<p>Hi, I keep reading and reading, trying to find a good source of colleges offering high merit-based aid.
Through out my high school career, I've really tried to build up my resume: 5 APs with all 4s or 5s, been in plays and musicals all 4 years, Mid-State choir member, 40+ hours of community service all four years, Copy Editor and now Editor-in-Chief of the Yearbook, and Class Secretary for two years, School Council Vice-President, and now School Council President.
The only issue is my scores aren't out of this world.
ACT: 27
ACT Superscore: 28
GPA: (weighted) 3.91; (unweighted) 3.8</p>
<p>My parents have set the limit for tuition (including room and board) at $20,000, but even at schools I've heard that offer good financial aid, it won't cut it.
Currently, I've only applied to UT Knoxville (I'm from TN) and any other option isn't looking good. I'm looking for a school that's large and/or in an urban area, but beggers can't be choosers, and my parents may have a melt down if I move more than 8 hours away. </p>
<p>I know this thread is very specific to me, but even if you don't know of any schools, just resources would be nice. Thank you so much.</p>
<p>Well, with your stats UT Knoxville sounds like you’ll be in without a problem. And with the lottery scholarship, you’ll be fine financially as well. </p>
<p>It sounds like you aren’t entirely sold on Rocky Top, though. Is that the issue?</p>
<p>Don’t know where in the state you are, but with those stats you might get enough merit money (in addition to the lottery money) at a school within commuting distance to make it work for you as well financially. Doesn’t sound like you are interested in that option, either.</p>
<p>I see other posters talk about merit money at Alabama and one of the Mississippi schools as well that might work for you. Look around for those posts.</p>
<p>Alabama won’t give much to OOS with that ACT (BTW…I don’t know of any schools that will superscore a SAT or ACT for scholarships)</p>
<p>here’s what Alabama would give for that ACT…</p>
<p>Capstone Scholar
An out-of-state first-time freshman student who meets the December 1st scholarship priority deadline, has a 27 ACT or 1210-1240 SAT score and at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA will be selected as a Capstone Scholar and will receive $1,500 per year ($6,000 over four years). </p>
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<p>** Miss St will give you what you need to go OOS ** and stay within parents budget. You will qualify for the OOS portion of tuition PLUS likely all of the in-state portion. You may even get some departmental scholarship money. Since this post was for someone else, it may also list a scholarship for higher stats, if so, ignore that one.</p>
<p>Go to this post for Miss St info and links… <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/1063372927-post46.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/1063372927-post46.html</a> Ignore the Tulane info at the beginning of the post. 
And, ignore the Distinquished scholarship that is for higher stats. But, do look at the departmental scholarships, too. And, any competitive ones that would work.</p>
<p>Thanks, I knew someone would chime in…</p>