<p>I go to a school that sends many students to very prestigious schools. These students have almost all A’s and around a 29 average ACT score. Some kids even got a perfect score on the SAT! Me, on the other hand (maybe even on the other foot), I have a 3.34 GPA and around a 26 ACT score. I suffer from post traumatic stress and general anxiety disorder which requires me to take some risky medications. As a result of not being diagnosed in middle school, I basically failed my 6th 7th and 8th grade years. I don’t do to well on the algebra or basic math questions, I’m lacking these basic skills. I work my heart out to catch up and I’m taking AP classes! I’m surprised I am even getting B’s in those!!
In all, I don’t know what schools would enjoy having a hard working student in their student body. Preparing for the app process seems to be a breeze for those around me, but I don’t even know where to begin looking.
One could say I’m a late bloomer. I know that I want a school with a good rep so that when I apply for jobs later in life, employers will look actually look at my resume rather than throwing it to the side with the “maybe pile”.
Any advice would be great, like what schools that will actually take a look at an applicant as a whole instead of stats. Thanks.</p>
<p>Start with the [Colleges</a> That Change Lives](<a href=“http://www.ctcl.org/][b]Colleges”>http://www.ctcl.org/). Then read Donald Asher’s book [Cool</a> Colleges](<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/Cool-Colleges-Hyper-Intelligent-Self-Directed-Different/dp/1580088392/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1338780520&sr=8-1][b]Cool”>http://www.amazon.com/Cool-Colleges-Hyper-Intelligent-Self-Directed-Different/dp/1580088392/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1338780520&sr=8-1). (Check your library - they probably have a copy.)</p>
<p>That’s how you start. You finish by jettisoning your bias in favor “schools with a good rep.” Your future employer isn’t going to the school - you are! Find the school that wants you and fits you. Then get good grades and become the person who will never get thrown into the “maybe” pile . . . but that’s up to you, not your school.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>First talk to your parents about how much they’ll pay for college each year. That answer will largely determine where you should apply.</p>
<p>The best way to set yourself up for a successful life is to go to college - and in spite of the hype, it really doesn’t matter much where - study hard, and do well. What you do when you get to college is a whole lot more important than where you go. </p>
<p>Dodgersmom and mom2collegekids have given good advice on how to start your college search process.</p>