@“Erin’s Dad” I am aware of the travel rules, seems odd, but if this is the route I choose to go, it wouldn’t be something I would be comfortable doing. I talked it over with my parents and they said they would support it and feel it would be worth it considering the major discount in tuition.
When did you add UT Knoxville?
@LBad96 it’s been on and off my list for a few months now. I decided to keep it on the short list because I really do like the school. I didn’t fall in love with the town of Knoxville, as it seemed a little to urban for me, but we will see!
One of my concerns about the large number of out of state state colleges on your list is the financials. The out of state tuition costs could be significant.
One college I would propose for your list to consider is Lenoir Rhyne University. It is small, but it is strong in school spirit and has an active sports program. I am not certain of the finances of this, but since they do award some merit aid, I think it is worth applying to see what the final costs are at acceptance.
@Pennylane2011 I have discussed my list with my parents and they have let me know that all the schools on my list will be affordable. For some of the more expensive ones, I would have to take out the federal loans, but they have promised me the max I will have to borrow for my education is $27k, the federal maximum.
I am glad you have discussed costs with your parents!
Still, looking at your threads and your interests, I think LRU is a college that could fit you in several ways. Since you have shown interest in Elon and Furman, and Presbyterian College, LRU has similarities, but does not pose as high an admission criteria. Although it is a Christian college, religious observance isn’t mandatory as far as I have heard, and there is a range of religious observance of the students- as well as academics- an honors program for higher achieving students.
Being a parent, I see college expenses in terms of value- getting the best value for the cost, even though I am willing to pay the cost- which is why I recommended this college in addition to colleges on your list such as Ol Miss. Not that Ol Miss isn’t a good school, but since you could end up paying about the same amount for a large out of state college- along with travel expenses and distance- and a small college where there is personal attention and still sports and school spirit- far enough from home but close enough to drive, then I’d want to look at both options to see how they compare.
It’s up to you and your parents of course, but sometimes these smaller colleges can be good value choices once the financial aid- merit and need based is factored in- sometimes one doesn’t know how these numbers turn out until admission so it can be worth it to apply.
Big update!!!: SAT scores, final transcript, and more!!
So yesterday and today are big days, my final transcript was released (more on that later) and my SAT scores came out.
For my scores, they are as follows:
CR 560 (80 points up)
M 590 (50 points up)
W 470 (50 points down)
So I’m not to disappointed with the drop in writing. The majority of my schools superscore, and the ones who don’t don’t look at writing. So I’m thinking I probably won’t go for round 3, but it’s to be decided.
As for my final transcript, my final weighted GPA for college admissions will be…dun dun da da 3.351
A little disappointed with this because I had 1 B which was .1 from being an A, and the teacher didn’t round it up. But it is what it is and I can’t do anything about it now.
I’m in the works of trying to get my class rank and unweighted GPA, as they normally send them with final report cards, but this year they didn’t, so I shot my counselor an email asking if she could get those numbers for me.
Once I get those, I’m most likely done with the prep and its all application season!
Wow, the time has gone quickly!
Congrats on getting your scores up! Looks like UNCW is back in range for you.
Congratulations 
Unc-w is definitely more in reach now !
Thanks everyone!! My scores now put me in the middle 50% range for UNCW. My GPA is still low, but I’m hoping my ECs, recs, a killer essay, and the fact that I’m a male and instate, will help. It is still a reach obviously, but my new scores obviously help play it a little more in my favor.
I did get my UW GPA and class rank, and they aren’t the best, but at the point it’s not like I can change anything, so I just have to work on make the rest of my application better.
UW GPA 2.611
Class rank: Top 72%
Luckily I have my built my list around safeties, and have truly fallen in love with Mizzou. So no matter how it all plays out, I see my self being happy next year.
Excellent attitude that will take you far :). And that GPA, while it clearly, isnt tops, UNC w considers weighted, so you’re not toooo far off
So I have decided to cut down on my list pretty extensively, due to the fact that I have qualified for automatic admissions at mizzou. This makes me more comfortable having a more reach heavy list, since I now have a very strong assured admissions safety.
High-Reach
UNC- Chapel Hill
Reach
UNCW
NC State (apply as English major, transfer to UNCCH after 1 or 2 years)
Match
USouth Carolina
Low-Match
High Point
Safety
Mizzou
I don’t see why not try applying to UNCCH. It’s one extra essay, and it truly is my dream school. Might as well go for it.
NC State is on the common app and has no supplements, so again, might as well.
UPDATE: Im going to continue the story in the Admissions Hindsight Section, as it seems to be more fit for there. I will post big major updates here still, but if you’re interested in stay up to date with my story (which I hope some of you are!!) Please check out my new thread. I will link it here.
I wanted to post this here in hopes of maybe getting a couple more replies because I think it’s a good question:
What are the rules of a recommendation that is not from a teacher?
I have worked very closely with someone who has very close ties and strong ties to the administration at one of the schools I’m applying too, and she has offered to write me a recommendation. Is this fair? Is it allowed? Would I have her just mail it to the admissions office? Any information regarding this is appreciated!!