Class Rank: Only percentile, top 30% (junior year messed me up)
ACT/SAT Scores: 33 ACT superscore, 32 composite, no SAT
List your HS coursework
(Indicate advanced level, such as AP, IB, AICE, A-level, or college, courses as well as specifics in each subject)
English: Honors English (freshman and sophomore year), AP Lang, AP Lit
Math: Honors Geometry and Algebra 2, AP Precalc (not reporting score)
Science: Physical Science H, Bio Honors, Chem H, AP Bio
History and social studies: World Geo H, AP Gov (5), APUSH (4), AP Euro, AP Psych
Language other than English: French H II and III (two years), AP French IV (4)
Visual or performing arts: Advanced Band, Jazz Ensemble
Awards
National Documentary Competition Honorable Mention
1st Place Medalist in French for North region of my state
Leadership Award Winner from Local Legislator
Varsity Girls’ MVP of the Year for Cross Country
AP scholar with distinction
Extracurriculars
Student Lawyer for Recidivism Program
Summer Intern for County Public Defender’s Office
English Language Tutor for Ukrainiain Teens after the war
Civic Engagement Nonprofit Chair and Social Media Manager
Top Mock Trial team in my region and state, competed on national level
Three years of Varsity Cross Country, 2 years as Captain (had to drop after death of parent)
School Hispanic Association Community Service Coordinator
16-20 hrs a week at Cane’s
Essays/LORs/Other
I wrote about losing a parent junior year and the transition from rural education/living to going to school in the city. I think my essay is pretty strong in tying these together, made a few people cry so I think I’m writing it effectively.
Schools
Georgetown RD
Rice RD
Cornell RD
Vanderbilt RD
Tulane EA
Notre Dame RD
Emory RD
UChicago RD
Duke RD
safety/state schools: LSU, ULL, UTD, U of Houston
I applied to Upenn as the only Ivy. Some of these I ranked on my Questbridge application but no notifications yet, if I am a finalist and not matched I will apply RD.
If you have any recommended schools I could apply to please reply. Thanks!
So there are a variety of private colleges which would likely be easier admits than the private colleges on your list, and yet might also get you on budget (you’d have to check their NPCs).
If you would prefer your in-state options over any such colleges, then that is fine. But if you would like possible suggestions along those lines, let us know.
No 4th year of Math and no Physics? The lack of these classes will hurt your chances at many of the schools on your list. In my opinion, you should cut a lot of your reaches.
With respect to prelaw, perhaps consider colleges that emphasize writing. I believe you also would benefit from looking into schools with somewhat higher acceptance rates than those on your current list. Bates, although still a reach, would be an example of one I’d suggest.
I think you have a good chance at Tulane and they meet need for Louisiana students with an AGI of below $100K. So you would end up paying around what your Fafsa SAI says.
Right, which really doesnt tell us what can be allocated to tuition. The income number suggests “not much” but its not unheard of to have substantial assets and low income.
Applying EA to Tulane I would put odds on deferral to RD with the option to ED2 and if the student doesnt swith its a crap shoot. Agree that the profile, with the exception of income, is typical Tulane but they love ED.
Normally I’d agree but they’ve been trying to attract more students from Louisiana, that’s why I think OP has higher odds in EA than somebody from CA or NY for example.
I don’t know if LSU would be a safety (I’m not aware of any automatic scholarships at LSU to bring the school within budget, as TOPS will not cover as much as LSU will cost), but ULL does have automatic scholarships that would essentially result in a full ride when combined with TOPS.
In looking at the schools on your current list it appears as though you have a preference for southern schools in/near cities, with Cornell sort of the odd one out. Those are all really reachy schools, even via Questbridge, so I would look at adding on some other schools.
Cornell is also an Ivy.
Which colleges did you rank on your Questbridge list? What are you looking for from your college experience? Looking at your list of colleges you prefer mid-sized schools, preferably in an urban location (apart from Cornell). If you had to compromise would it be on the size of the school or the location or…?
I agree with the above advice. The schools listed have very low acceptance rates. Even people with perfect grades and scores routinely get rejected. You have to consider all private schools to be a “reach” school. Even if you got into one, the question remains if you’ll get a financial aid package to make it affordable. Sometimes you do, sometimes you don’t.
Also, Out of state public schools like UTD and U of H only give financial aid to Texas residents. Best to scratch those off the list.
My advice, focus on the most affordable option. LSU should be top of the list. It’s hard to go wrong with an in-state school.
