<p>Hi, so I'm in the thick of college app season (in that stage of desperation where it feels like there's a rejection waiting at every corner). I'm currently taking a serious look at my financial aid options at my more safety/realistic schools. I'd appreciate others' opinions of how much merit aid I'd get at these schools:</p>
<p>U of Rochester
Scripps College
Tulane
UCSB
UC Davis</p>
<p>I'm in-state for UCs, but my essays were HORRID. Written the night of which I sorely regret. I'm banking on the fact that the lower UCs have a reputation for not counting the Personal Statement much. And I didn't apply early to Tulane so the full merit scholarships are out (anyone know if we can apply for those in the following year once we've matriculated?). </p>
<p>Other than that, anyone know how important an interview is for merit to URochester? As in, has anyone gotten full merit/close to without interviewing?</p>
<p>My resume is as follows:</p>
<p>~Objective~
GPA: 3.8 UW/4.1 W
SAT: 2300
SAT IIs: 750 History, 730 Math II
APs: 5, 5, 4 (School limits # of APs students can take)
Courseload: Have taken the most rigorous courseload offered at my school</p>
<p>Awards:
AP Scholar
National Merit Commended
Girls' State Nominee
2 School Awards for top 1% + merit
School Award for Leadership & Service</p>
<p>~Subjective~
**Volunteering:
- (Vice President) Service club helping disadvantaged youth. Among other events, conducted donation drives and prepared meals for 100 foster kids
- (Publicity Chair) Non-profit foundation raising $7000+ last year for a child afflicted with a malignant brain tumor
- (Publicity Chair) National cancer non-profit organization educating and fundraising for cancer research
- (President) Sport Club leading weekly classes, volunteering with fitness for disabled, elderly, and children, and fundraising for childhood obesity prevention</p>
<p>**Student Government:
- Class Council - Plan events such as Senior Lunch Fest, Homecoming, and Winter Formal
- Student Forum - Serve as liaison between student body and school administration
- Link Crew - Serve as mentor to new students and lead events such as Freshman Kick-Off Days</p>
<p>**Summer:
- Retirement Home Volunteer leading and organizing elders' recreational activities
- Ivy League STEM Summer Program
- 3 LeadAmerica Conferences for college credit (won awards/was a finalist at all 3)
- International Travel</p>
<p>**Arts:
- Dance 3 (10, 11) - Awarded Best Choreography
- Art 3 (12)
- Chorus (9, 10)</p>
<p>~Recs/Essays~
Teacher Recs: 10/10 - REALLY good; 8/10 - good but doesn't know me as well
Counselor Rec: 7/10 - Told me they talked about my "profound intelligence" and "earnest disposition."
CA Essay: 9/10
UC Essay: 6/10</p>
<p>~Demographics~
School Type: Competitive Public
Ethnicity: Not specified
Hooks: None
Prospective Major: Neuroscience</p>
<p>--</p>
<p>Thanks for clicking! Feedback much appreciated. Oh, and suggestions for good Neuroscience safeties would be appreciated as well.</p>