<p>So now I’m more curious about class rank. I would guess that this is important as a gauge against grade inflation. Wouldn’t scores on standardized tests be a better gauge than class standing? If the high GPA students are getting 4 and 5 on AP tests and getting very high scores on ACT / SAT tests that seems better proof of a reasonable grading.</p>
<p>In my son’s case a 3.4 GPA along with a decent test score seems more important than class standing? Of course this may be a moot point as I don’t know if his school reports this stat.</p>
<p>Texas schools go on class rank as their first criteria for acceptance. Currently UT auto admits the top 6% on class rank. All others go to the holistic review then test scores come into play.</p>
<p>TCU (very heavy on greek system) and SMU are both great schools. </p>
<p>Also Drury in Missouri is a great smaller school.</p>
<p>Denison (OH), but only 2100 undergrads, Columbus is near by. </p>
<p>One of my kids was at UCONN in the School of Fine Arts, small classes within a large university, only about 500 students within the school, a great plus for her. You might look for a similiar type situation for your S, if he has his heart set on a large public.</p>
<p>Does anyone know if he could get merit aid at University of Denver? It is technically east of the Rockies!
Also, University of Richmond gives a lot of merit aid; does anyone know if he would qualify?</p>
<p>We are planning a trip to check out some schools in the spring. Most likey TCU, SMU, Trinity University, Loyola - New Olreans and Tulane. SMU and Tulane aren’t high on the list (cost and selectivity are a reach for us) but since we will be in the neighborhood may as well get to know them.</p>
<p>Any opinions on Loyola New Orleans, particularly if you could contrast it with Trnity U?</p>
<p>Trinity will redo the GPA to totally UW, and will knock out any class they don’t consider academic (art, music, PE, religion). An ACT <27 will put your S in the bottom 25% of scores.</p>
<p>I would not think that is a position for the highest merit award, and I would probably be thinking total COA for next year to be ~$45,000+. If he were to get the 5K fendrock’s D got, would that suffice?</p>
<p>"So now I’m more curious about class rank. I would guess that this is important as a gauge against grade inflation. Wouldn’t scores on standardized tests be a better gauge than class standing? If the high GPA students are getting 4 and 5 on AP tests and getting very high scores on ACT / SAT tests that seems better proof of a reasonable grading.</p>
<p>In my son’s case a 3.4 GPA along with a decent test score seems more important than class standing? Of course this may be a moot point as I don’t know if his school reports this stat. "</p>
<p>Oh dont get me started. my dd had similar GPA (about 3.6 weighted) bottom quartile of the class, but top test scores - she ended up a national merit scholar. Fortunately for her, most schools in the east know about TJ, so they know it was NOT grade inflation. You need to look for schools that A. Are not formulaic about admissions and B. Know the secondary question pretty well. Or get the GC to write something explaining the school and its grading in detail. Though I think its still better to have a college that knows your school.</p>
<p>from gloworm:
*I would not think that is a position for the highest merit award, and I would probably be thinking total COA for next year to be ~$45,000+. If he were to get the 5K fendrock’s D got, would that suffice? *</p>
<p>I believe tuition and fees at Trinity are about $30k which is doable. Hopefully he applies to 5 to 10 similar schools that he really likes and we can see what kind of merit is available. Trinity is a bit of a reach and it really depends on how he scores on the ACT and SAT. We will have a much better take on things once he has those in his pocket.</p>
<p>Brooklynborndad: well, if a school doesn’t have the discernment to figure this out they aren’t worth a darn anyway. Our naviance indicates that very few kids head east of the rockies from our CA school so probably not a lot of name recognition. On the other hand the counselors know my son very well (for good reasons, not bad!) and he should end up with some very strong recommendations.</p>
<p>There are many great schools and situations available and he is the kind of kid who can thrive in a variety of settings. I am trying to make this process low stress for him because it doesn’t have to be a pressure cooker.</p>
<p>Have you considered University of Denver? It’s the size you are looking for, great city, strong internationally focused programs…more than 70% study abroad through the Cherrington Scholarship program.</p>
<p>@rhumbob my S is a sophomore engineering major at Marquette and Im an alumnus (Eng. 83). Marquette does not look at class rank; they like to accept students from outside the Midwest, they really like students with a lot of community service, and I believe that your son would be admitted with decent (not outstanding) SAT scores. Marquette gives very decent merit aid and is guaranteed for 4 years (my son got $12,000.00) and they have some competitive scholarships (go to the web site). Business and international studies are both very good majors at Marquette. I believe Marquette would be a good fit for your son. I would recommend you visit the school.</p>
<p>Thanks classicrockerdad and boysx3. Great suggestions.</p>
<p>newsdrms - Marquette is aon our radar and looks like a nice school. did you check into any others in the Wisconsin / Minnesota region? How did they compare?</p>
<p>Marquette and Gustavus seem like a nice match. St. Olaf is a reach. Wouldn’t mind finding another match or 2 in this area if we make a road trip for visits.</p>
<p>rhumbob - I’m not from the Midwest only lived there as a student. The only other schools from Wisc. or Minn. I would consider for your S’s major would be UW - Madison & U. Minn. and these are bigger than what you are looking for and being OOS harder to be accepted & little aid. Sorry could not be of more help.</p>