Hey everyone,
I’m going to be a senior next year and I have no idea where to apply to. Even though I am American, I lived abroad during my 9th and 10th grade school year. I’m African American and I have had a 4.0 GPA ever since. My school abroad didn’t offer any APs or Honors classes but filled my schedule with courses. In fact, I can receive a valedictorian degree next year with just a three course load. I’ve taken one AP class in my junior year and I’m guessing it’s either a 4 or 5 on the exam. The rest of the classes or either normal classes or honors (usually stem classes). I have an A+ in those classes( trying to compensate not taking APs. I hate my counselor for discouraging me not to take AP courses). I took the ACT and got a 31, but I think I could get higher on the new SAT if I tried. I didn’t take any SAT II tests but I’m pretty sure I can ace the math (I got a 36 in the math section) and do decent on the Chem one. As for my extracurriculars, I currently live with my mother and while she studies I have to take care of my little brothers since my dad still lives abroad. I also work and volunteer. Abroad, I was class president, school Vice President, and morning broadcaster. I have this huge ringer binder that has my achievements ever since I was in kindergarten, in case that helps. I know it’s not much, but I appreciate any recommendations. Thanks in advance.
Well you will have lots of options it comes down to: what you can afford, what you want to study, where you want to live, what environment you want. Thats an oversimplification, of course. So what can your family afford? What is your major? What is your state of residency?
Colleges will only care about your achievements starting in 9th grade. You can explain in your app about caring for siblings since in the US. Agree that answering the questions in previous post will help.
Oops I forgot to mention those stuff. First of all, we are a low income family, so I will definitely need scholarships and aid. Secondly, I would like to study Chemical Engineering. Thirdly, I currently reside in the state of Iowa but I prefer out of state colleges. Thanks for your comments!
You’ll need to look at
- full need schools (those are highly selective and taking math and chemistry subject tests will help you) Cornell, Columbia, smith
- in state public universities
- tech schools with gender imbalance or a policy to admit female more: Olin, rpi, wpi , rose hulman
- high merit scholarships - reaching a 32 on the act would help. Check out hbcu 's.
Thanks, but I’m not sure about Cornell and Columbia. I don’t think they are within my reach. I don’t prefer in state public universities honestly, because I’m not really tied to live in Iowa. I can move whenever I want and I’d still have to pay for housing. I’m a guy actually, so I dont think there are any colleges with the tendency to admit more guys intentionally. Are there any reputable colleges you would consider to be a low reach or a match?
Do you think the University of Minnesota and the University of Texas- Austin are reaches too?
UMN is a high match (you’d need a 32), UT Austin a low reach, but the big difference is that UMN has scholarships whereas U Austin not really.
You want schools with holistic admissions - ie., not huge state schools where stats >>>> anything else. You want schools where they’ll read and be interested in your story.
Is there a community college nearby where you could take some more rigorous classes as a “dual enrolled” student?
Taking care of younger siblings while parent works is considered a strong EC since you have to assume some parental duties.
When you lived abroad, did you learn/speak another language? IF so, this too would be in your favor.
Did you attend a local school or an American/International school for expats?
I would imagine this experience would be a mine as a starting point for a college application essay.
You can prepare all your apps, and if you have one week left to apply, apply to Cornell and/or Columbia. You’ve got a 4.0, are within 1 point of a 32 with a 36 in math, have a good general profile wih hooks. I don’t see why you should close those doors.
Thanks a lot for your response. The truth is the day before I took the ACT test, I was out taking care of my little siblings and I came home late. So I guess that kind of affected my score since I was a bit tired. I will definitely try to increase my score. I also did attend an international school for expats. I speak three languages in fact too. Thanks for your reply!
U Delaware has top notch Chem E. They do offer merit but check their website re need-based awards for OOS.
Thanks for your review! After reading a bit about U of Delaware though, I starting to hear doubt about entering a school with only a good chemical engineering program and nothing else. Do you guys think this is a real concern?
And what do you guys think of Georgia Tech?
UDel is actually pretty good, and, most importantly, it has scholarships, which GeorgiaTech doesn’t. No need based aid at either one for OOS.
Any chance you’d be interested in something else than chemical engineering? (UDel and UMN-TC are THE programs that’ll come to mind in that field but If you’re interested in other subjects than engineering or ChemE please say so.)
Some colleges have STEM initiatives, especially for girls or first generation students for instance. (you’re first generation right - neither parent has a 4year degree?)
OK, you’ve got a 4.0 GPA, took a heavy course load while maintaining that average, speak three languages, have significant family responsibilities, are African American, and have an interesting story. Your ACT is pretty good - if you retake and get a 32 or higher it will open doors with respect to scholarships.
Did you take the PSAT at a junior? Is National Merit a possibility?
Here are some ideas for places where you might be eligible for good scholarships - especially if you nudge up that ACT to a 32+.
http://automaticfulltuition.yolasite.com/
http://competitivefulltuition.yolasite.com/
As you mentioned that your family is low income, be aware that many public universities do NOT offer need-based aid to out of state students - the UC system, for example.
Honestly, I would identify a few places that are true admissions and financial safeties (maybe start with an in-state public), and then aim high with some reaches that are known for generous need-based aid and see what happens. Why not give Cornell and Columbia a try? The worst that could happen is that they say no.
Also, check into fee waivers for your applications if your family’s income warrants it. You also might be eligible for Questbridge: https://www.questbridge.org/
Don’t sweat the APs - the student with 10 or 12 does not necessarily have a huge boost over the student with 3-4. My kid’s school doesn’t offer them at all and students get into top 20 colleges and universities every year.
Thanks a lot for your great responses guys! I will definitely follow your advices. I’m pretty confident I can raise my ACT score to a 32 with, hopefully, super scoring. Unfortunately, I did not take the PSAT. I couldn’t pay for it, but thanks a lot for your responses!