Hey everyone! I am a fairly above average student with a 3.9 weighted GPA and 3.67 unweighted GPA. I scored a 1780 on my highest SAT and a 26 on my ACT. I may be taking these tests again but am undecided. I am working with a top tutor to work on college applications and essays.
I am wondering what you think would be the minimum acceptance rate of a college that I could be accepted into. For example, could I get into a school with a 20% acceptance rate, or should I aim for something higher? I am applying to numerous safeties to reaches, and I understand that college admission is very up in the air, but I am wondering what acceptances rates could be considered safe, possible, or just completely out of my league.
Thank you!
I wouldn’t exactly you aren’t an “above average” student, but very fairly average, nothing remarkable, but nothing too bad. I say you aim lower. I don’t exactly know what world you are coming from, but a 1780 SAT and a 26 ACT is nothing to consider outstanding or good. If you want to go into any decently selective school (where the pressure is really kicking in for acceptance) I suggest you raise both your test scores or just work on one. Aim for 2000+ on the SAT and around 30 on the ACT. Do you have any schools in mind that you wish to attend? Acceptance rates mean really nothing for chances, so you might as well collect schools you want to apply to.
I appreciate the bluntness. I think I misspoke when I asked if I should aim higher, I meant “higher” than a 20%, as in 40%. I only said fairly above average because it is above average, average in my “world” is around a 3.2 GPA.
I do plan to raise my test scores. With lots of planning I am thinking at best I can get a 1900 on the SAT, and I do believe a 30 is obtainable. Do you think this will increase my chances of getting into top schools if I also am able to write a great college essay? The reason my GPA is lacking is because I slacked off my first two years but have seriously tried to turn things around and I now have a strong work ethic and a desire to succeed.
I am interested in New York University, American University, Emory University, Oregon State University, University of San Diego, Santa Clara University, and Seattle University. I am also applying to Brown University because I know someone who works in admissions.
Seems like you are considering several expensive schools that are not generous with financial aid.
To best make suggestions for you can you please share more about you and what you would like to study, what size school, geography (and whether city/suburb/rural). Financially have you discussed cost with your parents and what you can budget?
Will be glad to make some suggestions with more to work with.
Agreed with above. If you provided us with more info on what you want, that would be better.
Oh, of course, my bad! I am currently a senior in high school hoping to study something in the realm political science, international relations, or history. I also am considering minoring in Spanish. I am hoping for a school in the North or South East or the West Coast. I am open to the Midwest but it is not as preferred. I am looking for a school that has between 7,000 and 20,000 students. I do not want to go any smaller at all, but I am open to going a little larger. My ideal school would be around 12,000.
Cost is not a huge problem because I am going to apply for scholarships and will be taking out student loans, and my parents have agreed to pay for around half or a little less. I would like to keep the colleges as cheap as possible of course, but I think it would be worth it to pay for something if it would benefit my future.
Aside of grades, I am involved in many extracurriculars. I play soccer and lacrosse and am considering applying to be recruited by schools. I dance, am involved in student government, debate club, and play an instrument on the side. I am into photography as well. I want to continue all of this at my future school.
Hope this helps! Thanks a ton.
Cost may be more of a problem than you are aware of. Scholarships for merit are very competitive and may not be as substantial as you may think . Also , you are limited in the amount of money you can borrow as a student . You need to discuss with your parents exactly what they are willing to give you toward your education .
I should also add that I live in the San Francisco Bay Area in California and am ranked 20 out of 102 in my class.
Most of your “scholarships” will be financial aid most likely unless your test scores go up high. It will be a function of your computed family ability to pay - so if you qualify for financial aid - you need to target schools that meet need.
Additionally, schools in expensive cities like NYC, DC, etc. will add to your cost. Student loans are about $5500 annually unless you are talking about Plus Loans which are quite expensive.
You have many great in-state options that could be a fraction of NYU, American, etc. Target schools that have solid programs in what you want to study and run the Aid calculators and see what fits financially. Best of luck.
Hey Carolina! I totally forgot to respond about costs. My parents told me that they will pay for all of college no matter the cost but I will take about $30,000 in student loans from my total 4 years. This is what my siblings did. For example my sister went to LMU which has about $50,000 tuition and had $30,000 in student loans at the end of 4 years. They are planning of that for me and giving extra help if needed.
So if a school costs $160,000 net over 4 years (assuming you graduate in 4), your parents are willing to pay $40,000 out of pocket each year? (And on top of that you pay loans)
@clarinetdad16 Yes, they are. They are looking for me to take student loans if tuition and room and board is pushing over $50,000 a year.