<p>To start things off, i'd like to thank anyone who has the courtesy and time to stop by and give me honest and RESPECTFUL answers. Okay so as you might have read before I have a huge interest in Brown University because of its rich diversity in both students and faculty, awesome academics and generous financial aid packages. With that being said I'd be much appreciated if you' all gave me your input on my possibilities on attending there for the fall of 2015(I'm a Junior in high school). I'm basically a first generation everything, First in my family to speak English fluently, first in my family to even attend and hopefully finish high school and first in my family of college dreams and aspirations. I first moved to the U.S. at the age of five and knew nothing or no one, including my parents. It took me a while to not just assimilate to a new way of life, but to also truly appreciate the education I was being given. As of now I have an embarrassing 2.8 gpa that could rise to a 3.0 if I maintain my current 4.2 gpa, I've taken 4 honors and an AP class as of now and just recently scored a 34 on the ACT. I'm part of the DECA CLUB, French club and STARTED a Youth Hispanic club at my school and an International "society" type of club were we appreciate and learn about new and different cultures. I also volunteered as a Spanish--- English translator for Elementary and Middle schools in my district as I know how frustrating and almost emotional taunting it is to not have anyone understand you or your parents. I did some volunteering at the salvation army, volunteered to coach little kids at my previous soccer club and hope to try out and MAKE the U-18 Chicago Fire Academy this June of 2014. </p>
<pre><code> P.S. Sorry If it was too long, but I wanted to give as much info in as little time possible. Oh I almost forgot, I'm also an undocumented immigrant who is currently under the Deferred Action for Childhood arrivals (DACA) and am of a low income family($35,000 a year to be precise) :(
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<p>It’s not big on Chances, but see the Hispanic Students forum (under College Admissions, Speciality Topics) for information on scholarships, fly-in programs, past Results, etc. (start with the Resources sticky thread).</p>
<p>You know already that it is a long shot. You might expand your search. What classes and grades do you have so far? Why did you do poorly in your classes and why has that changed? </p>
<p>Yes, you are a long shot. Are you an international student in terms of status as a college applicant? If so, even longer. Needy international students are a dime a dozen, so many of them that Brown along with all but a handful of colleges that are need blind and meet full need, do not even extend need blind admissions. And a lot of those candidates are top students. </p>
<p>Given your URM status and compelling story it’s not out of the question if:
You show a continuing upward GPA trend and kill the SAT with a 2200 or higher.</p>
<p>OP has already killed the ACT with that SAT equivalent. I see three issues with Brown. #1 the vast majority of kids who apply to Brown don’t get in, less than one in ten, in fact. Even ones with great stats and stories. #2. The GPA is low, no way around it. But strong upward trend does help and will be considered. #3. Your undoc status. I have no idea how US U’s treat DACA applicants. Does your guidance counselor have any idea? </p>
<p>I think your initiative and volunteering and activities outside of school sound very impressive.</p>
<p>@ BrownParent, A very close relative (grandmother) passed away during my sophomore year; as “dumb” of an excuse as it may sound- her death really affected me not just academically, but also personally. I under went a deep depression for most of first semester and ended up with a 2.0 GPA : I was taking Honors Chemistry, Honors Algebra 3-4 and Honors Soph. English. I really wanted to challenge myself that year and enjoy being around peers who were actually eager to learn, but unfortunately god had different plans for me. As of now; i’m only enrolled in AP LIT and COMP, Honors French and regular Pre Calc( it’s a senior level class for some reason?); all my other classes( remaining 4) are “regular” classes, but I find them boring due to poor teaching and students lack of interest to learn. And Yes I know my chance of getting in and STAYING IN is slimmer than winning the lottery due to my crap grades, low income family and legal status in the Country. One question though, if I were to get a 5.0 gpa senior year, which I beleive I can, because I’ll be taking 5 AP’s and one honors(assume all A’s) and get defferred or rejected from Brown as a freshman, would i still be eligible to apply as a transfer from an out-of-state community college or private liberal arts school?? Once again, sorry if my response/question was too long. </p>
<p>@ cptofthehouse, I emailed Brown’s Financial aid offices regarding whether or not they’d give out financial aid to kids like me and was told that I was to be classified as an international school whose parents work in the U.S. As far as a me being a long shot, I know; my whole I’ve been fighting against the odds and have basically been “on my own” academically since the third grade. Quick fact, It was said I would not live past the age of two yet here I am, It was said I would have difficulty learning English yet here I am…</p>
<p>Lol sorry if I sounded a little to cliched, just wanted to tell you what i’ve been through.</p>
<p>I also feel being a part of the Chicago Fire Academy would at least help me in terms of having my application looked for longer then 30 seconds.( I’ts considered among the best youth soccer clubs/ youth academies in the country and the state, a couple of kids have gone pro from the academy)</p>
<p>Yeah pretty much what others said. Your GPA as you’re aware is very low, but considering your circumstances, if your grades continue to improve and you write really good essays incorporating the challenges you faced, your URM/First generation stuff might be enough to get you in. Still, it’s very tough and there’s a good chance you’ll get rejected. Keep at it though and good luck!</p>
<p>OP, so many colleges are interested in diversity, first gens, and kids who struggled economically and made it. But, in particular, most competitive and highly competitive colleges are also concerned that you will succeed there. You will do yourself a favor to carefully consider the colleges where you are right for the workload, can do well and keep on toward your goals. </p>
<p>There are several ways they judge. Re: gpa, they look at the transcript, to see what classes, the rigor and how you did, whether you are strong in the subjects related to your possible major. They look for personal strengths- that;s not just clubs or leadership in school, it can be about what you did out of school. Volunteer work or local sports are good, but often that means “something more.”</p>
<p>You need to be reading and rereading any college’s web info. See what sorts of kids they use as examples, what they do and are praised for. Also what the requirements are, and if the college posts it, what percentages of applicants were accepted for your gpa and test score ranges… They will be considering both. </p>
<p>And, understand that the Ivies have tens of thousands of apps for very few admits. As we always say, come up with a range of good college options. </p>
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