<p>I'm a Junior in high school right now, and my overall GPA has been terrible up until this year. Some where along the lines of 2.0(ish). It wasn't until this year that I actually 'got it' and realized that I had to actually start trying, and getting good grades. It's been around a 3.5 this year (mostly A's), but that doesn't do much to change my overall, though I'm taking AP classes. I regret not trying in my previous years, and that sucks. But, I suppose that is a motivation to try harder now.</p>
<p>I'm highly interested in physics, math, computer science, and electrical engineering. I believe I want to become an electrical engineer when I get out of college, but I've been gaining more and more love and interest for math so I will probably want to major in mathematics too.</p>
<p>So, to sum it all up.. I want to go to a college that has an excellent math department, physics and electrical engineering come second to that, and computer science is least important, but I would enjoy that.</p>
<p>I do not care about how big the name of the college is or it's acceptance rate, I just want to go to a college that will accept me and give me an amazing education.</p>
<p>Currently I live in Oregon and I'm 100% okay with relocating out of state (or country, maybe). I want to get away from where I live and have a taste of something different.</p>
<p>So, what colleges would be best for me? My dream is MIT, but anyone who ever takes a look at my stats knows that is impossible, unless there were some terrible error in the application process. Not that I wont apply anyway though.</p>
<p>I imagine almost any state university would have good math, science, EE, physics, etc. You’re right, you aren’t going to MIT. But there’s no reason you can’t do well at a public university. Make a point to keep up the good work, look for opportunities, know your teachers, etc. You’ll be fine.</p>
<p>Oregon State and Portland State have ABET-accredited EE degree programs. These may be reasonably priced as in-state public universities, but you need to talk to your parents about what they can contribute and the basic financial parameters to put into the net price calculators.</p>
<p>South Dakota State and South Dakota Mines are low cost out-of-state schools with ABET-accredited EE degree programs.</p>
<p>Another option is to attend a community college for two years and then transfer to a four year school to complete your bachelor’s degree. This may expand the choices of four year schools available to you if your high school academic credentials do not give you much choice of schools that are willing to accept you. Depending on the costs and your cost constraints, it may also expand the choices financially (two years of cheap community college may allow more leeway in the cost of the remaining two years at the four year school).</p>
<p>My parents will not be able to pay for any of my college, they are recently getting divorced and are in a terrible financial situation. I have to pay myself.</p>
<p>EDIT:</p>
<p>I’m considering joining the army after I complete college because I’m interested in doing so, and my brother is in the army. That may help me pay for things as well.</p>
<p>And, I will restate, I want to get out of Oregon. Thanks. (:</p>
<p>A lot of people I know go to the Community College near me and then transfer to a better school after a year or two.</p>
<p>Are you suggesting that I attend Community College to make my transcript appear better? And then, transfer to a university? I plan on doing more than just 4 years to get a BA.</p>
<ol>
<li> Try for ROTC scholarships to attend college, graduate as a commissioned officer. However, ROTC scholarships are often very selective.</li>
<li> Enlist, then pay for college using GI Bill money after you complete your enlistment contract.</li>
</ol>
<p>Re: community college</p>
<p>Starting at community college and then transferring is often used by students with poor high school records. After doing well there, their better college records will be the main consideration for transfer admissions.</p>
<p>Re: going out of state</p>
<p>Most out of state public universities do not have very good financial aid. Private universities with good financial aid tend to be more selective. You may want to check the net price calculators at the various universities you are considering to see if they are realistic financially.</p>
<p>Try using an online college search to find what you’re looking for. It’s hard to just throw names out in the air. <a href=“https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/college-search[/url]”>https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/college-search</a> is a good place to start. You select criteria you think you want and play around with it. You’ll hear some names and get an idea what it will take to get in. When it comes time, make sure you reach both high and low. You never know…</p>
<p>Did you take the ASVAB? how did you do on that? </p>
<p>I think you hit the nail on the head with military, especially since you already have interest in it. There are several military options that would involve you leaving the state and getting a degree (and more) in the fields you love. I would find a local recruiting station and see if they can get you in contact with an OFFICER! Nothing against enlisted, it’s just that talking to non officer recruiters from my experience don’t have the best information on officer programs. </p>
<p>If your in good shape and pull off that SAT and have a good ASVAB, there will be A LOT of military options for you in furthering your education. Even if you don’t get ROTC scholarships, they can for some people open the door to a lot of opportunities. </p>
<p>There are a lot of other scholarships you can apply for to help in cash and minimize loans. Also, being in a financially rough situation will help you a lot in getting money.</p>
<p>I don’t know a whole lot on what schools you should look into though unfortunately :/. Like others said, use a college match search engine, there are plenty and they should help :)</p>
<p>CC probably won’t give you the best advice for you situation. I highly recommend talking to military personnel and getting advice on these questions there. Good luck! :)</p>
<p>My PSAT score was 205. I plan on taking the ACT as well my Senior year.</p>
<p>Other things about me… I competed in a regional competition at a community college for Calculus and Electrical this year. I placed 3rd in Calculus (out of a few hundred) and 2nd in the Electrical (out of around 40) competition. Since I performed I was one of the top people I was invited to the Oregon Invitational Math Tournament. Will this help me at all in applying for colleges?</p>
<p>I’m in my school Marching Band, which is invited to several notable parades. I’m also in my high school’s Jazz Band and Concert Band, which are both one of the best in my state.</p>
<p>Last year I took a college-level electrical analysis and theory (the highest level one offered) class at my community college during high school and got an A. I was the only high school student in it.</p>
<p>Will any of this help me?</p>
<p>Will being in the military help me gain admission to any colleges? Or would it just help me pay for them? Do schools like to see students serving in the military?</p>