Parents, some truthful guidance please :(

Parents Forum
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<p>So my resume seems to have changed since the last time I posted, but ah well. Anyways. I feel really really really lost in this whole process, I feel extremely inadequate when it comes to my grades and comparing myself to everybody else at school and those that are in my classes and what not. I guess I'm really just looking for a realistic take on my stats and where I can get in. </p>

<p>GPA: 3.4 weighted (probably a lower UC gpa, since a lot of my A's are from all of my music and art classes--will raise with this semester's grades, and with the grade replacement from a D in a semester of chemistry)
new SAT I: 1900
SAT II's: 480-Bio, x-Literature in November
ACT: English: 29, Math-21, Reading: 31, Science:25, Composite, 27
-Excellent grades sophomore year, crappy-ish grades junior year, getting straight A's senior year
-Taken 7 AP classes including this year
-Member of german club, jewish cultural club, hip hop club, key club
-Member of the school wind ensemble for 3 years as well as marching band for 3 years, I had several leadership roles
-I quit music senior year to pursue what is my true passion, art, so I am in the AP studio art class
-I have been taking German since freshman year and am now in AP German IV
-I volunteered at the local women's hospital over the summer for maaany hours
-I volunteered at the charity bookstore a couple summers ago
-My art was shown at an Art In the Park event
-I have taken on the most rigorous course loads possible my entire high school career, especially last year, and though my grades were less than awesome, I hope adcoms will see that I put in my best
-I am planning on majoring in Art (fine arts, applied arts...ala painting or drawing), or German (maybe as a minor)</p>

<p>As a senior I am taking 7 classes, and am also working roughly 20 hours a week. I began working at Starbucks over the summer and will be continuing til I am shipped off to college! I also feel that working has been one of the best things in my life, I've pulled everything together in my life, and have become a far more independent and responsible individual.</p>

<p>-Writing is my strong point, so I'm planning on some good ideas...hopefully.</p>

<p>So these are where I am applying, tell me whether you think they are realistic, and if I would get accepted or rejected.</p>

<p>-UC Santa Cruz
-University of Washington (Seattle)
-Western Washington
-UC Davis
-Ohio State University-Columbus
-UC Santa Barbara
-Cal State Long Beach
-San Diego State</p>

<p>I am deeply thinking about just going to a junior college because I'm seriously lacking something special that colleges are probably looking for. Also, I would love to get into UCLA or Berkeley and maybe just go there after a couple years at a JC. But I really feel so ready to leave home. Any words of wisdom...?</p>

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<p>If art is your true calling, you should consider some Art schools. They also put much more emphasis on portfolio than on grades/scores.</p>

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<p>Yeah, I am just really set on a REAL college experience, with more diversity than just 'the art kids'. Never been a fan. Thanks though, I used to really want to go to an art school, but I need to be around different people.</p>

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<p>I agree with nngmm: don't rule out art schools. I'd also suggest you take at close look at Humboldt State = they have an excellent art program. In my mind, it is actually better than San Diego State's because it is not an impacted program. I'd add a few more cal states to your list as well since it's easy to apply to them with the same application -- take a look at Monterey Bay, Chico, Sonoma for starters. I'd also suggest you take a look at the University of Oregon instead of the U of Washington - U of Oregon has a terrific art program and is slightly easier to get into than U of Washington. If you'd love to be in the Pacific Northwest, also check out Lewis & Clark (they have an SAT optional path to admission) which has great music and art programs, and is strong in languages. Other options might include Linfield College and Seattle University.</p>

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<p>Alison,</p>

<p>Take a deep breath. Your record is great - you need not put Jr. college in the mix if you're interested in a 4 year school. There are great schools out there for kids with above average records like yours! </p>

<p>Take Carolyn's advise and look carefully at the schools she mentions and put those on your list. Put together a nice portfolio of your work, too - both art and writing - you will find that your stand out effort in these areas will carry you well towards an excellent program at a great U.</p>

<p>Be brave! Don't give up! You're not seriously lacking what colleges are looking for. Not a bit.</p>

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<p>you're being realisitc which is good. there is a shot at santa cruz</p>

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<p>You have good stats and you should not compare yourself to others.
You can stand on your own merits. Being able to handle a full academic schedule plus hold down a part time job shows colleges you are well rounded.</p>

<p>Keep working hard and the future is yours.</p>

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<p>Your stats are fine. Check out University of San Diego, Willamette, Puget Sound as others to add to Carolyn's nice list.</p>

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<p>Thanks everyone, I wish I could put private schools on my list of colleges, because Lewis and Clark is just about what I would love to have in a school, but money is the issue unfortunately--as with just about every other private schools.</p>

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<p>Maybe Mills?</p>

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<p>alisonk,
Have your parents done the EFC (Estimated family contribution) yet? Unless they have, and it shows that your parents would not qualify for any aid, I would not rule out private schools right off the bat. Here's a little secret: sometimes, some well chosen private schools can actually end up costing as much as the UC's when all is said and done. Even if your parents EFC is higher than they can afford in "real life", Some private schools (Linfield and U of Redlands are two) have merit money specifically set for art majors. And, U of Washington is not exactly cheap for out of state students --- their website estimates costs at $30,620 a year - not that much less than Lewis & Clark and actually more than Linfield.
I guess what I am trying to say is that unless your parents have done the EFC and you have a solid idea of what your family may be eligible for, I would not rush to rule out any particular school. While you may not get the money you need to afford to attend, you will never know unless you try.</p>

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<p>SBMom, Mills is an excellent suggestion. Although we didn't do a formal tour there, we did do a walk around visit and ran into a professor from the art program who showed my daughter the facilities. They have a great program.</p>

<p>Another possiblity in the Bay area is Dominican University of California, which also has a nice art program.</p>

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<p>I know arizonamom already suggested it, but I wanted to add that I know someone who's daughter is majoring in art at U of Puget Sound. She really likes it and last year received funding to spend the summer on campus doing her own artwork. I thought that was pretty cool.</p>

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<p>As a UC grad, I know what a "great" UC financial aid package is. Sometimes, it's not so great after all.</p>

<p>Look at privates, and seriously consider schools with good art programs. Rushing to get out of the home is no reason to not go to a college that you'll enjoy.</p>