LOTS OF Help is needed in selecting universities...

Parents Social Lounge
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<p>I am 16, a female, Mexican, my parents didn’t go to school, so I’m first generation going to a university. Also, how do I compare to other students, as in, what range am I in…basically, where do I have some sort of chance of maybe, possibly getting in? Any tips/answers to any/all questions are most definitely appreciated.</p>

<p>-I am pretty sure I want to major in business management or marketing but probably business.
-I need to start writing my personal essay statements, what should I write about?
-Should scholarships be a big priority?
-Any tips for understanding/passing AP Biology?</p>

<p>SOME HOBBIES/COMMUNITY SERVICE
-occasional seller on ebay: sell clothing, vintage clothing, cellphones, brothers game systems
-have started a fashion type blog but have not made serious money
-was DECA secretary during sophomore and junior year; have been DECA club member since freshman year
-competed last year at DECA northern and state competition and got 4th place at state competition; at state competition, I place fourth; I basically made a business plan and presented it to "potential investors"
- was in band for 3 first high school years (I stopped because decided I was not committed/was busy with other things)
-have played tennis on school team since sophomore year; play first doubles on varsity this year
-have volunteered a couple of hours at hospital; plan to volunteer at least 30 more hours
-volunteered in school library (about 50 hours)
-volunteered for DECA Club
-have started to help SNEHA (older sister is in charge; is a small nonprofit sponsor-a-poor-child program)</p>

<p>HOW CAN I DO MORE/GET MORE INVOLVED IN THESE ACTIVITIES W/ THE LIMITED TIME I HAVE? Or what do you recommend I do</p>

<p>I live in central California; I would prefer to go to a university in California, but I would definitely chose a school out of state if they offered a better business program Here is some info about me…</p>

<p>I am a senior. I have taken the ACT, SAT Reasoning test, and SAT Subject Tests. Here are my scores:
ACT: 29
SAT Reasoning (TOTAL = 1750)
Math: 540
Critical reading: 620
Writing: 590
SAT Subject Tests
Spanish: 770
Math: 540
US History: 590</p>

<p>By how much should I improve them? How can I seriously improve my math scores? I will be taking the ACT at least two more times, including this Saturday. I will take both the SAT Reasoning and Subject test once more. Also, should I take another subject other than Spanish, does it look bad?</p>

<p>Here are my classes over the past four years and my grades as well as AP scores
FRESHMAN
1ST SEMESTER 2ND SEMESTER
Band 1 A A
Geography A A+
Geometry CPM A- A
Biology A B+
English 1 Adv B+ B+
Spanish Speak 2 A- B
BAND/PE B+ A</p>

<p>SOPHOMORE
1ST SEMESTER 2ND SEMESTER
World History Adv. A A
ALG II/TRIG A- A-
Chemistry A- B+
English 2 Adv B+ B+
SPANISH LANGUAGE AP A A+
ATHLETICS A- (HAD NO CLASS)
BAND/PE A A-</p>

<p>JUNIOR
1ST SEMESTER 2ND SEMESTER
BAND 3 A- A-
US HISTORY AP B A
PRECALCULURS A A+
PHYSICS B B+
ENGLISH LANG/COMP AP A A SPANISH LIT AP A- A
AHLETICS A (HAD AVID)
AVID (HAD TENNIS) A </p>

<p>SENIOR (classes taking)
AP BIOLOGY
AP ENGLISH LITERATURE
AP CALCULUS
AP GOVERNMENT
AP STATISTICS
ATHLETICS-TENNIS</p>

<p>Passed AP TESTS
US History 5
Spanish literature 3
Spanish language 5
Englush langugage and composition 3</p>

<p>*I attend a public school.
CLASS SIZE: 518
CLASS RANK: 27
10-12 RANK: 16</p>

<p>weighted non weighted
academic gpa (9-12) 3.9429 3.7143
academic gpa (10-12) 4.0870 3.7391
total gpa (9-12) 3.9269 3.7317</p>

<p>Preferences/factors
-I would like to live in a big city w/ weather not TOO hot
-I plan to pay for college w/ scholarships, working, etc., so I don’t consider cost to be a main factor, just a small one
-I’ve seen the Berkeley campus and I liked!! it, but I haven’t visited any other universities so I can’t compare</p>

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<p>It seems to me that you will probably get into one of the UC schools. Considering that you probably want to stay in state anyway, and also that your test scores are your weak point, your state university system is probably your best bet. I don't know much about the California system, but I think Riverside and Santa Cruz would be safeties, most of the rest would be matches, and UCB and UCLA would be reaches (but not unreasonable ones). One of the best ways to figure out where you should apply is by considering where other students with similar stats from your school have gone in the past. Your guidance department can help you out there. You should also have one really secure backup school that you know you will get into and would be happy attending - maybe Riverside would be that; again, your counselor would know better than you.</p>

<p>UC Berkeley, UCLA, and UC-Irvine all have US News top 50 graduate business programs (7,10, and 38 respectively). I'm not sure about the rest of the UCs, but that shouldn't be too hard to find out at a campus visit or information session. </p>

<p>Somewhere on your application make sure to mention your first generation status, since the UC system takes hardships and challenges into consideration. If there is anything specific that you have overcome, that could be a good essay topic. Essays should also focus on your passions and interests. Make sure to have someone (preferably an English teacher) proofread them before you send them in.</p>

<p>I don't really know what your financial situation is, so I can't say how important scholarships are. There are books and magazines that list scholarships you can apply for. Your guidance department may have some information asa well.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

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<p>Cindy, Welcome. You have a lot to offer and have come to the right place for information. </p>

<p>First, are you an American citizen or a Mexican national? It makes a difference. </p>

<p>Second, you should learn about how financial aid works. Go to an on-line calculator (someone else will have to recommend one) and ask your family to input its financial information. That way you will get a general idea of much need-based financial aid you could expect to receive.</p>

<p>Third, take a look at the Quest Bridge program which introduces high achieving low income kids to selective colleges and universities. If you qualify this is wonderful organization to have on your side.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.questbridge.org/%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.questbridge.org/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>Now the good news. I think that just about any college or university in America would find you a person of interest. Your scores are not as high as other applicants' but I think that your ethnic profile, economic background, excellent grades, high rank and good extracurricular activities would compensate. You also appear to be an articulate and resourceful person.</p>

<p>You will need at least two academic references so start lining up teachers who can write on your behalf.</p>

<p>Your essays can be about anything at all, as long as they are sincere and reveal something about you personally. As one adcom told us "Let us in to your world." I'd suggest that you buy a book on essay preparation or take one out of your library.</p>

<p>Do you have a college counselor at your school who could help you make a list of appropriate schools? There are hundreds of colleges in America that fit your requirements so I hesitate to begin suggesting names. Quest Bridge is a good place to start as are of course the UC schools. After that I would get a hold of a college book and start reading about what's out there. </p>

<p>Business management is a specific field that is offered at many, but not all, colleges. Another idea is to major in something like economics and then to get a graduate business degree so you don't necessarily have to limit yourself to colleges that offer business per se.</p>

<p>Your EC's are fine. You'll just need to organize them into a more focused cohesive list and demonstrate that you're really enthusiastic about your involvement. I'd choose one or two favorites (maybe DECA and tennis) and move those to the top of the list.</p>

<p>Sorry, I can't help on AP Biology.:)</p>

<p>Good luck and let us know how you do.</p>

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<p>thanks for the replies</p>