Need help with college financial dilemma!

Paying for College
1

<p>Hi- I have a dilemma regarding what schools I should apply to. I can get into good schools, but financially, I couldn't afford it...</p>

<p>--</p>

<p>My GPA is a 96.5 out of 100, and a 101.1 weighted. I am in the top 7 in my class, and possibly the top 2% in a class of 300 students.</p>

<p>I've been in all honors/AP classes and I'm taking 6 AP's this year.</p>

<p>AP's:
5 AP US
4 AP World
4 AP Composition/Language</p>

<p>SAT:
680 Math
680 Reading
1360/1600
2050/2400</p>

<p>I am going to retake the SAT in October.</p>

<p>SAT II- US History: 760.</p>

<p>I am taking the Math I and Math II SATII's in October, both of which I think I can do well on.</p>

<p>EXTRACURRICULARS:
Soccer
Winter/Spring Track
Video Club
SEAS Club
SADD Club
National HS
French HS
President Debate Club
Mock Trial</p>

<p>COMMUNITY SERVICE/EMPLOYMENT:
Nursing Home Volunteer
Pet Store Volunteer
Summer Internship at State Assemblyman's Office
Tutoring children</p>

<p>--</p>

<p>Like I mentioned before, the only problem is that I cannot afford a 50G/year private university. However, I still think I have the stats to get into a George Washington/Boston College type of school. But would they give me any grant/ merit scholarship money?</p>

<p>My question is- what fairly good private or public schools can I apply to where I can get a lot of money?</p>

<p>For example, would I get a full ride at American, or University of Virginia...? </p>

<p>And if you guys knew of any good public schools, I'd really appreciate it, too! =D</p>

2

<p>UVA I doubt (particularly if you are OOS). Go to the financial aid forum and look at the sticky at the top for schools with good merit aid.</p>

3

<p>This will depend substantially upon your family’s expected family contribution and other financial information.</p>

<p>Go do an estimate on your EFC at [EFC</a> Calculator: How Much Money for College Will You Be Expected to Contribute?](<a href=“http://apps.collegeboard.com/fincalc/efc_welcome.jsp]EFC”>http://apps.collegeboard.com/fincalc/efc_welcome.jsp)</p>

<p>Then come back here with that calculation. We can give you a far more informed opinion then.</p>

4

<p>EFC is around 5500…</p>

5

<p>Check out the schools of your choice and see if their stats indicate that the average percent of need met is 100%. Those that do will give you a package leaving you with a balance due close to your EFC.</p>

6

<p>Note that loans can count as need met. This list: [Project</a> on Student Debt: Financial Aid Pledges](<a href=“http://projectonstudentdebt.org/pc_institution.php]Project”>http://projectonstudentdebt.org/pc_institution.php) may help you.</p>