<p>So I am going through the college process again, I started school, but had to withdraw because of some circumstances. I have a list that I am applying too for Art and Neuroscience, but none are real safety schools financial wise. I don't qualify for much aid so I am looking for schools with good merit money or aid. I have a 4.0 GPA, all AP classes, but low SAT scores (1250). any help would be great thanks</p>
<p>If you think that you can raise your SAT score (or that you would do better on the ACT) you could retake the exam. With your GPA, improved SAT/ACT scores could get you some money. Take a look at the list at <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/financial-aid-scholarships/848226-important-links-automatic-guaranteed-merit-scholarships.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/financial-aid-scholarships/848226-important-links-automatic-guaranteed-merit-scholarships.html</a></p>
<p>You also can work your way through these two older threads. The scholarships mentioned may no longer exist, but the research strategies are timeless:
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/291483-update-what-i-learned-about-free-ride-scholarships.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/291483-update-what-i-learned-about-free-ride-scholarships.html</a>
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/148852-what-ive-learned-about-full-ride-scholarships.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/148852-what-ive-learned-about-full-ride-scholarships.html</a></p>
<p>For a current list of institutions that are exam-optional, or simply don’t require exams at all, see [The</a> National Center for Fair & Open Testing | FairTest](<a href=“http://www.fairtest.org%5DThe”>http://www.fairtest.org)</p>
<p>Sit down with your parents and run the financial aid calculators at [FinAid</a>! Financial Aid, College Scholarships and Student Loans](<a href=“http://www.finaid.org%5DFinAid”>http://www.finaid.org) and at [College</a> Calculators - savings calculators - college costs, loans](<a href=“College Board - SAT, AP, College Search and Admission Tools”>Calculate Your Cost – BigFuture | College Board) to find out what your family will be expected to pay. Then talk with your parents about just exactly how much they really are able/willing to pay. It is probably a very different figure. Until you know that number, it will be hard for you to define what you are looking for in a financial safety. There is a big difference between needing a financial safety that will cost you less than 25k, and one that will cost you less than 4k.</p>
<p>thanks, I have taken the SAT’s twice already, and this is a gap year for me. I am applying to schools for spring so I don’t think it would be too good to retake them, or if it would even matter. As for the finances, I can’t spend 30k up so those types of schools.</p>
<p>Since you did start college and withdrew, I’m not sure if colleges will consider you a first-time freshman for merit aid.</p>
<p>Does anyone know?</p>
<p>well I stated in the fall, but stopped, so I technically don’t have any college transcripts, so I don’t think I am a transfer</p>
<p>Well, then, take the SAT and ACT again.</p>
<p>Is your 1250 for all 3 sections?</p>
<p>If so, then it’s unlikely you will raise it enough for merit. You may need to start at a local community college.</p>
<p>OH gosh no, thats just math and reading, math:610 reading: 640, writing:600</p>
<p>Maybe this will help, last year I was accepted to Connecticut College, Bates, Umass Amherst, UVM, and UNH. So I am looking for good schools, but not like Harvard.</p>
<p>Will the circumstances which caused you to leave school affect your application?</p>
<p>My S knew after the first 2 days at his first college that he wanted to transfer. Within 2 weeks he met with the transfer counselor at the college he wanted to attend. She told us that once he had attended a college for however small amount of time, they considered him a transfer student and not a first time freshman. So even if he had withdrawn after that first week, he was considered a transfer even though he would have nothing on a transcript. He had still attended. He did end up finishing the semester there and then transferring. </p>
<p>Now different colleges may handle it differently. You would need to inquire at the schools you are interested in. I wouldn’t try to hide it because it could be found if you filed the FAFSA for that first college.</p>
<p>No, not at all. It was my choice, and had to do with my roommates, and not being able to switch rooms.</p>