I know this post isn’t as impressive as the norm on here but I just need some advice!!
Demographics
US domestic
State/Location of residency: Michigan
Type of high school (or current college for transfers): Upper middle class public high school
Other special factors: One parent household, first generation immigrant.
Cost Constraints / Budget No constraints
Intended Major(s)
Political science- pre law
GPA, Rank, and Test Scores
Unweighted HS GPA: 3.0
Weighted HS GPA: 3.2
Class Rank: School doesn’t rank
ACT/SAT Scores: SAT: 1160 (retaking on the 22nd)
List your HS coursework
Only listing 11th and 12th, note that I haven’t completed my 12th grade yet but have signed up for the classes.
English: World Lit (11th) AP Lit (12th)
Math: Pre Calc (11th) AP calc (11th)
Science: APES (11th) Physics (12th)
History and social studies: AP Gov (11th) AP Euro (12th)
Language other than English: Spanish 4 (11th) (don’t know if this is important but I also speak 2 other languages that I knew before I learned English)
Visual or performing arts: Painting (11th) Advanced ceramics (12th)
Other academic courses: APUSH, AP psyc (10th)
Awards
State debate champion
State forensics semi-finalist
Local 1st place forensics wins
Extracurriculars
Debate (3 yrs)
Forensics (3yrs)
Teen court
Law club
Court Internship (5 months)
Working at a restaurant over the summer
Taking care of my baby cousin after school (2yrs)
Volunteer at farm (50+ hrs)
FFA (2yrs)
Essays/LORs/Other No letters of recommendation and average essay. I’m adding the fact I had a medical problem sophomore year that made it difficult to speak and eat which lowered my GPA significantly In my personal statement.
I did not study the first time I took it, I’m currently studying through khan academy and taking tests on blue book, I’ve studied 5-4 hours each day without fail for the past month and plan to keep that up until the 22nd. I write down questions I struggle with and practice similar ones on Khan academy. My english score was a 630 and math was a 530.
My only advice, which I give all applicants, is to move off the whole idea of a “dream school.” Instead, focus your time and energy on finding a group of colleges including reach, match, and safety schools that appear affordable and that you would be excited to attend.
So MSU has become harder to get into the last 5 year’s or so as kid’s that get denied from other schools also apply and get in there like lots of other schools do as well. Debate champion holds your card’s but the GPA isn’t there. Forensic win is also great. Your school counselor will do a write up about whatever issues held you back. You need to As out senior year to have a shot.
If your scores don’t prove out the just don’t send them.
I don’t know where instate you are but you have Grand valley, Wayne State and even Oakland University. Or find what CC transfers directly.
I would also call and talk to your AO for a plan /help. You’re evidently smart and sometimes light touches help. They do have a program to bring you up to standards if accepted and that can play into your card’s nicely.
OP, have you spoken with your HS counselor about categorizing and suggesting colleges? If your school uses a program like Naviance, Scoir, et al, take a look at the scattergrams to help assess your chances at MSU, and any other school on your list.
I agree with others who have suggested other Michigan publics…Michigan residents are so fortunate to have such excellent choices. Do any of the other public Michigan colleges appeal to you?
If you really want MSU and don’t get accepted, you could do a year or two at community college and then transfer…is that an option you would consider?
Beyond that, posters could help you more if you give more guidance as to what you are looking for in a college. Ideas relatively close to home to get you started (assuming you are full pay since you said no cost constraints): DePaul, Loyola Chicago, U Dayton, U Cincinnati, Louisville, UT Chattanooga, Butler, IU.
Hi everyone thanks for the advice!! I’m already guaranteed to get into most of the other michigan schools in my area since they accept any in-state student with over a 3.0!! I’ve realized i’ve left some minor information out, my counselor is writing a letter for me regarding my medical issue and my grade improvement over the years. I also do have a leadership role as debate captain, my UW GPA is actually a 3.1 after checking (not a big jump i’m aware), I have 3 APs i’m taking next year, and finally my most recent SAT practice test score is a 1360. I’ll make sure to update this thread after I receive my official score, I’m well aware MSU is a reach for me but i’m committed to putting the work in
A composite SAT of 1360 would be a significant improvement. Your 3.0-3.1 HS GPA is what could keep you out of MSU & University of Michigan Ann Arbor. I would also consider the community college option under the Michigan Transfer Agreement for MSU. You could transfer to MSU junior year to complete your bachelor’s degree.
Reaching 1300+ on your SAT would definitely increase your odds.
Will you be applying to James Madison? You could contact/email some of the faculty and mention the discussion in your statement.
What APs will you be taking senior year?
I disagree wrt CC in part because the cc-> university isn’t smooth in MI and in part because you’d qualify for GVSU Honors College, which is topnotch and a much better experience all around.
Have you considered Kalamazoo? Run the NPC to see if it’s be affordable. Not much for football but very good for political science and prelaw.
I recommend you check out the SAT prep black book (3rd edition) for strategy, Erica Meltzer for reading and grammar, the ■■■■■■■ orange book (or Khan Academy) for math, and Tutorlini or JWmathtutoring on YouTube for a free Desmos course
The official Collegeboard SAT question bank has more SAT questions than Khan Academy, I believe - many of the practice questions on KA are easier than those on the SAT
