<p>OK so I'm a junior right know and I've been looking for colleges to consider. I've looked at a few college websites but I can't seem to find the perfect college for me. So I was thinking that maybe someone on CC could refer some colleges to me.</p>
<ul>
<li>Focuses on the general arts (I'm not sure what I want to do at the moment but probably nothing in the sciences)</li>
<li>Would accept a 3.5 UW/4.2 W GPA</li>
<li>Is a notable college, but not exactly Ivy League caliber (but close to it)</li>
<li>Beautiful Campus and Scenery</li>
<li>Tuition and Board at most 25,000 a year</li>
<li>Gives out a decent amount of financial aid</li>
<li>Fun college atmosphere (but nothing to chaotic that would get through my studying)</li>
<li>4-year college plan</li>
<li>Sports</li>
<li>Large or Small Campus</li>
</ul>
<p>General Info about myself:
GPA: 3.25 UW/3.87 W</p>
<p>SAT: Haven't taken yet but scored a 189 on the Sophomore PSAT (if that means anything)</p>
<p>APs: Taken 4 so far. AP Chemistry (5), AP Human Geography, AP World History (3), AP French</p>
<p>ECs: French Club Officer, Literary Magazine Editor, VP of Poetry Club, and VP of Book Club. Meh.</p>
<p>Work Experience: Worked for Winn Dixie during the summer and early fall.</p>
<p>Community Service: Beta Club Hours, Volunteered at a nursing home.</p>
<p>State: Florida</p>
<p>Ethnicity/Gender: Black female</p>
<p>I apologize if I'm posting this on the wrong forum.</p>
<p>It’s the $25K per year that stops me from recommending anything. Most schools I would recommend are more like $50K per year. I think you have to stick with publics schools in Florida.</p>
<p>You need to talk to your parents about how much THEY will pay.</p>
<p>Outside scholarships are generally for SMALL amounts and only for freshman year…so you can’t depend on those to help pay for 4 years of college.</p>
<p>when you say parents “pitch in”…does that mean that you have $100k in an account for you and you would need THEM to contribute more to get up to $45k per year??</p>
<p>It sounds like you may not qualify for financial aid if YOU have substantial savings AND your parents have good incomes.</p>
<p>You need to determine how much your parents will contribute each year, and then determine what your budget is going to be.</p>
<p>Be sure to take the PSAT as a junior…you’re on track for National Merit and/or National Achievement.</p>
<p>You need to estimate your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) based on family income, assets, and certain obligations (such as other siblings in college). Calculators are available online. Then you need to determine if your family is actually willing and able to cover the EFC amount. </p>
<p>$25K, without aid, will about cover Florida public universities. Most out of state public schools will run about $35K-$40K without aid. Most selective 4 year private schools will run about $45K-$55K per year without aid.</p>
<p>For your stats and a $25K budget, as well as some of your criteria, check out New College of Florida.</p>
<p>Can’t judge how much a college costs until March or April of your senior year, right before you commit. Harvard might be free and the State U might expect you to pay all, and probably will have raised their fees 20% by then.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone for all the advice. I’m still checking into the EFC. Does anyone think I have a chance at my reaches (Carnegie Mellon and Duke)?</p>
<p>Please tell me you took the PSAT as a junior! A 189 will get you at least “commended/referred” for National Achievement. Not usually a lot of money, but you will learn about more schools and opportunities.</p>
<p>I’ve followed AA Duke stats for several years. You will probably need some pretty serious EC’s, and 650+ on each part of the SAT.</p>
<p>A 189 is not the end of the world. I got a 191 as a junior but got a 2190 (750CR 770M 670W-stupid essay) on my SAT (superscore). Your SAT will probably be higher than what the PSAT predicts.</p>
<p>No, that PSAT score was from Sophomore year. I’m not sure how I did on the Junior PSAT, either. I’m not sure what I want to major in at all, but nothing in the Sciences, at least.</p>