What schools should I consider???

<p>Well, I'm going to be a senior next year and I'm still not sure where to apply and what's best for me. I want to major in pre-med. My gpa is a 4.0 and I barely have any extracurricular activities. I have also taken classes like Anatomy & Physiology, and I'm planning on taking AP Biology and AP Chemistry. I have also taken AP World History. I live in Virginia and I was thinking about going to George Mason (25 minutes from where I live) and then transferring to a school with a better pre-med program. I can't really leave home either because of personal, family issues. My SAT scores aren't good at all: Reading-490 Math-530 Writing-640, but it was my first time without any preparation. I can't afford the classes, but I am practicing with the prep books and I am sure I will do better the next time I take it. I'm just wondering if anyone has any suggestions or thoughts about my situation. Any advice is much appreciated.</p>

<p>Oregon State University.</p>

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I want to major in pre-med.

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I can't really leave home either because of personal, family issues.

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I can't afford the classes,

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Why not UVA or some other state school? I don't know enough about Virginia schools to recommend any.
If you're very serious about pre-med, I would simply suggest a school where you can get an easy 4.0 in whatever you study.
A state school would also have a cheaper cost (most likely, especially with your test scores), and keep you near your family.</p>

<p>Fairfax is.. quite wonderful. </p>

<p>Because of your issues it seems as if you want to stay in-state - some schools I might recommend are GMU, UVA, VT, W&M, JMU...</p>

<p>For self-studying the SAT, go to this thread, post #571-573:</p>

<p><a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-preparation/68210-xiggi-s-sat-prep-advice-39.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-preparation/68210-xiggi-s-sat-prep-advice-39.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>It is a summary of the xiggi method which has helped many students here on CC improve their SAT scores without expensive prep courses. Good luck!</p>

<p>Also, try the ACT. You may do better which, with that gpa, should help.</p>

<p>What about UMBC, Towson and VCU. I think UMBC and VCU are supposed to have good pre med programs. Best of luck!</p>

<p>VA27 There is NOTHING wrong with going to George Mason and doing your very best. Just remember 4.0 wonder kids from highschool with great EC's and SAT's, all have to start fresh in college. Doing well at George Mason will land you anywere you want to go. That's OK that you have to live at home. You still have everything you need to achieve your goals. Take the SAT's again, but I have a feeling that you will be fine regardless to be admitted to GMU. You have the fire of determination that only comes from wanting something very badly. This will serve you well. I have a feeling you will become a well respected Doctor someday. Believe in yourself. Be determined. I wish you all the very best. </p>

<p>Pedsox</p>

<p>Pedsox,</p>

<p>Thank you so much for the inspiring advice and I will keep all you said in my head.</p>

<p>Does anyone else have thoughts or opinions on my situation???</p>

<p>agree with 2collegewego: you look like you can do better with the ACT. GMU is a good match with possible scholarship opportunity for you, and gives you a choice of whether or not you want them to see your SAT score. There's more info on its website.</p>