What are my chances of getting accepted in a good college?

College Search & Selection
1

I moved from Brazil to United States 3 years ago, when I was in my freshman year. When I came I didn’t know how to write a single sentence in English. I didn’t plan to go to college here, but I changed my mind because I got my green card. Now I’m a 12th-grade student and I want to go to college, but I’m worried about getting accepted AND receiving financial aid. My family has moved a lot of times during these 3 years and because of that, I changed schools 6 times after I came to the US. Despite that, I have a 3.6 GPA but I always took regular classes (in the first year I took bilingual classes), and my SAT score is 1010 (I only took it once until the day I’m posting this discussion). I speak Portuguese, English, and I’m learning Spanish if it matters. I want to major in accounting. I would like to know if I have any chance to get into a good college.

Thanks in advance. :slight_smile:

2

What do you mean by “good” college? Have you looked at the public universities in your state of residence?

What does your guidance counselor suggest?

How much can your family afford to pay for your education? Spend some time in the Financial Aid Forum, and read the threads on merit-based and need-based aid.

What is your TOEFL score like? Lots of places will want that since you have been in US schools for only three years.

Your GPA is very good, and there are many colleges and universities that would be happy to admit you. But for really good merit-based scholarships, you will most likely need a higher SAT or ACT score. Do you have time to do some serious test-prep and then re-take the SAT or ACT?

3

I would also recommend your in-state colleges. Your GPA is fine but your SAT score is going to hinder where you can and can’t gain admission with decent financial aid.