Need Advice / Realistic Chances of Merit Aid for Niece

[blossom]

Reading a daily newspaper (something a little meatier than USA Today) and making a habit of reading at least one "long form" article per week in either the New Yorker, Economist, or similarly well written publication is the best way to boost the reading score with little stress or effort.

It's not about tricks on the verbal/reading. It's about developing your reading skills which are important throughout your life, not just on the day of the SAT.

[BeanTownGirl]

Did anyone mention that there are an ever-increasing number of colleges that don't require standardized test scores for admissions? If her GPA is great, then these colleges might be good places for her to apply and potentially get merit aid. Here is the list...

SAT/ACT Optional 4-Year Universities | FairTest

[Schokolade]

I suggest using the official ACT book (the "Red Book") to prepare for retaking the ACT.

My family's experience was the opposite of that of an earlier poster who said that it is difficult to improve any section but math on the ACT. My D increased her Science score from 29 to 36 and my S increased his Science score from 32 to 36.

[ILAunt]

A little more info. A took her SAT today, so results coming next month. She did not improve her score with April ACT (so 27 composite still highest score).

She is expanding her career goals to include nursing, physician assistance or medical technology.

Weighted GPA is 4.38
Unweighted GPA is about 3.85
Class rank is 20/280

These are her ECs:

Student council - 2 yrs
Academic team - 2 yrs
Cross country - 2 yrs
Track - 4 yrs
Band - 2 yrs (trumpet)
Model UN - 1 yr
German club - 2 yrs

She is not competitive cross country, does only for fun. She is the best in her school at discus but not at state qualifying level (her longest throw is 80' something) She is 2nd in her school at shot put. She doesn't do hurdles or jumps.

We are looking into all of the schools and suggestions already posted. Anyone have any more suggestions to add?

[parent56]

as mentioned earlier, with a 28 or sat that is comparable, she would get 15K towards 20-25K. fairly easy to keep the cost closer to 20 as the 25k includes the highest meal plan which she doesnt need as dorms have full kitchens. with her interest in sciences she could possibly qualify as a bio or chem scholar (selective but not impossible) which would give her additional money of 1600 first year and 3600 the following years. uab is also in a city so alot of off campus jobs, alot of jobs on campus that she might qualify for also. if she receives scholarship money she must live on campus 1st year, but could move off campus to save money in future years, alot of students live in apt very close to campus.

also very generous with advanced credit...so could possibly get degree in 3 years if straight bio/chem etc degree, some of the more specialized degrees like neuroscience or biomed engineering require more than the usual 120 credits

very strong school for sciences, top medical school, nursing program etc. urban campus, 11k undergrads, lots of research opportunities. not a party school, about 6% greek.

feel free to pm me, son goes there and is a chem scholar.

[MaterS]

Do you know her PSAT score? Loyola University-Chicago offers some full ride merit scholarships.

[ILAunt]

parent56, I am praying for her to make the 28 mark (SAT equivalent). I would love for her to be able to attend UAB. She's just not at 28 yet. She did feel like the SAT allowed her to a better pace - so perhaps this will do it - but we can't count on it until it happens.

[kleibo]

Just offering schools that fit the budget - I have no knowledge of the schools themselves.

SIUE Admissions - Scholarship Opportunities

Meridian Scholarship
Full Tuition, Fees, Room and Board*
Admitted Freshmen with an ACT ≥ 27

Northeastern Illinois University :: NEIU Scholarship Information

NEIU Presidential Scholarship
The Presidential Scholarship is the most prestigious scholarship awarded at Northeastern Illinois University. It is awarded only to new freshmen entering NEIU in the fall semester. The scholarship provides full tuition, fees, and a book allowance for four academic years. Presidential Scholars receive automatic admission into the University Honors Program. Prospective applicants must plan to graduate from an Illinois high school, have a minimum ACT composite score of 27, and a cumulative grade point average of 3.35.

[ILAunt]

Do you know her PSAT score? Loyola University-Chicago offers some full ride merit scholarships.

No but will ask

[ILAunt]

Thanks, kleibo. For this student, the choice is going to come down to dollars before all else - unless the dollars are fairly close and one school is far above a comparably priced school.

[parent56]

ILaunt uab will accept scores up until december testing (so more chances to retake it).. if she applies early.... right now she qualifies for the 10K, and if her scores improve they will update and award the higher. there is also an act/sat comparison on here

The last scores that we will consider for scholarship purposes are the December ACT and SAT test scores from your senior year in high school.
Blazer Elite Scholarship
$15,000
Based on academic achievement (28-36 ACT and at least 3.0 GPA)
Blazer Gold Scholarship
$10,000
Based on academic achievement (26-27 ACT and at least 3.0 GPA)
Blazer Pride Scholarship
$5,000
Based on academic achievement (24-25 ACT and at least 3.0 GPA)
Students receiving UAB merit-based scholarships are required to live on campus for their first year of enrollment.
To view equivalent SAT test scores (critical reading + math only), please refer to the ACT-SAT Concordance.

https://www.uab.edu/students/undergr...d-scholarships

uab also has full rides for nmf should that apply when you find out her psat.

it might be worth calling heather mcknight... she is in charge of undergrad merit scholarships...really nice person..she would be able to tell you about other possible scholarships ie dept honors, programs etc.

Heather L. McKnight
Coordinator of Undergraduate Scholarships
The University of Alabama at Birmingham
(205) 934-8132
(205) 934-8941 Fax
hlm@uab.edu
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[ILAunt]

She won't be NMF. She's is just not a great test taker and our state is super competitive. My S who had very high ACT scores was not even NMSF due to competition.

[Munequita]

Loyola Chicago has just a few full tiution scolarships and they require additional essays and interview.
Automatic scholarships used to have the highest at act 28 or 29, almost half tuiton and had other smaller ones for lower scores. I believe the website does not list the scores anymore

[WordWorld]

ILaunt, your niece is lucky to have you! I think (and this is from a mom who is sending her firstborn off to college next year too) you are lucky to have her, too. She sounds like a very sweet and appreciative girl. Your role in advocating for her is a wonderful thing, it is great to put the knowledge gleaned from getting your S to college to benefit his cousin. It would be a shame for her parents to let her wither on the vine when there is hopefully a place she can affordably bloom. Luckily, there is still a lot of time to figure out where she can get a lot of merit money or the like. I hope today's SAT rocked!

[Munequita]

With the 27 she will get some money for sure but not more than 50% unless they have made changes