Hello, I am a high school senior wanting to major in geography. I got a 25 in my ACT (I’m retaking it), have a 3.75 gpa and by the time I graduate will have taken 7 APs. I am from Texas. I’m top 25-30%. I’ve been looking at Texas State and ASU and I know they don’t have the best reputations but I’m not top of my class or anything so… Which of the two would be better? Or another college?
Thanks for any help!
You should have some choices in-state. You might consider Texas Tech. I see from your other post that you are a Junior. Prepare for the ACT, PSAT and SAT. Your grades are good. Your test scores should come up if you prepare. Don’t over worry yet.
Like my post says, I am a senior
Texas Tech is a bit too conservative for my taste (from what I’ve heard)
Sorry! You might look at test optional schools.
What!? Why would I do that?
Texas State does have a very nice location and campus. I looked at the Geography Department website. The courses look quite interesting. This is a nice option for you.It is a good idea to consider finances right now to make sure schools are affordable.
There are also The University of North Texas and UT Dallas to consider. Good luck with the ACT retest.
There are some very good schools that are now test optional (you don’t submit ACT or SAT scores). You have good grades. You can put together a strong application based on your grades, classes and extra-curriculars.
http://www.fairtest.org/sites/default/files/Optional-Schools-in-U.S.News-Top-Tiers.pdf
There is probably more info about test optional schools on College Confidential and opinions regarding the pros and cons of applying without submitting test scores.
Texas State has one of the best geography programs in the Southwest, which is made all the better since you’re already a resident of Texas.
I don’t see a need to resort to test optional schools. My ACT isn’t perfect but it’s not that bad. I’m right in the range for lots of schools. Including
^Including Texas State and ASU. UT Dallas doesn’t offer a geography major. Thanks
Laughtingkittycat, how much can you afford per year? Do you have any geographic preferences? What are you looking for in a college beyond simply a good geography program?
You may be interested in [url=<a href=“http://www.aag.org/cs/publications/special/guide%5Dreading%5B/url”>http://www.aag.org/cs/publications/special/guide]reading[/url] what the Association of American Geographers thinks are the most important features of every geography program in North America. While it’s a very very incomplete overview, it’s still worth looking into
My parents haven’t given me strict numbers on tuition. Obviously nothing like 50,000 a year but I’d say an ideal would be 25,000 and below? Not quite sure. For geographic preferences I would honestly like to get out of the south but realize that it might be a long shot. If I stay in the south I think it will be Texas. I’m not too picky about what I’m looking for. A strong geography program obviously but besides that I’m flexible. I won’t attend a college with a religious affiliation and I won’t attend a non coed college. I also would prefer to avoid schools known to be very conservative. That’s about it though.