My Chances

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>Hi I'm looking for some information on my chances to get into college and pursue my dream of journalism. Here is some information.</p>

<p>GPA: 2.89 -- I'm a classic underachiever. I know that I'm the type of kid that would have a substantially better chance of getting into a school with an emphasis on the personal interview. I am a Junior in High School. I have taken four honors courses (F - History, S - History, Math, J - English) and I have taken one AP class so far (J - History). I'm going to be taking an honors class next year (Humanities) and two AP classes (English and Government). I'm hoping to be above a 3.0. I have taken one AP exam so far (history).</p>

<p>SAT Scores: N/A -- I don't receive the results of my first SAT scores until May 31st, 2006. When I took the PSAT I scored a 165, equivalent to a 1650. I took an SAT course called Princeton Review where I took three practice tests scoring 1650 twice and 1800 once. When I took the test on May 6th, I was extremely confident during and after the test. I feel that I, without question, scored above an 1800. It was the first time that I was able to answer every question confidently in the math section, when in the past I skipped or was not able to finish many. I believe that my range is 1800-1900 for this first test. </p>

<p>Extra-Cirriculars -- Editor-in-Chief of the school newspaper, Co-Founder of our Model U.N. Chapter, member of S.A.V.E. (Students Against Violating the Earth), officer of P.L.O.T. (Political Leaders of Tomorrow), one season of play on the Golf team with possibly a 2nd season in my senior year, member of the District Media Center, and play-by-play/color commentator for sporting events broadcasted on our high school channel. </p>

<p>Work -- Swiss Bakery and Deli (Cashier), JCC Abrams Day Camp (Jr. Counselor), High School Sports Commentating</p>

<p>Community Service -- I'm almost always a volunteer waiter at a charity event called 'Kids in Concert' in New Brunswick, NJ. </p>

<p>Other -- I live in New Jersey. I speak at Board of Education meetings on occasion. I wrote editorials and sports for my school newspaper. I have great knowledge of both, but I receive the most feedback on my editorials. I write for the "Editorial" section, which is for politics outside of school, and for the "Student Voice" section, which is for inter-school politics. I have been playing and following sports since I was five and have an immense knowledge on historical athletes as well as current. My forte is football, particularly the NFL Draft.</p>

<p>Looking At -- Rutgers University, University of Arizona, Arizona State University, University of Iowa, Penn State University (University Park), and the University of West Virginia,</p>

2

<p>You are looking at a lot of OOS public schools. Your numbers need to be better than the accepted student average to have a shot at those schools. Also realize you will pay a substantial premium for OOS tuition. You may want to look at private schools with good journalism/communications programs where your application will be competitive. I'm sure that they're out there. Good luck.</p>

3

<p>I like your state school choices, but, unless you do not mind a satellite campus, drop Penn State. Chances are good that you will get into a satellite campus. Also, check out Towson (don't know if they have your major). Your gpa is a little low for them, but you may get in (it is a Maryland State school). If they do not have your major, you can try Salisbury State (but I read some negative reviews)-Also Md. state school. Rutgers-NB could be a reach, even instate. I suppose you do not want to try a private school b/c of cost. You need to evaluate whether they are feasible with your family, and you can call schools to see if you would be eligible for any aid. If you are afraid of not getting merit aid, based on grades/sats, you may qualify for merit aid based on leadership. There are some schools that offer those awards too. Some schools offer merit awards to nearly everyone who is admitted. A good site to check about grant aid awarded and the % of students receiving such aid is nces.ed.gov/ipeds/cool.</p>

4

<p>Someone recommended PSU-Abington to me as a satellite school once. I would definitely consider it.</p>

<p>As far as cost goes, you hit it right on the head. I want to avoid private schools for that reason.</p>

5

<p>I don't know anything about Abington, but make sure that it is a good fit that you are in their midrange. Make sure you have at least a couple of safeties.</p>