Where should I even look at? Help me.

College Search & Selection
1

Hello,

I’m currently a junior at a small high school in northern New Jersey who is beginning to stress about college (like many others). As a male looking to apply to medical school in the future, I understand that my undergraduate degree does not entirely dictate my future, as my GPA and MCAT score will, however, I want a college that will provide a valuable learning experience and will not be a waste of four years.

Stats:
Male, Middle Eastern Origin (Egyptian)

GPA: 4.19 Weighted (still a junior who has two more months)

Rank: 27/180

SAT: 1270 - 620 Reading, 650 Math. First Time

Classes (AP):
AP Chemistry
AP US History
AP Language & Composition
AP Psychology
I plan on taking 3-4 AP’s during my senior year as well.

Senior Course load:
AP Literature
AP Physics
AP Biology
AP Calculus A/B

Extracurricular’s:
Chemistry Tutor
Volunteer at a dental office and local food shelters
National Honor Society
Science National Society
Junior Statesmen of America (JSA)
Senate (which is basically student council) for 3 years; Treasurer
2x DECA States Qualifier for Marketing

Now, I would love a medium sized college that is semi-selective, but in reality, I do not believe I can get into one that is relatively inexpensive and offers a good pre-med program. Tuition cannot exceed $40,000 a year, and I’m also geographically restricted, meaning that I cannot go to any school farther than 300 miles. I plan on majoring in chemistry or something health & medicine related. I’d love to go to UNC, but my parents will not let me, so I’m looking at schools in Boston, such as Boston University, Boston College and Tufts University (lol). These schools are very selective, so what should I do? Should I just attend Rutgers University? Penn State? What can I do to my application? I’ve been told to write my college essay about my leg deficiency, which is congenital femoral deficiency or short leg syndrome. I’ve had over ten surgeries and from that, I know a lot about hospitals, doctors, operating rooms, and knee/hip surgeries. Any response would be appreciated, I understand I am being picky and that my stats are not great, I just want the best for me and my future.

2

Got to Rutgers. You’re likely to get in. Save your money for medical school. Going to any of the other schools you mentioned confers no advantage for getting into medical school and will be way more expensive.

3

Your EC’s and GPA look pretty good, but you should think about bumping up your SAT score. Raising your score will help with getting into Boston University/College and Tufts. If you really want to Tufts, you’d have to raise your SAT 1400+. Another thing I want add is that all three of these colleges are over $40,000 a year, so if you’re looking at private colleges, expect them to be expensive. You can try to saving money by get a 4 or 5 on the AP exams (if you’re taking them) and apply for scholarships.

Rutgers and Penn State are definitely your safety schools. I don’t know about Penn State, but Rutgers has a good medical program. You can also look into Pittsburgh University and SUNY. I’m also thinking about majoring in the medical field, and I know they have a pretty good medical program. I can’t really name much from the top of my head, so just do some research on Collegeboard. They have all the financial info, average SAT scores, etc.

I hoped it helped :slight_smile:

4

If tuition can’t exceed $40,000 a year, you’re going to be somewhat limited if you don’t qualify for need-based aid. Try to find out about that - have a talk with your parents and see if you can get them to run the net price calculators at some schools so you can find out what your EFC is.

Rutgers and especially TCNJ are great schools and should definitely be on your list. Other than that, look into schools where you would qualify for merit aid - if you can get your SAT scores up, there will be many. Check out Case Western and Northeastern for starters.

5

Penn State is over your budget.

6

Hello,

I’m currently a junior at a small high school in northern New Jersey who is beginning to stress about college (like many others). As a male looking to apply to medical school in the future, I understand that my undergraduate degree does not entirely dictate my future, as my GPA and MCAT score will, however, I want a college that will provide a valuable learning experience and will not be a waste of four years.

Stats:
Male, Middle Eastern Origin (Egyptian)

GPA: 4.19 Weighted (still a junior who has two more months)

Rank: 27/180

SAT: 1270 - 620 Reading, 650 Math. First Time

Classes (AP):
AP Chemistry
AP US History I
AP Language & Composition
AP Psychology
I plan on taking 3-4 AP’s during my senior year as well.

Extracurricular’s:
Chemistry Tutor
Volunteer at a dental office and local food shelters
National Honor Society
Science National Society
Junior Statesmen of America (JSA)
Senate (which is basically student council) for 3 years; Treasurer
2x DECA States Qualifier for Marketing

Now, I would love a medium sized college that is semi-selective, but in reality, I do not believe I can get into one that is relatively inexpensive and offers a good pre-med program. Tuition cannot exceed $40,000 a year, and I’m also geographically restricted, meaning that I cannot go to any school farther than 300 miles. I plan on majoring in chemistry or something health & medicine related. I’d love to go to UNC, but my parents will not let me, so I’m looking at schools in Boston, such as Boston University, Boston College and Tufts University (lol). These schools are very selective, so what should I do? Should I just attend Rutgers University? Penn State? What can I do to my application? Any response would be appreciated, I understand I am being picky and that my stats are not great, I just want the best for me and my future.

7

Your SAT is probably too low for the three colleges you mentioned. Esepcially Tufts, which I don’t see as a viable option. I recommend you try the ACT. You might do better.

8

Hello,

I’m currently a junior at a small high school in northern New Jersey who is beginning to stress about college (like many others). As a male looking to apply to medical school in the future, I understand that my undergraduate degree does not entirely dictate my future, as my GPA and MCAT score will, however, I want a college that will provide a valuable learning experience and will not be a waste of four years.

Stats:
Male, Middle Eastern Origin (Egyptian)

GPA: 4.19 Weighted (still a junior who has two more months)

Rank: 27/180

SAT: 1270 - 620 Reading, 650 Math. First Time
1310 - 650 Reading, 660 Math. Second Time

Classes (AP):
AP Chemistry
AP US History
AP Language & Composition
AP Psychology
I plan on taking 3-4 AP’s during my senior year as well.

Extracurricular’s:
Chemistry Tutor
Volunteer at a dental office and local food shelters
National Honor Society
Science National Society
Junior Statesmen of America (JSA)
Senate (which is basically student council) for 3 years; Treasurer
2x DECA States Qualifier for Marketing

Now, I would love a medium sized college that is semi-selective, but in reality, I do not believe I can get into one that is relatively inexpensive and offers a good pre-med program. I plan on majoring in chemistry or something health & medicine related. I’d love to go to UNC, but my parents will not let me, so I’m looking at schools in Boston, such as Boston University, Boston College and Tufts University (lol). These schools are very selective, so what should I do? Should I just attend Rutgers University? Penn State? What can I do to my application? Any response would be appreciated, I understand I am being picky and that my stats are not great, I just want the best for me and my future.