What schools should I be going for ?

If OP goes through Questbridge, they’re guaranteed a full ride; the match school system means he can apply to 8 colleges “ED” sorta, and can also aply to any public university and EA option.
OP should only apply ED/Questbridge if they’re applying to “meet 100% need” schools.

I think the OP is concerned his GPA is too low for Questbridge

Yeah my GPA is just really crappy, it’ll be 3.6 when I graduate based on my predictions. I’m gonna try to make up for it in my Essays and I’m pretty sure my teachers will write me really good Letters. Hopefully that’ll be enough to get me into some of the schools I want to go to.

You still have a shot. All it takes is to try your best with the application, and be lucky.
It’s worth trying.
Are you taking subject tests?

I hope so, I’d love to get into a good school. I just really love learning so I guess anywhere I go I can be happy and do good.

No I’ve never taken any. Can I take any this fall or over the summer?

Yes, they’re at the same days as SATs I’m pretty sure. June might still be open, but you might be better off studying and taking it in August. August scores won’t be back in time to apply to Brown through QB, for instance, though.

June would be the best time to take subject tests since you just finished the subjects so the content is fresh and you should have some free or flexible time to review the subjects you choose. You can pick any two subjects you took this year or, even better, that you already reviewed for the AP test. Subject tests are just one hour long and all multiple choice, so they’re much easier than AP tests.

@MannyG1 - you should get an Arkansas Governor’s scholarship at $10,000 per year as well as another $8,000 per year from the U of A. Your GPA is likely going to preclude a fellowship at the U of A.

I gotta ask - if you are interested in pre-med…why have you dropped Hendrix from your list? Hendrix is excellent at placing students in medical school. Maybe I misread that in your most recent list. You seem desirous of going OOS. May I ask why?

I would definitely keep Rice on your list, but be aware that they do consider demonstrated interest.

@Hoggirl Well I did the Hendrix NPC and It was a steep cost considering my circumstances. Regarding going OOS, its just always been my dream to go somewhere oos, no real logic behind it. I wouldn’t mind going instate either, I’d be perfectly happy going to the U of A, I’ve been a couple times to the campus and it seems like a good place to go to school.

^However Hendrix has merit aid that doesn’t appear on the NPC. Definitely complete the “request info form” and visit to increase your odds. It’d be an excellent safety for you.

Okay I will definitely do that.

I agree with @MYOS1634. Hendrix can be very generous with merit aid. Additionally. The Arkansas Governor’s Distigusihed Scholarship can be used at ANY in-state school whether public or private.

I don’t know if there is a way to find out if Hendrix practices preferential packaging. This is where the college makes the most attractive FA offers to the students they want the most.

They do, especially if the student has shown interest. They find it hard to attract excellent applicants to central Arkansas.

Considering all these things I’ll make sure to put Hendrix on my list then.

Hello guys, I have a question. I’m getting a jump on the common app essay, and I have a story about how I was put down because of my race/background and my dreams to become a doctor. Would this be a good topic to right about or does it sound too whinny?

@MannyG1 I guess if you could write about your race/background in a subtle way. Examples:

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/12/your-money/standout-college-application-essays.html?_r=0

In my opinion, the essay should show what motivates you and your intellectual curiosity.

How did you decide to become a doctor? What experiences have stuck out for you? Your medical interpreting could be a good jumping off spot for discussing health disparities and the need for more culturally sensitive doctors and medical research.