Average public high school (I have been to 4 high schools in the past; 2 of them Catholic, one alternative)
LGBTQ, White, Female
I struggled deeply with mental health (SH, ED, multiple hospitalizations). I am going to write about this on my essay and explain how my mental illness was a challenge I overcame. (I know this sounds basic but I’m going to make it sound interesting, I promise!) My mental health also cost me the ability to obtain long-lasting leadership positions and awards, as I’ve moved around so much (this was due to needing accommodations that certain schools couldn’t provide for me).
I’m hoping to stay local and size really doesn’t matter to me.
Cost Constraints / Budget
Parents refuse to tell me, but I’m certain we are middle class.
Intended Major(s)
Psychology - I want to work as a psychologist in mental hospitals for adolescents and get my PhD.
GPA, Rank, and Test Scores
Unweighted HS GPA: 4.0
Weighted HS GPA: 4.28
(I honestly don’t really know about this - I plugged it into a GPA calculator because my school only does percentages. In percentages it is a 97.81% weighted.)
ACT/SAT Scores: Probably applying test optional because my SAT score was really bad! I am going to try and retake it (didn’t take ACT).
HS coursework
All honors Freshman year at a school that didn’t offer APs, then changed schools a lot and the current school I’m in now doesn’t offer honors, only APs (confusing, right?). I’ve taken 3 years of Latin and one year of Spanish. The highest math I’ve taken is Algebra II (taking College Math next year). I’ve also taken APUSH and I am taking AP Psychology next year. Currently taking elective psychology.
Extracurriculars
*Editor-in-chief of my school’s literary magazine for creative writing
*A state and national representative for a program against underage consumption of drugs and alcohol. It is also a program that discusses mental health.
*Worked with kids for 15+ hours at a recreational program for Lego Robotics (this honestly isn’t relevant because I have no interest in STEM)
*CIT at summer camp for 200+ hours
*Counselor at summer camp
*Chorus for 6+ years
*Varsity Badminton for 2 years
*SWAC (Student Wellness Advisory Committee - focuses on mental health awareness)
Schools
Brooklyn College (this is my ideal option as it is local and I already have housing)
Sarah Lawrence (I am very intrigued by this school. The only deterrent is the cost)
Stony Brook (I heard they have a good psych program)
Please let me know if I have a chance with these schools, and other schools that are preferably local and have a good psych program! (By local I mean in NY.) If all else fails community college might be my best shot
Could you take Intro to statistics or AP statistics in addition to College Math? Psychology will require Stats. A second biology class would also come in handy - look at the curriculum at the different colleges you’re considering since some have more or less Biology and Quantitative requirements.
At Brooklyn College, for an enhanced experience, less red tape, and a scholarship, apply to
Not only do I think you have a good chance at Brooklyn College but I would consider you have a shot at the Honors program (“Scholars”, above).
I wouldn’t write my essay about mental health since it makes colleges skittish. You could simply add some information in “Additional information”. Your essay should be about what you want to showcase to the college about yourself as a future student, ie., a reflexive, smart, caring, kind, open-minded person - not just a person who was sick and recovered. Or is the illness what you’d consider your primary trait and central to how you/others define yourself? It’s always better to talk about “illness” in general (including “hospital”, etc) and not “mental health”, “mental health facility”.
This topic may hurt your chances for residential programs, therefore, your best chances for an offer of admission is Brooklyn since you will live off-campus/at home.
Scholars at Brooklyn college would work: OP plans to commute and Brooklyn Scholars get a full tuition scholarship (+other perks). It’s harder to get than just into Brooklyn college (90% average for admitted students) but OP is well above the average so has a decent shot.
With your grades, I can’t imagine that you’d have any difficulty getting into Brooklyn. As an alum of their graduate school, I wish you well there. You can’t beat the combination of quality and price.
