Can I consider oos? (NV, STEM, 3.8 UW, 36 ACT, <40k)

Chance Me / Match Me
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I’m a current junior.

Demographics

  • US domestic
  • State/Location of residency: NV
  • Other special factors: FGLI

Cost Constraints / Budget
I will be unable to attend the school unless I am offered a full ride. I am trying to gauge whether I should apply to generous private universities or stay in-state. My family’s annual income is approx 40k for a family of 5.

Intended Major(s): Engineering & music

GPA, Rank, and Test Scores

  • Unweighted HS GPA: 3.85/4.00
  • Weighted HS GPA: 4.82/4.95
  • Class Rank: 20/~400
  • ACT/SAT Scores: 36 act, sat is laughable (might retake)

List your HS coursework

  • Max rigor and 18 aps by the time of graduation.
  • Senior year courseload: DE Calculus 3, DE Linear Algebra, DE Discrete, DE Differential Equations, AP Physics C: Mech & EM, AP Lit, AP Gov, AP French (non-native speaker)
    • 3 years of language

Awards

  • Thrive scholars
  • QB CPS
  • Science Olympiad medals
  • All-state musical ensemble
  • no nmsf/nmf :frowning:

Extracurriculars
Rocketry club, Science Olympiad, Harvard SRI, NASA SEES, Job (McDonalds), Varsity Soccer, Instrument, taking care of 3 younger siblings

Schools
I only included the ones that gave me good NPC results, so about 0 efc. I am also open to suggestions to schools that give super generous aid that have fantastic engineering programs. (i also like schools near/in large cities, but i dont know if i can be picky)

  • Rice University
  • Northwestern
  • Princeton
  • Columbia
  • Boston University
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First, congrats on an incredibly impressive high school career. I’ll let others weigh in who have materially more experience but a few quick hits:

  1. DO NOT spend a second or a penny retaking any standardized test. There is not a single school who views the SAT differently than the ACT and a 36 is obviously perfect.
  2. Yes, you are definitely competitive for the many, many private schools, including all of the ones on your list, who offer extensive need-based financial aid.
  3. You should, of course, also cover your bases with in-state options so you are certain to have an affordable option given your very real constraints.

Great work and keep it up.

2 Likes
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You are welcome to repost under your original account. However, since Terms of Service prohibits multiple accounts, I am closing this thread.