<p>I'm an African-American rising senior with first gen status. I also reside in Virginia. I have also had a big academic turn around in my high school career.
Grades:
I went from being a confused freshman with a 2.75 gpa to averaging a 3.5 gpa sophomore and junior years in the most rigorous AP and honors courses available at my school. So due to my horrible freshman year I accumulated a 3.2 cumulative gpa for all three years. If you count my senior year first semester it will rise to a 3.3. My school does not rank and weighs very little yet I've still taken mostly rigorous classes..
EC's:
As for extracurriculars, I've played freshman and JV basketball and co-captained both. I'm running varsity track and field this winter and spring seasons, and I am the president of my school's Future Business Leaders of America. I am a member of the science honor society and I volunteer teaching 1st grade students at a local church every week. Junior and Senior Math Teams. National Business Honor Society. Have played travel basketball and soccer during high school.
Test Scores:
I took the SAT I in June 08 with no prep just to see where I was. I got a 1780, Math 670 Writing 570 Critical Reading 540. I will be prepping for October and aiming for 2000-2100+. Will also prep for SAT Subject tests in Math Level II and U.S. History for November.</p>
<p>OK I'm looking for the best undergrad economics programs that get you ready for grad school that I have a shot at. I prefer to be closer to the east coast. Thanks! :-)</p>
<p>There are a lot of great econ programs out there; however, you choice of school shouldn't be dependent upon "prestige." Think about the other things that will help us give you suggestions such as: </p>
<p>~Where do you want to be location-wise? Rural or suburban? More South or North on the East coast?
~Is cost an issue (do you qualify for need-based scholarships, or will you need merit scholarships?)
~Would you like a smaller school or a larger school?
~Are opportunities in research important for you? </p>
<p>There are a lot of things; those are only suggestions for you to think about. Tell us more about what you want from a college so we can help you make a college list.</p>
<p>If money is an issue, try some state schools. You're lucky in the sense that VA has some great ones.</p>
<p>They may be reaches, but it wouldn't hurt to try applying at UVA and C of W&M. You have a few hooks that could help you...you just have to play up your strengths.</p>
<p>Then there's always James Madison, which would be a good in-state safety.</p>
<p>For out of state options, look at Wake Forest (excellent business school, not far from home), American University in DC (good business program in a good location...they also give great scholarships), UMD, University of Richmond, Elon, Clemson (a good safety), etc.</p>
<p>I would prefer schools from along Virginia and upwards north. Cost isn't much of an issue. I don't mind if it's large or small. I mostly care about the academics. Thanks World Changer for suggesting James Madison, I've been looking it up and it seems like a great safety. Any more suggestions?</p>
<p>If it's economics you're looking for, look hard at George Mason. For a taste, take a look at the blog Marginal Revolution, which is run by Tyler Cowen and Alex Tabarrok, two GMU economists, as well as the postings of Robin Hanson and Arnold Kling on the Overcoming Bias blog.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone, anymore good matches, reaches or safeties?</p>
<p>I would have to agree with UVA and William and Mary as good reaches for you. They both have business schools, which is similar enough to economics. I'm sure their economics programs are excellent as well.</p>
<p>How about Cornell, I just recently received a letter from them about applying in the fall. I know its the Ivy League but should I apply?</p>