<p>@Moreover, I agree with what you’re saying and I have decided that I will attend the interview on Monday and give it a try. In the meantime I plan to fulfill a few more ECs I have in mind and work on boosting my SAT score from now until November and December. </p>
<p>General Response:</p>
<p>People are making it seem like I won’t have a chance at any other scholarship or any other school on my list, because of my current standardized test scores; it’s very irritating and discouraging at times. As much as I am addicted to CC, sometimes I hate it, because people only look at the black and white aspect of the OP especially for their chances. I well understand the reality of my situation, but I honestly believe that I can overcome certain things in terms of getting into an affordable and enjoyable school. Say if I don’t win the Posse scholarship, that doesn’t mean that I will not get accepted anywhere else, my scores will never increase and I will have to go to a community college, because my EFC is 0. I’m sure I’m not the only student on here who has some sort of flaw in terms of their chances. I’m also considering Bowdoin which is my top choice LAC and test optional school.</p>
<p>MindOnMars12, I think people are just trying to help you maximize each opportunity and remind you that there are no guarantees until you have a firm offer. CC Posters have seen much excitement and much disappointment. The whole application process is a roller coaster ride with many ups and downs, especially when you need a good scholarship. You might have an interview that your think was fantastic and be turned down. You might think you don’t have a shot and win. All you can do is try your best and see what happens. You are right - be strong and persistent. If one doors closes, work hard on several others. You are fortunate to be one of the chosen to interview for this scholarship, so your odds are increased. I am sure everyone wishes you the best. Good Luck with your interview!!</p>
<p>*
People are making it seem like I won’t have a chance at any other scholarship or any other school on my list, because of my current standardized test scores; it’s very irritating and discouraging at times. *</p>
<p>???</p>
<p>I don’t care what your scores are. Your scores could be perfect and you still might not get accepted into a “meets need” school because those are the hardest to get into.</p>
<p>For that reason and the fact that you’re an EFC 0, you need to keep all options open…which is why we’re glad that you’re keeping the Posse option as well.</p>
<p>Think of it this way…suppose you had much better scores, and you still didn’t get accepted to those other schools or get those other scholarships…wouldn’t you later regret not trying the Posse scholarship (if you had declined participation)??</p>
<p>OP: My daughter’s test scores are dismal (even by non-CC standards) and she is taking the ACT a third time on Saturday. Her GPA is better but those scores, even if she does better, will keep her from getting formula based merit scholarships. Yes, you and she will get acceptances, but I imagine the issue will be whether y’all will receive AFFORDABLE acceptances. That is why folks here are encouraging you to apply to Posse, Questbridge, and Gates. They are all highly competitive – so acceptance is not a done deal, but they will maximize your opportunity to attend a great four year institution. I am sure most folks here don’t want you to become burdened with a huge student debt load (which is part of <em>meeting need</em>); hence the encouragement to go for the Posse program. (We visited Lawrence U. and loved it by the way.)</p>
<p>Great opportunity!
Posse foundation works for both students and college campuses, and is rooted in the belief that a small, diverse group of talented students, carefully selected and trained and serve as a catalyst for increased individual and community development. Identified for their leadership ability and overall motivation to succeed, Posse Scholars head campus organizations, encourage dialogue and programs that foster an inclusive campus environment and achieve academic success.
Do your research, gather all information and analyze whether they are according to your expectations which you are looking forward.</p>
<p>“Since you don’t have to agree to a school until you are a Finalist, I think you should give it a try. You learn so much about yourself and your goals when you interview for scholarships. At the very least, it will help you prepare for other interviews. It also really forces you to think about your strengths and college in a critical way.”</p>
<p>This is absolutely true. One of my family members went through the entire process with Questbridge, did not get a match, and was waitlisted at her top QB school in the regular decision round. However, along the way she found several other institutions that looked really good to her, and applied early enough to be awarded an early-cutoff-date scholarship at a very fine not-QB LAC that no one in the family had every heard of before. She attributes her success at receiving that almost-full-ride scholarship (and a number of subsequent opportunities now that she is in attendance there) to the work she put in earlier in the year preparing the QB application. Applying to QB meant that she had a whole set of essays and letters of recommendation ready when it came time to apply everywhere else.</p>
<p>Posse is a terrific opportunity, but it doesn’t mean that you should stop your other applications in their tracks. I say, keep as many balls in the air for as long as possible so that you can optimize your chances.</p>
<p>I wish I had a nickel for every wonderful student here on CC who is strongly confident that their excellent grades and excellent test scores (and sometimes excellent references and excellent athletic ability) is going to fling open doors for them. </p>
<p>I think that was really true ten years ago – or even five. But the economic downturn in 2008 means there is a ton more competition for every scholarship slot. Colleges are also trimming. Instead of offering twenty full ride scholarships, they will now offer 15 tuition scholarships (meaning the student must pay room & board, etc). </p>
<p>You may be the top student on your high school campus. That is a wonderful accomplishment. But your competition is NOT the kids on your campus. Your competition are the valedictorians of America’s 30,000 public and private high schools – oh, and at least some of the 1.5 million kids that are home schooled. </p>
<p>Please don’t get huffy when we advise you that a scholarship may not work out. For millions it does not. Run your race and then be profoundly grateful for any winnings.</p>
<p>Read the websites for your test optional schools carefully. Some of them do ask for those test scores to be considered for some scholarships/merit awards. I don’t have time to look up Bowdoin so do read the websites carefully.</p>
<p>Today was the first round of interviews for Posse, it was really interesting and forced everyone to step out of their comfort zones. They also had a Q&A at the end and informed students not too worry about the binding agreement unless you get selected into the third round. They told us to apply to any schools or scholarship programs that we want.</p>
<p>I really envy you had the opportunity to be selected even in the first round. Please charish this opportunity as IF I were you, I will take ANY school on the list with a free ride. College is a place to train your mind, you will be what you will be whereever you goes to school. When you go to the society, a job probably will only consume 1% of what you have learned in the college. What a company pay you for is your reasoning and jusdgement capabilities.</p>
<p>Terrific news! Look again at the college options for your Posse region…this could turn out to be a REAL possibility for you. Congratulations on making that first cut!!</p>
<p>Kudos! Whatever happens now, you’ll be able to leverage what you learn from the experience for a fabulous admission process. We’re rooting for you!</p>