Really lost, please provide expertise....

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>Hi, I'm 17 and a junior at Winchester High School. It's a fairly good school and is top 5 in the state in terms of ranking, so very high standards and whatnot. </p>

<p>Anyway, my grades and the fact my parents are not from the US make the process even more-so difficult. </p>

<p>My School GPA thusfar (without counting this year) is a 3.4 (out of a 4.5 max - if in Honors and 4.0 in C1). But this junior year, after dropping both Honors Math and Science, my GPA this year is approximately a 3.7. On the MCAS'es, I got advanced rankings which give me some form of a scholarship in Massachusetts colleges. On PSAT's, I got a 640 on Math and 540 on both English sections. </p>

<p>Next year, I'm overloaded, I don't know what classes to take. I don't think it would matter much if I'm a senior. </p>

<p>Looking forward to
-Masterpieces Honors
-Psychology Honors
-Economics Honors
-AP Stats
-Calculus Honors
-Spanish 5 Honors (no AP here for me - not really into Spanish)
-Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics Honors</p>

<p>I can drop Spanish and I wouldn't really care. I'm not particularly great in any one area but math and science which use to be my strength is kind of lacking. I am doing great in C1 classes but Honors just gives me problems.</p>

<p>I can settle for UMass which requires only a 3.2 GPA which is also a general college. Or something better like Boston University or Boston College? But the requirements are MUCH higher and more expensive ($50,000 each compared to Umass $17,000). And the process just seems like a mess, I just don't really know what to look forward to in terms of colleges....(preferably something local in New England). </p>

<p>And will government loans help? I'm praying because I may really need it, parents aren't necessarily rich or anything. I hope these schools aren't really into extracurricular activities because I don't really do many besides few clubs here and there and community service. </p>

<p>Also, how many classes are you suppose to take in college? Is it 4?</p>

<p>I thank you for reading, and if any input can be placed, please tell me about it.</p>

2

<p>I would suggest that you try the ACT. a lot of people who have trouble with the older test find themselves scoring more highly on it. this might open you to more/better merit-based aid.</p>

<p>on government loans, it would really depend on how much your parents make. But most agree that the gov't loans do not make up for an inability to pay for much of the cost of private schools. There are a lot of smaller, private scholarships out there, too. taking a little bit of time to apply for some of these might dull the sharp edge of private college tuition.</p>

<p>I'm not well versed in the practices of BU and BC with regards to fin aid. perhaps someone below me will be more informed; or, if not, check out their websites.</p>

<p>best of luck to you!</p>

3

<p>Thanks for your response.</p>

<p>ACT wise, it's a lot different than SAT's and from what I know, the prominent schools value the SAT more than the ACT by a lot. And plus SAT's are favored on the East Coast.</p>

4

<p>lol i think they have a conversion between ACT and SAT, and don't really care which one you have.</p>

5

<p>yeah, most schools won't discriminate.</p>

6

<p>Alright, but on the GPA side, would it be a real struggle for me to get into a school the level of BOston College or something, something 2nd tier. Not necessarily like Harvard, MIT etc, cause I have no chance basically.</p>

7

<p>Jimmyt90</p>

<p>I know your school well because my D is a senior there. </p>

<p>Go to the guidance department. They will be able to steer you...Take an SAT course to help get your CR and W scores up. There is a great course run in Winchester that both my kids took. Based on your MCAS scores you are eligible for a full tuition scholarship to UMASS, which is a good school...don't despair...you are in OK shape!</p>

<p>Your 3.4 GPA is good. My daughter was at 3.6 at start of junior year but your trend is upward. D has already been admitted to 5 great liberal arts colleges with significant scholarships to 2 of them. She is going to a NECSAC school in the fall which accepted her under their early decision. </p>

<p>Good luck.</p>