D19 is a junior and does okay in schools but test scores are really low. We started working with a tutor back in August, which resulted in only minimal gains in her Dec SAT (1080). She entered junior year with a 3.47 GPA and looking at recent grades I don’t expect it to change much despite our pleadings. We are located in MD so not a lot of in-state options.
She has decided she wants a large school (think football) probably in the South.
Any suggestions on schools for her to consider (both safeties and reaches).
West Virginia
East Carolina
James Madison
Ole Miss
Mississippi State
Alabama
South Carolina
LSU
Kentucky
Appalachian State
Arkansas
Can you pay the OOS costs for OOS publics?
Price limit? Intended or possible major(s)?
A large percentage of the Southeastern Conference will satisfy spectator football, in the south, and likely admissions with 3.4 HS GPA and 1080 SAT. For example, Mississippi public universities would be automatic admission with those stats, assuming course requirements are met: https://admissions.olemiss.edu/applying-to-ole-miss/freshmen/ http://www.catalog.msstate.edu/undergraduate/admissionsinformation/entrancereqirements/freshman/
West Virginia University? Is that a possibility?
Yes, we can afford to pay OOS full price. I don’t think WV would work for her - more of a city girl. Has lived her whole life in the DC area suburbs.
There are big differences in OOS costs. And, most schools in the South will feel more rural to a city girl. Especially night life for underage.
Having said all that, my eldest went to Bama. My 11th grader really likes both Bama and Ole Miss, even though it isn’t city. The schools are large enough that living in the bubble of the school won’t feel stifling.
So…you are looking for large universities in cities where there is a good college sports scene?
Does she have a city preference?
What does she want to study?
You say you are from MD. Is there the option for her to start at a community college with an articulation agreement with UMD? I know this doesn’t give her the football team now…but it is an option.
I’m trying to think of BIG colleges with football teams in urban areas…that have modest stats criteria for OOS students.
I just looked at her Naviance account and she has these schools selected as ones she is interested in, obviously some of these are not realistic.
Alabama, Auburn, Central Florida, College of Charleston, Coastal Carolina, Fla State, Florida, High Point, LSU, Michigan State, NC State, South Carolina, Tennessee and Tulane.
I know Tulane, NC State and Florida will not be options. Thoughts on the others?
I thought she wanted large school, with sports and city.
How would High Point, and Coastal Carolina, fit this criteria.
College of Charleston doesn’t have a huge sports scene…IIRC. And definitely no football.
Michigan State is definitely out. Just my opinion but I don’t see a 1080 getting into any of those other big schools.
I’m sure we all know our teens say one thing and do another. She has not mentioned these other schools so I’m not sure how they ended up on her list.
I can tell you all about Texas. Summers are going to be HOT. With those stats, UTSA and Texas State come to mind as good safety schools. Both schools are 45 minutes apart. Texas State(well known party school) is in a college town with a traditional college atmosphere. Campus is very big and has steep hills, so she’ll be more physically fit 
UTSA is in San Antonio and it’s beautiful (I went there). No hills. Plenty of sites to see, and lots of internship opportunities. Good football team! They’re the only FBS college football team that plays in a dedicated domed stadium. Basketball team could use some work.
Also:
UTEP(safety) - Desert with lots of mountains, right in El Paso. Plenty to do.
Houston(low reach) - Mild winters, very humid HOT summers, but plenty to do in Houston
Texas Tech(reach) - Isolated college town. Some majors are highly competitive
North Texas(match) - Located just a few miles north of Dallas. Good football team, but UTSA will beat
them next year!
She does not like UMD campus and its too close to home for her liking.
Even Auburn and LSU?
You would have a 50% chance at Auburn with a 1250 and a 50% chance at 1210 at LSU. You could get in but it would below average of kids who do get admitted.
Another school to consider. If she doesn’t mind going further west, she’s a very good match for UNLV and Nevada-Reno. UNLV is more of a metro school. Nevada-Reno is more of a traditional college atmosphere. Gambling is something college kids don’t typically do because it’s too expensive.
What about Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff?