ib612

My stats are below. Cost is a big issue for me, I dont want to graduate college with any debt. Can you suggest which decent private colleges will offer me full rides? Raised by a single mother, income is 40K. Thanks

Asian Male

Location: Nor Cal

High School is in newsweek top 1500 (its mildly competitive)

Major: biomedical or chemical engineering

SAT: 2270
770M
770CR
730W

GPA: 4.33 W / 3.97 UW
Rank: 1/462

Took all honors / AP available.
junior year I took AP Calc, APUSH, AP Psych, Hon Chem, Hon English, French 3 and gpa was 4.83
AP Exam Scores:
AP Calc: 5
APUSH: 5
AP Psych: 5

I know I dont have too many APs, but I am doing 5 my senior year. My school has more honors classes than APs.

Low weighted total GPA because school does not weight freshman/sophomore honors classes.

ECs: No strengths, but they are ok

I have a lot of stuff with my research internship and play a big role in my local library, but i didnt go into detail with any of these here.

3 year varsity badminton
Volunteering at library
Founded a Teen Advisory Council for Library
Only Youth member of the Library Advisory Board
Paid research internship with biotech company,
President of and founded own club about politics and current events
School Newspaper Page Editor
Member at all the honor society clubs at my school
CA Boys' State Delegate

Currently I am looking at UC Berkeley, UC Davis, UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara, and Stanford is my dream which will never come true

I know UCs dont offer great financial aid, so could you please suggest any decent private colleges ( in USNWR top 100 or so) that could give me a full ride. Preferably they are in CA

Thanks for reading

ib612

bump 10 char

ib612

anyone? no...

imngoel

ib612,

First of all, thanks for your help in my thread. You've made me done some serious thinking and I really appreciate it!

As for you, I think your academics are fine. Considering your GPA, test scores, and AP classes, here's what I think:

UC Davis/San Diego/Santa Barbara - You're in.
UC Berkeley - Reach.
Stanford - Reach, as for anybody.

For those two reach schools, I would recommend explaining your extracurriculars VERY WELL on your application. Emphasize what you've done in the library and talk about what you started (colleges love students that founded something new!).

If you are applying to Stanford, write STELLAR essays and develop a strong relationship with your teachers and counselors for PERFECT recommendations, and list your awards/honors and employment.

Lastly, you might want to look at Pomona or other liberal arts schools in Cali.

Hope for me at HYPS? (I'll chance you back!)

ib612

bump 10 char1

Djokovic

IF the UC's don't give u good aid, you are gonna be looking at the Private colleges around here.

Stanford would probably give u full ride with financial aid with your <40k income.
There is always the Claremont Colleges (Harvey Mudd, Pomona, etc all low reach/math for you) and Caltech (high reach) around the LA area which might give good aid.

Unless liberal arts is your thing, full-rides will be tough for you. I think eventually you'll find your way with UC's. They are a great investment .

Cross your fingers for Stanford? I know it is a tough draw :/

kayakmom

i believe there is a sticky on this site all about the best schools for merit aid.
good luck to you !!