Where would I be competitive for a full-ride?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>Hi everyone! Unfortunately, my expected EFCs at all of my top schools, with the exception of Harvard and Princeton, are completely out of reach, and I really need to find merit-based aid somewhere. Can anyone help?</p>

<p>Background:
White Male from Maryland
Great Public High School, Mostly Rural, Top 300 in the country, Top 20 in MD
Class of 2014 (Junior)</p>

<p>Academics:
Program: Most Challenging
GPA: 4.00 UW
SAT: 2220 (800CR, 690M, 730W) (One sitting)
Rank: Top 1% (Would be valedictorian if I took art instead of orchestra and Latin...)
AP: 3 last year, 5 or 6 this year, All 5's so far.</p>

<p>Brief Summary of ECs:
Violin (Concertmaster of a few orchestras)
Gay-Straight Alliance (Vice Pres)
Student Council (Treasurer)
Lots of stuff involving Chinese (Leadership where available)
Honors Societies</p>

<p>Recs/Essays/Supplements/Etc: Very competitive applicant, guidance counselor said I'm the kind of kid that this school sees once in a long while, and has always wanted me to apply to Harvard EA. Last year I spent 2 months in Western China. In addition to this, I'm planning to major in East-Asian Studies and currently am taking AP Chinese, which might set me apart (most schools have <15 kids studying Chinese and/or EAS). Teacher recs should be great (I hope!). </p>

<p>I'm taking the SAT for a second time on Saturday (Jan 26th test was cancelled due to snow; rescheduled for Feb 16th) and expect to score between 2330 to 2400.</p>

<p>For what schools would I be a strong contender for a large scholarship?
What would be my chances at getting a full-ride at UMD College Park? </p>

<p>Thank you!</p>

2

<p>Hey Violinkid, a fellow GSA member here. I would like to say, first off, that admission to either Harvard or Princeton is a total crapshoot. You could be rejected outright, you could be accepted. </p>

<p>But regardless of the admissions, you’re not going to get a full ride. That’s the honest state of college financial aid now a days. Even kids that go to Harvard from where I live, which is pretty poor, don’t get full rides;they either take on a little debt or get scholarships. Honestly, you should go to the school you like, regardless of money. Money will work itself out.</p>