<p>I'm really concerned about my chances to get top merit scholarships at the schools I want. I can't go anywhere unless they pay full ride for me because of some really weird issues at home, so it's not really worth an application if I can't get it. I'm a junior in Louisiana.</p>
<p>I'm looking at Emory, UVA, and Duke, among others.</p>
<p>Here are my stats:</p>
<p>PSAT: 239
Old SAT: 1510 (800 verbal, 710 math which I am hoping to raise)
GPA: 4.27</p>
<p>Award Highlights:</p>
<p>Jr. Beta Quiz Bowl state champions
Scholastic Art and Writing Awards National sci-fi/fantasy winner
Louisiana Writes! Nonfiction and poetry winner, second place fiction
Literary Rally 3 yr. State qualifier in math
George S. and Stella M. Knight Essay Winner at district and state level (so far)
Member of 2003 and 2004 State Champion Swim Team (Captian for 2005)
Superior Student in 13 of 19 academic courses
Outstanding Student of grade for two years</p>
<p>Right now, I'm valedictorian of my class and I'm in the IB Diploma Program at my school. I also am a finalist for Telluride summer programs and am active in the theater department of my school on a volunteer basis.</p>
<p>Please help me! I need good news!</p>
<p>Inkling</p>