I am a high school senior and am having trouble with deciding where exactly I should apply. My intended major is in either Biology or Neuroscience. I live in Minnesota and would not like to spend more than 25000/30000 per year. I know I would fit in better going a smaller school although I am open to other options, especially since private schools are so expensive. I’ve been trying to look at private schools that offer big scholarships, but also larger public universities that have strong biology departments. I know my stats aren’t as good as many others on here, but here it goes:
9th and 10th grade
GPA 3.8 - very competitive high school, year ahead in math although I had no options to take AP’s or honors courses
*Had to transfer after my 10th grade year to a neighboring public school (also competitive, but not as much) due to the fact that we were not able to receive enough financial aid to keep going to a private school, and my parents wanted to save money for college. This was an extremely difficult switch for me although I worked very hard because knew I needed to keep my grades high to help expand my future options.
11th grade
GPA 4.3
AP’s - AP biology and AP psychology
12th grade
quarter finals are in a week but I am expecting a 5.0, although not sure if colleges will see this?
AP Computer Science - advice on not continuing to take this next quarter? It is not my intended major although I thought it would be interesting. I am feeling burnt out from my heavy course load and don’t have time for anything else but studying. Plus, I’d really like to apply myself more to my other classes, since they are more important right now.
AP Calculus
College Physics
College Chemistry
AP Chemistry
College English
World History and Business Econ (requirement)- took over the past summer to have more room for classes
Health Careers Internship
ACT 28 - I retook it in October and may have done slightly better. I am planning on studying hard and taking it again in December for schools that have deadlines in January and February. I know I can do better.
Awards
4 letters in tennis
3 academic letters
2 art awards - nothing significant
EC’s
it was hard to have consistency, and find leadership with switching schools…
4 years Varsity Tennis, captain junior yr, but had to switch teams as senior so…
2 years Track and Field (9-10)
NHS member (12)
Youth confirmation leader at my church (10)- 30 hrs?
Volunteer at Nursing Home (10-12)- 100 hrs, doing more
Volunteer Orthodontics Office (11)- 24 hrs
Childcare assistant at foster home (10, 12)-14 hrs, doing more
Other volunteering - 25 hrs (I probably shouldn’t include right?)
2 Theatre Productions (9,10)
Piano (9,12)
Optimist(9-10), Service(9-10), Science (9) and Math (12) Clubs
I know I’ll apply at U of M, Twin Cities and UW Madison, do I have a shot?
Sorry this is long! Any ideas for schools anywhere be appreciated.
Thanks.