<p>What are the best/most competitive schools I have a chance at?</p>
<p>I am a caucasian female at a competitive public school (1/2 asian, 30 nmsf) in the Houston metro area. My freshman year hurt my gpa/rank alot and I have a upward trend in my grades as well as the rigor of my courses (currently, 6 honors/ap and all As). By graduation I will have taken 7 APs and over 10 honors.</p>
<p>UW gpa: 3.5
W gpa: 3.95
Class rank: ~25%
ACT: 33 (may retake)
Extracurriculars: academic decathlon (3 years), cross country (3 years), track (3 years), VP of charity, P of japanese NHS, member of NHS, various volunteer clubs (~150 hours). Part time job for 6 months of junior year and camp counselor over summer.</p>
<p>Senior Schedule:
Calculus BC AP (already took AB this year and have a 97, should have taken BC...)
Statistics AP
English IV College Now
Eco./Government
Chem. II AP
Comp Sci II AP
Decathlon Honors (academic competition)</p>
<p>I want to double major in biochemistry and mathematics ( going on to grad school or vet school after).</p>
<p>If it matters, almost all my Bs are 87-89. (only one C ever). Ugh maybe schools that dont consider freshman year as much? :/ (DONT suggest UCs)</p>
<p>Look at U Alabama. You would be close to a full tuition scholarship. That would allow you to save up for grad/vet school.</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>Buump. Any other suggestions?</p>
<p>What is a 30 NMSF???</p>
<p>What is your financial situation? Will your parents pay $50k+ for wherever you want to go?</p>
<p>30 kids in the graduating class making National Merit Semi Finalist. It’s a tough crowd.</p>
<p>Case Western would be a good possibility. RPI, too. (They need more women at RPI.) Your stats are good; you could be admitted to many excellent schools. If you are applying to the most selective schools, you’ll need two SAT subject tests though.</p>
<p>As mom2ck says, if you give us some input on what you are looking for, financially, we can be more helpful.</p>
<p>Sorry that was unclear. I meant my school has over 30 national merit semifinalists every year. </p>
<p>My parents can pay up to ~30k a year (after aid/scholarships) but since i am going on to graduate or vet school (as expensive as medical school), i definitely am looking for a low cost option. I dont think i will receive need-based aid based on my parents income (~125,00-150,00)</p>
<p>I am definitely willing to apply to “financial reaches” as well, so mainly im just thinking about good fit right now.</p>
<p>Thanks for the Case Western suggestion and RPI suggestion.
The only super selective school I am thinking of is University of Chicago (I probably have a 10% chance, but its my dream u, would regret if i didnt). </p>
<p>I am not applying to alot of crazy reaches (except uchicago) b/c even if i got in, those universities are crazy expensive</p>
<p>Well, you should still make NMF as long as you keep your grades up, score well on the SAT (you’ll have to take the SAT and send that score to NMCorp…code #0085).</p>
<p>when you get your NMSF paperwork in the fall, do all that is asked, return the paperwork to your school on time. As long as you haven’t been a discipline problem, you should be fine.</p>
<p>One C won’t keep you from making NMF. Was it a quarter grade or a semester grade?</p>
<p>Since you have vet school ahead of you, then you should look for minimal costs for undergrad that still have strong science programs. </p>
<p>Are you only considering Vet school or are you also considering med school?</p>
<p>As a NMF, you’ll have a few opportunities for big scholarships.</p>
<p>I was saying that to show the competitiveness at my school, im not a national merit finalist :(.</p>
<p>I have a much stronger desire to go to vet school than med school, although its a lingering possibility (they say alot of people change their goals/majors)</p>
<p>We don’t know what the OP’s PSAT score was. We just know the school put out 30. I’m not sure a NMSF is a fait accompli.</p>
<p>My PSAT was a 201, but i dont think it matters now since im not national merit.</p>
<p>Are you looking at liberal arts school? I had very similar stats to you and applied to all small liberal arts colleges.</p>
<p>I have looked more at medium to large schools, but havent looked at many LACs. Where did you apply/get in?</p>
<p>I think there’s a thread on schools that don’t count freshman year grades. U. Michigan might have been one. Definitely try early action at Chicago and visit if you can. For liberal arts schools, maybe Grinnell? The sciences are supposed to be excellent there.</p>
<p>Look at UVa. I got in from a NJ public high school with a 3.6uw and a 1430 sat. Being from TX vs. MD or NY will help on the OOS front.</p>
<p>Thanks for the ideas. Besides schools, any tips/advice for the upcoming application process this fall?
(trying to make my final list this summer and will start apps in the fall).</p>
<p>In addition to any matches and reaches, find two safeties that you like and can afford. </p>
<p>Rolling admission or early action schools are good - get some of your answers early.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>I applied to UChicago for the same reason–I knew I had no chance, but I just had to try because it was my dream school–and I got waitlisted even though my grades are lower than yours and I’m an international student.</p>
<p>I’m not saying you will be accepted, but I guess it *is *true that UChicago looks beyond your grades and test scores. So if you think it is the place for you, don’t let anyone discourage you from applying! (But at the same time, don’t let yourself get hung up about the idea of UChi because that’s a recipe for heartbreak.)</p>
<p>And I second the Grinnell recommendation. Maybe Carleton as well?</p>
<p>I already have two safeties :). Colorado state (for the location, vet program, bims research) and texas state (automatic admission)</p>
<p>Ah, yea i am a realistic person Ghostt so I wont be devastated, i just know i wouldnt choose any other school over Uchicago. That gives me some hope though 
Any advice for the Uchi application?</p>
<p>About early action…
Would it help to apply regular decision in stead of early action if my gpa was slighty higher after 1st semester. Some regular decision deadlines are in february (AFTER first semester senior grades are released). I only ask because I am planning on getting all As (like i am now) and will be taking 6 weighted classes (4 ap, 2 honors) so it will slightly raise my gpa AND class rank.</p>