<p>I agree with SES. With possible exceptions of SAT-optional schools like Bowdoin, his scores do not make him competitive for the very top schools in the country. Being black doesn't mean automatic acceptance. </p>
<p>Places like Eckerd, etc. would be good matches for him and also may be very generous with their aid for him. Plus, with any in-state university, he can use Bright Futures, which if he gets 100% Bright Futures, would give him about $7,000/year for private schools, and full tuition for public ones.</p>
<p>Irene raises some excellent questions. What the OP has posted seems impossible. I have heard of students who worked fulltime while iattaining good grades in high school. Doing that and varsity sports, hundreds of volunteer hours seems impossible. Please provide an explanation.</p>
<p>Perhaps the OP was able to participate in sports but just not in his junior and/or senior years of high school when he had to work. Perhaps the same is the case with other EC's. If the OP began community service as a freshman or if his school has a mandatory in-day community service program then he could have accrued a significant amount of hours over a three/four year period. Of course, the young man would have to explain this on the appropriate section of his college application. If I am interpreting his plea to us correctly then he is asking us to help him figure out: 1) where he can succeed and 2) what institution of higher learning he is likely to be able to afford. I would like to encourage the OP that he strongly consider what he wants out of his college experience and that he consider how much debt he is willing to accure as he obtains a B.A. and a J.D. I second the statement that, "being black does not mean automatic acceptance." Morevover, if the OP atttends a college where he is unable to rise to the top academically then he will decrease his chances of being accepted to law school.</p>
<p>I first would like to thank everyone for there input. I know that a school like Bowdoin or Bates is probably a long shot; however I just want to see my options. (Also they are both SAT optional so that will help a lot because the SAT’s are at least in my opinion the weakest part of my application). I’m in the top 10 percent and kids who are in the top 10 percent in my school (and have the test scores) frequently get in to Ivy’s). So I think if I apply to SAT optional schools I might have a shot at a few LAC’s up north. In addition I really would like to leave Florida. I know that the money is important (I can buy grocery for 5 people on 50 dollars for 2 weeks lol ). But many families take out loans and make out just ok. Also with bright futures I will get only 75 % because of my SAT which is about 4 grand a year or less , And if I live at home I will have to attend FIU 45 minutes drive or FAU 1 hour drive ( both 4th tier ), or UM which is about 30 thousand for tuition alone . Even UF or FSU with bright futures would cost me about 10,000-15,000 because of room and board, the reminder of the tuition .plus books and lab fee’s. So that’s why I am applying to see what my aid package would be like. I know more then likely I will end up in Florida and I am fine with that but, I still want to try just to see where I can get in. As for how I worked and played sports and carried a full load, it just takes a lot of work. My school starts at 7 a.m. until 2:15p.m. , then I have sports from 2:30 until 5:30, then I start my job from 6:00 until about 11:00 pm ,and 10 hours on sat and Sunday . Homework is from 11:30 until 1 or so then I pass out and do it all over again. It’s not that bad once you get it in your system.
One last thing my cousins who got basically the same grades as me goes to Trinity in Connecticut and pays less then if she would have went to UF because of all the grants she received. That’s why I said it doesn’t hurt to try. But thanks CC parents for all your input and a bout the financial side of things. </p>
<p>I look at both Calvin and Rollins any other suggestions for schools with good aid were I can get in. I only took the SAT and ACT once so hopefully they will go up to like a 25/26 and 1100/1600</p>
<p>
[quote]
One last thing my cousins who got basically the same grades as me goes to Trinity in Connecticut and pays less then if she would have went to UF because of all the grants she received. Thats why I said it doesnt hurt to try. But thanks CC parents for all your input and a bout the financial side of things.
[/quote]
It's so good that you understand this, because many people don't, that with the right FinAid package an expensive private school can cost significantly less than the more moderately priced state school.</p>
<p>Fwiw, Trinity is a decent school. One of CC's more notable student posters from a few years back goes there and is doing very well, all the way around.</p>
<p>One thing to take into account is the dominant culture at the highly selective New England LACs--rich, white and beautiful. Not necessarily and bad thing, but you should be aware.</p>
<p>"Even UF or FSU with bright futures would cost me about 10,000-15,000 because of room and board, the reminder of the tuition .plus books and lab fee’s. "</p>
<p>You also might get some merit aid, and need-based aid. There are some other Fla. private and public colleges that with Bright Futures, merit aid and need-based aid might cost even less. Your carrying good grades while working and doing ECs would be a boost when it comes to merit aid.</p>