low gpa but high sat? idk what to do!!

Paying for College
1

<p>So, I'm kinda worried because its the first time that i'm writing public about my situation but, I'm very confused and need support or rather more of a direction.
I'm currently a senior. I have a unweighted gpa of 2.8 and a weighted gpa of 3.5. I'm in the top 50% (just saying), and my SAT score is 2180 (Math: 760, Reading: 730, Writing: 690 (with easy a 10 out of 12)). I know and see that my gpa is really bad compared to my SAT score but I was struggling as a transfor student in my junior. Most of my gpa went down because of my junior year, which is really not that great.
But I was also very active in all my school years. In my freshmen and sophomore year, I was in the Student Council and I was the Class President for both of the year. I was also in many clubs like, Student Ambassador, Environmental Science (ACE) Club, the Asian Club (I'm Korean), and I played Varisity Women's Tennis ( I have done the same club and sport for two years). Then, after I moved (I practically moved from the east coast to the west coast), to Arizona, I changed all my clubs and I couldn't play tennis because I would get very dizzy and sick if I stay in the heat too long and Arizona is really, really hot! Now I am in Science Olympia, Math Olympia, Habitat for Humanity (Treasurer), National Honor Society, and Key Club.
Oh, I also mainly believe that I had trouble during my junior year because I am an IB Candidate.
So right now (currently), I'm trying to do my best for my first semester this year and is going to take Math Subject Test 2 and foreign lang. Korean.
So as of right now, I am thinking of applying to University of Arizona and Arizona State University as a main with decent amount of finicial aids/scholarships. I'm also applying to Boston University, University of Texas (Austin), University of Rochester, and University of Southern California.
I know that a lot of the colleges that I am looking at are very competitive and seems that it is impossible for me to go but... I have always wanted to go to University of SC and Boston University so I'm just applying with little hopes. Also the other ones are just because of my parents. But seriously, I have to get into UoA and ASU with ... good amount of scholarships. My family is middle class and my parents want me to go to college with full tuition. I know thats not going to happen but my real question is, do you think that I'll get a good amount of scholarships for the colleges that I'm applying to???</p>

<p>Thank you for caring and reading my thoughts :D</p>

2

<p>There are many students in your situation. They are smart, but might be lazy, potheads, unfocused, or whatever else. However, many are good students like you, and have just had a rough year with difficult circumstances.</p>

<p>You want to let schools know what happened your junior year, very briefly, without blaming anyone else, and explain what you learned about yourself. </p>

<p>Then you need to get excellent grades your senior year that show you have things back in control. </p>

<p>Look at school websites for merit aid that is linked to SAT scores. Fill out the FAFSA 4caster now so you know if you are eligible for need-based financial aid. Check on the college board site for each school to see what percentage of need they usually meet. Then, you can apply to a variety of schools based on that information.</p>

<p>Best of luck to you.</p>

3

<p>A lot of the better scholarships at State Us are based on a combination of both SAT/ACT scores and GPA. I think your GPA will hurt you a lot as far as any merit aid is concerned. I would be surprised if you can get full tuition with that GPA. The full tuition scholarships at the 2 large state Us in our state require a high ACT or SAT and a minimum GPA of 3.75 unweighted.</p>

<p>You have a lot of reach schools in your list considering your GPA.</p>

4

<p>As a resident, you will probably be accepted by ASU and possibly UA as well. Fortunately, these are relatively low cost schools for in-state (especially if you can live at home while attending) because any scholarship money that you might be eligible for at these schools is going to be a relatively small amount – unless you are a National Merit Commended Student or Semifinalist, in which case you can qualify for one of the larger scholarships.</p>

<p>I hate to be pessimistic, but I really think you need to apply to some less selective schools. USC, UT, and UR are definite reaches with your GPA and are not likely to give you much, if any, financial aid. So I second the other posters’ suggestion that you run some preliminary numbers to see what your EFC is and talk to your parents about what they can afford to provide towards your college education. Then do some research to find schools that would fit both your academic and financial needs.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>