VCU, JMU, ODU, Tech

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>I'm applying to schools around Virginia and hoping to get a decent degree in something technical (like, say, engineering or computers). My grades are somewhat lackluster. Maybe that's an understatement, I don't know. Here's the breakdown:</p>

<p>Weighted GPA is somewhere around 3.5. That's my best approximation since I haven't actually checked it lately (it's on my to-do list for the next couple days), but it was better before junior year.</p>

<p>I took AP Computer Science sophomore year and pulled an A and a 5 on the AP test. Junior year I took AP US History, received a B and a 3 on the test. Also took AP Calculus junior year, received a C and a 3 on the AP test. Same year in Latin and AP Physics I only managed a D. I didn't take the AP Physics test.</p>

<p>I'm a senior this year and taking a few other AP courses.</p>

<p>SAT Critical Reading: 720
SAT Math: 600
SAT Writing: 640</p>

<p>I'm not entirely sure what constitutes an extracurricular (I've done little in the way of traditional sports/clubs) but I'll discuss some possibilities.</p>

<p>My parents owned a small business where I was employed for a year and a half or so, where I worked mostly summers. I was tasked with computer maintenance of around 5 WinXP boxes and a Windows Server 2003 box. This included formatting and installing Windows, software installation (including some fairly complicated client/server infrastructure), router configuration/networking, antivirus protection, virus removal (the absolute worst), and data backups, as well as general tech advice with any problems that came up. I this through experience and endless online research, despite zero professional training and very little guidance.</p>

<p>I also picked up the fundamentals of graphic design while I worked there. I'm comfortable with Illustrator and Photoshop and a Wacom tablet. Nothing amazing, but companies will pay money for my design time.</p>

<p>I practiced art through most of high school, although I never took classes. I used these skills to create poster art and t-shirt designs for a multitude school plays. I showed the teacher my work and was allowed in Fine Arts II this year (without the precursor), so perhaps I'm no longer completely "self-learned."</p>

<p>There was a period where I designed and maintained the website for my local church, although my long-term influence in the matter was limited.</p>

<p>I'd be happy with going to VCU, but I have interest in JMU,ODU, and Tech. I might send applications to W&M and UVA to push my reach.</p>

2

<p>I was a graphic design major at ODU. Considered VCU strongly too, but liked the ODU campus much better and smaller more personal art program there too. ODU is strong in technology and science. Has a top 100 engineering school, and a strong computer science program too. The campus is booming. 23,000 students. Football Saturdays are not to be missed, and the new dorm quad is very nice. I had a good time there a few years ago, but it gets better every year. Check out ODU, I think you’ll like it.</p>

3

<p>uva is a massive reach the rest with what i know are all decent shots just dont let your grades slip at all.chance me back <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1033113-chance-me-ill-chance-you-back.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1033113-chance-me-ill-chance-you-back.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

4

<p>you’ll get into VCU and ODU. however, all the other schools are reaches because of your GPA not SAT scores. I’m basing this on the fact that at my school, the lowest kids usually get accepted to Tech at is roughly a 3.7. You might have a good shot at JMU though.</p>