fullofwonder

new info, new post

List of Schools:
University of Chicago - first choice
Columbia

I plan to apply for financial aid. U of C is need blind for canadians while columbia is not. How does applying for financial aid (lots) generally effect ones chances?
Grade Level: Junior

Country: canada

Rank: doesn't tell us rank, though they say they can calculate it upon request.
I'm pretty sure my guidance counselor said they do it based on grade 11/12 years (if so, I'd be top 5%)
If they don't, and do it based on all four years - I'd be around top 15/20%.

GPA-
UW - school doesn't offer AP
W - 3.5 (low, I know - upward trend, though.)
I had a 96% average semester 1 junior year, and expect the same for the current semester as well as senior year.

SAT-
2200

Classes: We have two 'levels', I have always taken the hardest.

ECs-
- Film ( I film/edit my schools events, as well as some of my own 'personal' project/series. I'm in a film program; and, know proper lightening techniques and camera skills)
Plan on submitting an art supplement to showcase work.

- Stage Crew (Set up lighting, audio for school events)

- 100 hours community service at community centre

- 200 (non paid) hours of work at local independent theatre

Other info:
African (URM)

I'm asking for perspective (a.k.a chances) as my GPA leaves me full of doubt, and quite frankly, has resulted in a tremendous amount of contemplation on whether I should even apply.

Assuming my essays and recommendations are of high caliber, do you think I have a shot?

Honest opinions and/or constructive critics > misleading ego boosters / beating around the bush.

Suggestions for whaat I should do this summer could be pretty awesome too.

fullofwonder

..... anyone?

pologirl

i think that your gpa is kinda low so that's kinda a problem. its good UW but since you didnt take honors or AP classes its not that great ...your sat score is pretty solid but not amazing. the upward trend is good so props on that (but note that a lot of students have an upward trend)

the thing that really stands out to me is your passion for film / theater. showcase this & really work on the art supplement & you will increase your chances quite a bit.

also for the summer, maybe take a college class to show you can handle college coursework. also definetely do something involving theater. im not a theater kid so i dont really know what you could do but i know one of my friends got to work with someone from broadway over the summer so def dream big (:

oh & i dont really know much about aid but i heard that being an "international" asking for aid hurts your chances...but URM will help so i think it'll be fine(:

can you chance me back (help pleaseee! )

thank you & good luckk!

fullofwonder

thankfully, my school system doesn't have AP - so they won't judge me based on that. : )

thanks for your input! As per your suggestion, I'm looking at some summer college classes right now, unfortunately all the ones I'm finding cost quite a bit of money and I can't exactly afford it.

WhiteHouses

I think your upward trend+ your clearly focused ECS+ Your amazing SAT scores + Good Recs/Essays+ your URM Status will make you a very competitive candidate.

One reccomendation:
Take many APS your senior year and get as close to a 4.0 as you can by midterm reporting time, and you'll have a great shot at Columbia!

fullofwonder

@White House

thanks for the input, i appreciate it. : ]
Unfortunately, I can't take any APs - they don't offer them in my school system unless you take them online and pay quite a bit of money (which I can't)

questionsg

High Reaches unless your essays were stellar and you have some kind of hook.
I'd say no for Columbia and maybe for Chicago depending on the uniqueness of your essays.
chance back : My Story - Will My Dream Schools Understand?

fullofwonder

thanks for your input!
is being a URM considered a hook? or no?

bilnythesciguy

African (URM) is a massive hook. Your gpa is a little low for Columbia and Uchicago. but the upward trend is nice. You have nice EC's and a solid SAT. I'd say you have a rather good chance at both if you can bring GPA up senior year a bit.

unicornrainbow

I think you have a shot! It seems like you are passionate about what you do and your ECs show that.

fullofwonder

thanks for the input!

fullofwonder

....anyone else?

fullofwonder

.... any one?

Hockeydude664

Sure! Your GPA is clearly a little low for UChicago and definitely for Columbia. However, your ECs demonstrate a clear passion for film/theater and your SAT score is great. I think UChicago is a low reach and Columbia a high reach.
Best of luck. Chance back?
Chance for MIT and other schools

tommyboy614

Your EC's are excellent, your test scores seem pretty good, however your GPA is a little low.
Submitting some of your work in your application is a great idea.
I'm not sure what you should do over the summer. Maybe retake the SAT? The college classes you mentioned are a good idea, despite the $$.
I'd say Columbia = match.
UChicago = high reach.

Hope this helped!

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