

7

<p>I have nothing to add to what Mom2CK stated. If your parents can pay $50K/year for UMich, great. Wisconsin is a great choice. If you really want to go OOS then there are some participating institutions with tuition reductions. [MHEC</a> : MSEP Participating Institutions (52)](<a href=“http://www.mhec.org/MSEPParticipatingInstitutions]MHEC”>http://www.mhec.org/MSEPParticipatingInstitutions)</p>

8

<p>FYI, 44% of the 2011 applicants to Northwestern had ACTs of 32 and above.</p>

<p>And there are LOTS of colleges with COAs well below $50,000 that would LOVE to have you. Have you looked at the public universities in your state?</p>

9

<p>^^I agree with all above info. on costs OOS. Just be sure you know your EFC before applying. Are you instate FL? I can’t tell from your post. </p>

<ol>
<li><p>take an ACT or SAT prep course and retake, or use Xiggi’s prep method (on CC test prep threads). I think you stand a good chance of bringing that score up and you will need to do that in order to really have a shot at your list of schools. </p></li>
<li><p>Your EC’s do look really good. Have you read all the threads for athlete applicants? You may be able to use that “hook”. I don’t know, but on paper it certainly looks like you may have some very interested soccer coaches. </p></li>
<li><p>What are you doing during your summers? I don’t see work here or summer programs. I think one thing I would suggest (and you can ignore this, obviously), but adcoms seem to want to make sense of the volunteer work. You have a fairly random list of things you’ve done (set up a soup kitchen caught my eye and comes off as made up, even if it’s true. Just letting you know how it comes across, so don’t get mad ;), but does it come from your passion in other words? Collecting used soccer uniforms for children in need and starting a drive/organized effort would be more believable. My friend in admissions at GWU, told us this again and again. If they see on the app. that you volunteered, they want to know that it was because you were motivated by your own personal passion for something. </p></li>
<li><p>Take two of the SAT subject tests in subjects that you will excel in. There are some great prep books for these --the college board has a blue book with all subject included. Take some practice tests and see where you can pull off some great scores. </p></li>
</ol>

<p>I think you have a great list so far. My nephew got in to Northwestern and U. of Chicago with a 31 ACT, and a much lower GPA than you. He’s an athlete and a very good one (track). I think you are going to have similar offers and play the athlete up to it’s fullest :). Focus on a couple good instate options for your safeties. I need to run, but will get back to you with some more schools when I have a chance to think about it more.</p>

10

<p>Thank you everyone for the advice, it’s really appreciated.</p>

<ul>
<li>Oh and for the record, the “soup kitchens” are not made up. I’ve always had a motivation to help those in need. Definitely something I’ve always believed in. But I do understand how that looks fake, I guess.</li>
</ul>

11

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<p>This year? The number of applicants and, therefore, the admission rates at both plummeted this year. Any predictions based on older data or experiences are probably too rosy.</p>

12

<p>Just curious, but if I were to find success at certain SAT subject tests, would that be enough to overcome the 29?</p>

13

<p>I believe that you should take the SAT’s and study hard for them, as you may do better on them than the ACT. Can you afford a prep course or some tutoring?</p>

14

<p>Sorry, it does sound made up, lol! I stand corrected and apologize for being so skeptical. Carry on :).</p>

<p>@anadad --nephew just finished his freshman year. Let me just say that he’s an amazing athlete, and wrote one of the best essays I’ve read. U Chicago is really big on creativity with the admission essay and I think he blew it out of the water. He came from a small public HS in OH. Again, the athletic hook was huge for him though.</p>

15

<p>No I completely understand jkiwmom.</p>

<p>In regards to the SAT, is it the entire SAT I should take, or the subject tests? Prep classes are an option, as is tutoring, but I my mother and I felt as if the tutors wouldn’t help out too much. But, if you stand by it, I suppose it’s an option I should consider.</p>

16

<p>For full disclosure, not even a college freshman yet but the whole process is still really fresh in my mind. A first-generation valedictorian is absolutely huge. The athletic stuff is also great. Your good visit to NU because of its proximity to Chicago makes me think you’ll also like a school like BC, which is where I’m going. I saw it was on your list and I encourage you to visit if you haven’t. Your grades in a rigorous schedule and and first-generation college student status will truly be tremendous though, I wouldn’t worry very much about the ACT dude, you’ve got so much going on that they will put it in perspective. A 30+ would keep things on the safe side, but again, don’t get worked up over it.</p>