<p>I see a lot of posts on chances for colleges, but I can't find many on chances for scholarships. I'm currently a rising senior with little hope of financial aid at ivy league universities so I'm wondering if I have a chance at scholarships at other universities such as WUSTL, Emory, Duke, Vanderbilt, Caltech, etc.</p>
<p>I guess I'm also curious if there are any other colleges that have similar scholarship programs as these schools but are also prestigious, more or less. (That, or colleges that are willing to raise your finaid package based on your record.) But I mainly wanted an analysis of my stats and suggestions for improvements. Thanks for your help!</p>
<p>Anyways...
Unweighted GPA: 3.99 (I think I got a B in a quarter-long health class in the summer before 9th grade)
Weighted Class Rank: 1/550 or so
PSAT: 230
SAT I: Attempt #1; 800 Verbal, 790 Math, 690 Writing
Attempt #2: 760 Verbal, 790 Math, 790 Writing
SAT II: Math IIC=800, Chemistry=790
AP: Bio=5, Chemistry=5, Calc BC=5, American Govt=5
Class Load: ~7 Classes per year (normal, non-block schedule); all AP, IB, or college classes during junior/senior years
Essay: Not sure
Recommendations: Not sure; if I apply RD, is the fall semester enough for a teacher to get to know me and write a decent letter?
Extracurriculars:
*Science Olympiad (1st Place Medals at Nationals), Science Bowl (Captain of Top 16 Team at Nationals), Ocean Bowl (Captain of 2nd Place Team at Nationals), AIME Qualifier, etc.; Is it bad that I never competed in any science fair competition such as STS, ISEF, Davidson, etc.? Are my science extracurriculars even relevant at non-Caltech/MIT schools?
*A few short (~3 month) research experiences at state land-grant college
*Clarinet player since 7th grade; about 100+ hours of volunteer service as clarinet player in Asian Ensemble, performing in northern part of my state
?????</p>
<p>You should look at Univ. of Rochester, Case Western, Rice (I think), Worchester Polytech, Rensselaer Polytech. They give money. Also, Boston University, George Washington U, maybe NYU. You seem focussed on universities, but some LACs are giving good merit aid these days. The unfortunate fact is, if you need money, you need to find out which schools are giving it out, and apply there. OH- you may be a good candidate for Olin, too- a new, prestigious tech school that gives everyone free tuition(near Boston). It is as hard to get into as MIT and many of the same people apply.</p>
<p>if you really want a scholarship, you shouldnt put all your hope into the most competitive schools like duke and cal tech. to get a scholarship at them you have to be as strong as top kids getting into HYPSM. if you really need a good scholarship apply to 10+ schools to maximize your chances. a thousand dollars spent now can save you a few hundred thousand these next 4 years. </p>
<p>tulane gives lots of aid which you dont have to apply for (except the big money scholarships). you may be a candidate for the michigan shipman's scholarship which gives some kids 50% and others 100% deals. you may also get a full ride at your state u (and for undergrad, it wont hurt you to go to your state u and be one of the top students there). you are also may win national merit scholar and should look at colleges that give lots of cash to national merit scholars. </p>
<p>and your science competitions are fine for any school (so long as you apply as a science major. kind of useless if you say you want to major in english or something). if i were you i would try to enter a science fair because they also give scholarships</p>
<p>I would encourage you to look seriously at the Emory Scholars Program at Emory University. You have some exceptional achievements that would serve you well in this highly competitive merit scholarship program.</p>
<p>The Emory Scholars Program offers one of the very best merit scholarship opportunities in the country, with merit awards ranging from partial tuition to full-ride at Emory. I have known students to have turned down Harvard, Yale and other Ivies to benefit from this opportunity -- and it wasn't necessarily a difficult decision. If you are interested, you will want to do some planning now and check with your H.S. Guidance counselor in the fall, when you return to school. Each H.S. is allowed up to 4 nominees -- and you will need to be nominated by your school. Go to the Emory discussion forum and/or check some of my earlier posts to get more info., as well as getting links direct to the Emory Scholars Program. It is a very competitive program, but the awards are worth the effort. (Unless you apply ED to Emory, consideration for this merit program would likely preclude ED applications to other schools.)</p>