Can you recommend me some schools?

College Search & Lists
1

<p>Hello, I’d really appreciate it if you could help me find some good schools that would give me a healthy amount of merit aid. I am planning on majoring in either Poli Sci, History, or International Relations for B.A, then planning on getting a MA in International Relations, then following that up by joining the Peace Corps. Then I hope to work for a government organization. </p>

<p>Here are my stats:</p>

<p>Asian Male
Massachusetts
Bilingual
U.S. Citizen
Parochial high school
School does not rank
GPA: 3.4 UW (School is pretty competitive); Weighted: School won’t release until end of semester (for some reason)
Grades have steadily improved over the course of attending high school</p>

<p>Senior course load:
AP Macro/Micro Economics
AP U.S. Gov.
AP Psychology
Honors Calculus
Honors English IV
World Religions (required)</p>

<p>SAT: 670 CR, 660 Math, 620 Writing, Grand Total of 1950 or 1330 for CR+M</p>

<p>ACT + Writing: Pending</p>

<p>Self Studied for 3 APs junior year: AP World – 5, AP Euro – 5, AP Comp. Gov – 4</p>

<p>Activities:
Concert Band: 10-12
Jazz Band: 10-12
Guitar Club: Founder, 11-12
Guitar, clarinet and piano for many years. Tenor Saxophone, baritone Saxophone 10-12
NSHSS: 10-12 (Stupid, I know)
Rowing/Crew: 9 (JV), 11(Varsity), 12 (Varsity)
Model U.N: 11-12
Podcasting: 11-12
Blogging (like real writing, not that tumblr b.s.): 12
Chess Club: 12
Robotics Club: 12
Over 100 hours of volunteer work
(Feel like I’ve forgotten something…)</p>

<p>Awards: Just AP Scholar Award </p>

<p>Thanks for helping!</p>

2

<p>Rhodes is trying to recruit more in the northeast, so that might be to your benefit. We also take into consideration strength of high school, though I have to tell you that most people think their high school is more highly rated than it actually is. If yours really is, then that’s another thing that helps. Your scores are a little below the 75th percentile mark, so you’d likely get some merit aid. Poli Sci, History, and International Studies are all strong majors here. We have people go to the Peace Corps ever year.</p>

3

<p>*SAT: 670 CR, 660 Math, 620 Writing, Grand Total of 1950 or 1330 for CR+M</p>

<p>*</p>

<p>Waiting on weighted GPA…unweighted is 3.4</p>

<p>Merit aid is often based mostly on test scores and GPA. And, many schools’ scholarship deadlines have passed. Many had scholarship deadllines between Mid Nov to Mid Dec. :frowning: </p>

<p>How much merit do you need? For instance, if your parents will only pay - say - $10k per year, then you’d need a full tuition scholarship so that your parents’ money and maybe a small student loan can pay for room, board, fees, books, misc costs. </p>

<p>If your parents can’t pay a lot, then keep in mind that even a $15k per year merit scholarship from a private won’t likely be enough since you won’t be able to cover the rest with a student loan and family funds. </p>

<p>How much will your parents pay? If you don’t know for sure, ask them. This will likely decide where you should apply. </p>

<p>Are you low income? If so, then you might qualify for a small federal grant…won’t pay for college, but could help.</p>

<p>BTW…I noticed that you’re considering several out of state publics. Those schools will not likely be affordable. They don’t give need-based aid to OOS students to help cover their high OOS costs and your stats aren’t high enough for decent merit.</p>